Search found 36 matches

by sdavidp
August 27th, 2010, 4:34 am
Forum: Tips and Techniques
Replies: 48
Views: 3378

Tell me what you think, review this espresso extraction/morning routine please

Speaking as someone who is also new to making espresso and gone through some of this, here is what I think you should do to get the biggest improvement in the shortest time. (None of this advice is new, just a subset of what you've already been told or know.) In order of importance, * Use coffee
by sdavidp
April 30th, 2010, 12:34 pm
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 17
Views: 1115

Consistency problems - think I need to upgrade - advice?

My girlfriend has the Saeco Classico which is similar to the Aroma. Like her, I think you have a pressurized portafilter, which means your tamp doesn't matter as much as you may think. (Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.) What I found made the biggest difference in improving the shots on her ma...
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by sdavidp
April 27th, 2010, 12:18 pm
Forum: Espresso Machines
Replies: 8
Views: 495

Bitter espresso from new Rancilio Silvia/Rocky

Hello Michael, There are a lot of factors that might cause your shot to be bitter. I'll let more experienced members help you with the bitterness part since they'll give you much better advice, but have you seen this post by Jim on "adjusting shots by taste"? It's been pretty helpful for me. With re...
by sdavidp
April 23rd, 2010, 7:53 am
Forum: Espresso Machines
Replies: 18
Views: 4715

Steam tip for Izzo Alex Duetto?

Hi Bob, I'm still using the 2-hole tip with the small holes with great success so I haven't been motivated to get the 4-hole. Here are a few ideas that have worked for me; I hope they aren't so painfully obvious that my suggesting them insults your intelligence. * Do you have enough milk
by sdavidp
April 19th, 2010, 7:36 am
Forum: Coffees
Replies: 54
Views: 9161

Nominees for "Favorite Espresso Blends 2010" review

What about including Caffe Fresco's Luna Nuova? It's a definite favorite of ours, easy to pull, and it's decaf
by sdavidp
April 11th, 2010, 9:48 pm
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 17
Views: 4123

Elektra A3, Alex Duetto II or La Spaziale Vivaldi II?

I'm using the smaller 2-hole tip and have no problem doing 3-4 oz of milk. What I do is turn the steam arm out to the left of the machine and angled up. Then holding the jug in my left hand I put the tip just under the surface of the milk near the left side of the pitcher, around
by sdavidp
April 11th, 2010, 6:44 pm
Forum: Coffees
Replies: 11
Views: 1756

Starter recommendation for Starbucks-only drinker

I also recommend "Caffe Fresco", which people have also said are forgiving. Probably anything you choose will be great but some that have been highly regarded are Black Hand, Ambrosia, and Daterra. Also, his Luna Nuova is the best decaf I have tried
by sdavidp
April 8th, 2010, 3:13 pm
Forum: Tips and Techniques
Replies: 39
Views: 41440

Looks like microfoam, but it won't mark the surface until the very end

I think we have the same machine. If you're having trouble getting the whirlpool with the two-hole tip I can post a picture of where I place the tip in the pitcher when I steam
by sdavidp
April 2nd, 2010, 10:46 am
Forum: Tips and Techniques
Replies: 14
Views: 3051

Guide to making your own almond milk

I made a jar of almond milk last night and it came out pretty good for a first attempt. I have a strainer similar to the one in the picture Pawel posted but I instead used a strainer with an even finer mesh. I had to pour only a bit at a time since it didn't strain very
by sdavidp
March 31st, 2010, 6:51 pm
Forum: Tips and Techniques
Replies: 14
Views: 3051

Guide to making your own almond milk

Cool, thanks for posting all the pictures. I've read the 3-1 water-almond ratio and I've been meaning to try this but haven't done it yet. Maybe this weekend! If I do I'll try steaming it to see how it comes out. How long would you say it will keep in the refrigerator? d