shadowfax wrote:Also, if Bieber isn't getting your espresso mojo going, forget Nick Cave and go for the jugular with some Rebecca Black.

shadowfax wrote:Maybe I'm still confused as to whether all the tiger mottling talk is a joke or not, but just to be clear I don't believe it's any kind of predictor of shot quality. If you're getting excessive sour and bitter flavors in your shot, you likely have a problem with brew ratio and/or temperature. Once corrected, you may well still have tiger mottling/flecking/striping. See this discussion for more.

In Houston, there's Catalina Coffee (get their Bolivia Temporada espresso if you buy beans from them or they have it in the espresso grinder when you're there; it's some of their best work for sure!) and Greenway Coffee & Tea in Greenway Plaza. Greenway is roasting their own coffee now too, though their first effort is a little acidic to be used as espresso alone.

Beyond Houston coffee shops, the Specialty Coffee Association of America Exposition and the United States Barista Championship are coming to Houston at the end of this month, where you're sure to be able to experience some really delicious coffee from around the country. You have to pay or volunteer to get into the showroom floor, but you can attend the USBC competition for free, I believe. This annual SCAA stuff is not going to be in Houston again for the foreseeable future (I believe they are soon moving it back to the Pacific Northwest for good), so it's a rare opportunity to have it at your doorstep if you live here.

I also welcome fellow home baristas into my house for tasting, hanging out, talking coffee, etc. drop me an e-mail through the form if you're interested.

Also, if Bieber isn't getting your espresso mojo going, forget Nick Cave and go for the jugular with some Rebecca Black.

bamaster wrote:The beans are from Cuvee Coffee in Austin, TX, Espresso Medici blend, roasted three days ago.