Search found 175 matches

by roastaroma
May 21st, 2020, 7:09 pm
Forum: Coffees
Replies: 18
Views: 3325

Trader Joe's Barista Espresso

Though normally I don't use Trader Joe's coffees for espresso, these are not normal times -- and I was pleasantly surprised to find that one of their blends produces (for me) more than acceptable results. That is, if one ever has a hankering for a reverse-engineered Lavazza at a good price. TJ's Bar...
by roastaroma
June 15th, 2015, 6:32 pm
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 15
Views: 6726

The Bacchi vs proper espresso machines?

Ciao, I've owned a Bacchi for the last few years, to supplement my lever machine. The Bacchi made fine espresso quite easily, except for having to take it apart & clean it after each set of shots. Unlike any moka pot, the Bacchi makes espresso with real crema, and once you figure out the right grind...
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by roastaroma
June 3rd, 2015, 6:59 pm
Forum: Tips and Techniques
Replies: 16
Views: 1965

Easy fix for problems with bottomless portafilter channeling

I misunderstood, thinking maybe you were still looking for easy fixes. No question, the coffees vary significantly on how much fussing they need to get good pours
by roastaroma
June 3rd, 2015, 6:30 pm
Forum: Tips and Techniques
Replies: 16
Views: 1965

Easy fix for problems with bottomless portafilter channeling

As I recall, we had a long-winded thread (probably more than one) on the nutating tamp technique: "Nutation: how to do it right" Nowadays I try not to over-think it. If I get a decent pour with a second pull on the lever, that's a good day!
by roastaroma
May 8th, 2015, 11:54 am
Forum: Cafes and Get-togethers
Replies: 15
Views: 471

Honolulu / Oahu

Aloha, Leon, Yeah, location-wise that one's hard to beat. But if you're ever in downtown Honolulu, there's a little shop in the Fort St. Mall that does its own roasting, too: Downtown Coffee. Fortunately not all their local beans are ridiculously priced. {link}
by roastaroma
January 31st, 2014, 5:20 pm
Forum: Grinders
Replies: 108
Views: 24220

New Baratza Grinder - Forte

I thought I'd give this a bump. Does anyone have the Forte AP? Now that online vendors have it in stock (about $900), it's got my attention. (I feel like the only HB'er who hasn't upgraded his grinder yet!)
by roastaroma
January 31st, 2014, 2:38 pm
Forum: Tips and Techniques
Replies: 9
Views: 1118

Newbie problem: Frothing and Latte Art

Ciao Amadeus, Though no one else has mentioned it, it looks like you may be at a disadvantage if your Automatic has a Pannarello type wand. This type, which has a sheath surrounding the nozzle, makes microfoam more problematic (at least in my experience). One workaround is to remove the sheath to ex...
by roastaroma
January 13th, 2014, 6:52 pm
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 31
Views: 13491

$3000 budget, espresso machine and grinder

Ciao Norwesterly, I can only comment on the PV Lusso, having been an owner for 3 years. Given your budget and ability to handle a larger macchina, you might find the Strega more satisfying, if only because of its commercial shot volume. The Lusso's a fine beast except that for a proper doppio, you'd...
by roastaroma
December 14th, 2011, 2:49 pm
Forum: Cafes and Get-togethers
Replies: 156
Views: 8190

San Francisco Bay Area 2011 Holiday Get Together

I'm in S.F. & interested, but I don't have a car. If the location is within reach of public transit, I'll help drink the espresso
by roastaroma
May 13th, 2011, 1:55 pm
Forum: Lever Espresso Machines
Replies: 8
Views: 1352

One or two group Ponte Vecchio Lusso?

Agreed, from first-hand experience. The 2nd group is really helpful when I make drinks for two or more. The only downside, to get nitpicky, is the placement of the steam & hot water wands (they're angled outward to allow for the 2nd group). Though the power switch is water-resistant, I only bleed of...