Long Island newbie needing member to help with Silvia

[BrianD]

Hi,

I have a Rancilio Silvia/Rocky combo. I'm new to espresso and an unfamiliar with what my set up can produce. So far I have it for six weeks and am not impressed with the results. I hoping a fellow member in Long Island can give me a hand to and help get this off to a better start. I've read and posted questions on this and other sites but still my results are so so. With no local real espresso shops I don't have anything to compare to and have been at this by myself. I'm hoping a local member can lend a hand.

BrianD

[HB]

The membership has offered lots of suggestions to Silvia/Rocky owners the last few weeks: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. I wish you luck finding a local home barista to help you. Silvia is a harsh mistress.

PS: Also cross-posted to CoffeeGeek.

[mrgnomer]

Yes, the Silvia is unforgiving. She needs a fresh roast, good grind and pretty good hand to get good espresso as well as an operator who knows her. It took me a few months of good research and practice to start getting decent espresso from her and I home roast. She's a great teacher and a very capable no nonsense machine but performs best for a skilled hand. What are the problems you're having? Is your roast fresh? What does your espresso typically look like or taste like?

[BrianD]

I'm sure there's a Long Island member out there.

[BrianD]

I'm sure that there must be a member or two located on Long Island kind enough to help a new guy. Its hard to set up something when your running blind. I've read a lot of stuff on the net including this site but nothing beats hands on.


Brian

[erics]

Take this kindly -

One thing that MIGHT help is for you to fill out your profile and let people know where on LI you are located. Also, indicate the fact that YOU might be willing to "take a small trip" (if that be the case).

Now I'm nowhere near being knowledgeable about coffee beans but a particular bean blend called Black Cat from Intelligentsia Roasters in Chicago (and other popular roaster's blends) has garnered quite a following from those who frequent this site and that makes shot diagnosis all that much easier.

One key to good results from any machine is to let it fully warm up for about 45 minutes and start that warm up period with a clean grouphead area and the portafilter basket in place.

Eric S.

[BrianD]

Eric,

Your correct, without some location info in my profile its not too specific. I live in Smithtown which is about 40 miles from Manhattan.

Brian

[MOSFET]

Brian,

Maybe we can get together. Drop a line to keithmonaghan at opt online. But as Eric said you'd want to order a well-established blend such as Black Cat.

Keith

[BrianD]

OK