I noticed that 1st Line is selling something called "CappuccinART". Looks like disks with a cut out in the top that you pour steamed milk through to create latte art. I suppose they must be for people like me who are incapable of creating decent latte art.

Here's a link: http://www.1st-line.net/cgi-bin/c...m=V1882&type=store

Anybody have any more info on these things? Do they work?

Cheers,
Ken

keno wrote:
Anybody have any more info on these things? Do they work?

Ehm, I could be wrong, but I *think* that those are meant to have cinnamon (or chocolate, or nutmeg, whatever) sprinkled on the foam post-pour. It makes a powdery design on top of the foam.

OTOH, Tucson, eh? Whereabouts? I'm two blocks north and half-a-dozen or so east of the 'Vein'

OTOH, Tucson, eh? Whereabouts? I'm two blocks north and half-a-dozen or so east of the 'Vein'

I'm in central Tucson, Campbell and Grant area, a few blocks from Raging Sage. Are you going to attend the Barista Jam or Espresso Fest, hosted by the Coffee Vein on the weekend of Jan 7 and 8? I know a few other Tucson home baristas who are expecting to be there. Should be fun.

Cheers,
Ken

P.S. You're probably right about the latte art things, makes more sense that they are for sprinkling cinnamon or chocolate.

keno wrote:I noticed that 1st Line is selling something called "CappuccinART". Looks like disks with a cut out in the top that you pour steamed milk through to create latte art. I suppose they must be for people like me who are incapable of creating decent latte art.

Here's a link: http://www.1st-line.net/cgi-bin/c...m=V1882&type=store

Anybody have any more info on these things? Do they work?

Cheers,
Ken

I really think to do it properly with milk....you really need one of these

VERY cool! Almost as cool as the robot that makes espresso with a real machine. Too bad they don't seem to be available here in the states. For $30 it might actually be a worthwhile latte art training tool. Thanks for the laugh!

Cheers,
Ken

But seriously, what's a good resource for learning how to do latte art? I saw that espressoparts.com carries these two DVDs: Extreme Barista and Schomer's Latte Art
Anyone know if these are worthwhile for someone trying to learn the basics of latte art?

Or are there any good online resources?

J_R wrote:But seriously, what's a good resource for learning how to do latte art? I saw that espressoparts.com carries these two DVDs: Extreme Barista and Schomer's Latte Art
Anyone know if these are worthwhile for someone trying to learn the basics of latte art?

Or are there any good online resources?

I own both DVDs. Schomer's Latte Art is a pure tutorial - exactly what is needed to learn latte art. Extreme barista is more entertaining then educational.

And of course - the best way to learn anything is to have someone literally direct your hand - as Dan said.

J_R wrote:Or are there any good online resources?

You're at one. I learned from a coupla guys on CG, and a coupla their pals. Really, the hints that they gave me on frothing an pouring were what made the difference. One was Jasonian, who hangs out on CG and BGA, and occasionally here, and another was JonR10, who hangs out here a bit, (I think). In any case, there are folk out there that are using the tame kit that you are, and that makes the difference. I can tell you that getting good microfoam on my Silvia and on my pro two-group is a world apart, and requires two different skillsets. Getting good foam for two or three cappu's on the five hole tip on one side of my home machine is two feet and a whole world apart from getting good foam for a double capp for just me onteh five holer with four holes blocked on the other side of the machine!
Ask around, and check out some of the other coffee sites, too!

keno wrote:I'm in central Tucson, Campbell and Grant area, a few blocks from Raging Sage. Are you going to attend the Barista Jam or Espresso Fest, hosted by the Coffee Vein on the weekend of Jan 7 and 8? I know a few other Tucson home baristas who are expecting to be there. Should be fun.

Yeah, I know where you're at! I have the same machine as the 'Sage' but just taller. I am considering selling them mine to match theirs (if they're interested). I will be at Sunday nite's session (the rest are for pro's) and I may be helping out during the other sessons. I offered my services, and I'm guessing that they may need a gopher or a scullery-maid, so I may be in and out at some of the others. Maybe we should get some HB parphernelia to identify those of us from the fora? Dan, any suggestions?