i vaguely remember reading somewhere a long time ago: i.e. can't be verified! Classic = the regular seasonal blend. changes over time based on bean availability/trends. "philosophically classic" Analog = the attempt to maintain the original blend flavor that made black cat famous (chocolate/comfort ...

Little Collins 3rd ave location is still great. house blend from counter culture, modbar, and most important: well trained baristas! They've been good for a long time

This was my first recipe and still one of the best. I started very strict to the numbers as a starting point, but then after I became more familiar with what parameters actually make a difference, i started to lay back a little. Now I mainly keep the weights precise and adjust the grind/total time d...

per denis, the 3m automotive vinyl wrap is actually what he uses

do it! i may or may not have purchased an apartment just so i could drill a hole into the granite for plumbing. totally worth it!

8oz ball jars. weigh/dose/grind coffee and for freezer storage. i like the smaller sizes because i can reach the inside bottom with my fingers when i clean them. Don't need a brush or anything. Also, smaller freezing batches

I was never interested in levers. I'm not a analog/hipster/vintage sort of person, but the minimalism definitely appeals to me and it didn't bother me at all for the 10-12 months or so that I used it for my "daily driver". The ability to completely refurbish it with regular handtools is also a plus....

I used an Alexia for several years as an espresso-only machine. it has a steam function that I used maybe 3 times. {link} If I were in your spot however, I would be trying to get a used Olympia Cremina

the regular cremina with a piston/gauge kit from naked-portafilter/gabor would let you freehand whatever pressure you want. i can do a consistent 9bar shot relatively easily. (more force than you'd think) another option would be a barista model cafelat robot which also comes with a gauge as mentione...

any serious espresso-er has 2 grinders and 2 machines! what if one needs to have some work or you need to wait for plumb parts or gaskets or something like that. having a backup like a cremina or a robot is reasonable. Not to mention they are art and you can store them on a display shelf