Next month (late September) SCAA will have its annual leadership meetings in Portland to plan for the big Event next spring. I haven't been to Portland in an embarrassingly long time, but of course I hear a lot about the local coffee scene.
So, ple
Read more…Okay, folks, here's the problem... I work at a shop that I really, really like, BUT they're primarily focused on food and music; the coffee side is kind of regarded as an afterthought. As such, I came to this shop heralded as a barista with "experie
Read more…I have a mixed background in barista training... but I've always believed that a true espresso shot is one ounce, therefore you used the button, that when properly measured with grounds, and properly tamped, gives you your 20-30 second shot out of tw
Read more…I have the pleasure and honor of developing a cafe's concept for their coffee. I am interesting in straying away from the usual flavored syrups you find in most shops. While doing this I would like to minimize the amount of sugar that is added to t
Read more…Hey,
Im really wanting to get a hold of some robusta coffee for cupping purposes. Does anyone know where I can buy some preroasted ??
PLease Help!
-Jaz
Read more…Our shop is rolling out an "international special" where we have a wide variety of coffee and espresso preparations from different countries. I'm impressed with the variety we found and I'm very excited about this. However, we're putting up a map w
Read more…So I was just wondering how everybody here tamps their espresso. I am thinking about trying to streamline the process my shop uses which goes something like this...
Turn on the grinder
Add espresso to portafilter while grinding (we use about 20 gr
Read more…From what I have discovered, when making an iced latte it's always best to mix the milk and espresso before adding ice. Simply so the ice doesn't melt as quick and the espresso isn't shocked by the abrupt change in temperature. It's even as if there
Read more…anyone else finding the strada's steam wands to be really annoying? ours take almost 4 seconds to stop spurting out steam after turned off- "the smoking gun" defect.
Read more…Hello Bx'ers. I know there are other places to post this but I thought I would ask the professionals. I am running a Super Jolly / Silvia set up in my kitchen. I usually buy store jugs of distilled water for my water consumption needs and this in
Read more…I have been perfecting some of the basic latte art designs but they always come out a little foamy. The design usually comes out perfect but the crema isn't as noticeable. Any ideas?
Read more…I know I ask a lot from you guys but you're all just so helpful!
I'm trying to train a girl how to do proper dosing and she has no idea what i'm talking about. i need some pointers.
she was taught just fill the portafilter and tamp. and thats its
Read more…So I'm doing an interview tomorrow with a girl I used to work with at another coffee shop.
I pretty much know her background with coffee and I don't want to seem super impersonal so what are some good questions to ask someone I already know a lot a
Read more…I'm always on the look out for all natural smoothies for my shop. What i've found is that most smoothies contain an ungodly amount of sugar and preservatives.
So what I'm wondering is, does anybody carry sweetbird smoothies? How do the customers like
Read more…I know, I know, how horribly newb of me right?
I just need a brush-up and I'm not afraid to ask you brilliant baristas for help. Pictures of videos would be a plus :)
Read more…which do you prefer to put along side espresso when serving/drinking?
i find when i have flat water after my espresso it soothes my palate a little more so than sparkling water does....
Read more…I have recently launched a website that is designed to instruct home users how to properly (that's a dangerous word :) make espresso drinks. This is a personal project and I both designed the website and filmed myself giving instruction. It has been
Read more…We are getting ready to open a quality driven coffee shop in Peoria, IL. It's going to be called thirty-thirty Coffee Co. (look us up on facebook) This is very new to the area (the closest thing is Intelli 3 hours north and Kaldi's three hours south
Read more…I'm wondering what peoples' favorite drinks are? especially soy drinks =) I'm looking for new ideas to keep things interesting.
My favorite is a soy white mocha with almond and peppermint flavoring
Read more…I am trying to remember the name of a syrup brand. I really like it but the last few days it has escaped my memory. The brand has a year in the title. 1888 or something like that.
anyway, what is the name of it, and what are your thoughts on it, or y
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