It's an old saying, but when it comes to cappuccinos it's true. Size really does matter. I posted a bit about this earlier yet I didn't want to detract too much from the review. A single shot of espresso is typically 1.5 - 2 ozs. in size and is brewed in 20-30 secs. depending upon the espresso bean or if you cut it early (ristretto). 25 secs. seems to be a good estimate for most beans. Granted, you should always calibrate your grinder and machine to the bean to ensure the proper pull. With each new type of espresso we always run at least two shots through to get it "just right." Sometimes it takes more than that, sometimes we can get it in one shot.
For a cappuccino you have to think in thirds. One third is the espresso. Another third is the steamed milk. The last third is the foam (microfoam, that is). They should be as equal as possible. When you add it up you should come to about 5-6 ozs. Now, I'm not saying you should bust out a scale and weigh it all. That's a little too crazy. But the idea is that if you go into a cafe and they only have a 12 ozs. cappuccino, you are not really getting a cappuccino. Instead you're being served something closer to a latte. 8 ozs. is obviously still considered "too much" yet much better than 12 ozs. Once you start hitting the higher ounce drinks it becomes nearly impossible to have the right proportion of milk, foam, and espresso blended together in the correct way. Again, this is all fine and dandy if you want a latte...or a cafe mocha...or some other higher milk-to-espresso ratio drink. Yet if you're going for a cappuccino then go as small as you can. There are some places in Bend (I know Thump is one, I think Backporch and Bellatazza do too, have to check) that will serve a 6-8 ozs. cappuccino. Keep in mind that I haven't seen a 6 ozs. to-go-cup for coffee drinks other than the ones at Starbucks for that chocolate drink they serve(d). If you order in, which I highly recommend anyways as the paper cup taste ruins a good cuppa, then you can get the small cups that hold the proper amount. I have seen the 8 ozs. sized paper cups, yet again...paper makes it taste like crap.
So size does matter. There are no "venti's," or "grande's" in Italy and while this isn't Italy, we should remember that they know how to "do" espresso right. And honestly, if you want good coffee and to truly experience it, then get it made properly. A good espresso doesn't have to be covered up by a ton of milk, or caramel sauce, or mocha powder. I think we're so used to espresso tasting like acid because up until recently there hasn't been a whole lot of good places pulling perfect shots. That is, thankfully, changing. So get out there--ask for the right size if your favorite cafe doesn't already serve it--and if they don't serve it, ask them to change that. Or go somewhere else.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Clean is good
For awhile now our poor little portafilter kept leaking when we pulled shots. At first we thought we just weren't tightening it enough, so we changed that and sometimes it worked, other times not so much. Basically, the gasket was shot and wasn't containing the water as it brewed the espresso in the portafilter, which caused it to leak out by the handle and run into the cup. This of course ruined the espresso. I resorted to wrapping a towel around the handle to stem the leak which worked, but also annoyed the hell out of me. I kept telling him that it didn't matter how tight I cranked the handle there was always water leaking out. Finally, after he tried putting the filter on himself and it leaking, he believed that it wasn't a result of my puniness. Then it dawned on us. We hadn't cleaned our machine since we got it back in Oct./Nov. Ewwww.
And duh.
Before the cleaning process could begin he started digging around in the drawers to see what all had come with the machine. He found an extra set of screens, another gasket, more portafilters, and all kinds of good stuff that we had forgotten even existed. Next he started the process of taking the machine apart to clean it well. I really wish I would've taken pictures, but at the time I just didn't think about it. Mea culpa. When he pulled out the screens we couldn't help but shudder a little. They were quite caked with remnants of brewed espresso. The stuff you can't get to despite wiping down the entire machine (screens included) after each brewing. I guess that's what happens when you don't remove and scrub them for nine months. We couldn't help but wonder if this has affected the taste of recently sampled beans. Removing the gasket was much tougher. For one the machine was quite hot. I think he turned it off, or maybe he didn't. You would think he would've shut it down, yet I'm not so sure that actually happened. Go figure. Meanwhile I placed the screens into a special solution of cleaner and water so they could soak. Somehow he got the gasket out and it was indeed cracked. This would've been a complete disaster had we not had the extra one, let me tell you. I can go a day or so without my daily cappuccino but more than that and well, I may be on the news saying, "I don't know what happened, I just cracked!"
After everything was cleaned and put back together the machine looked like the day it arrived. Shiny, pristine, and ready to crank out the perfect cuppa. We both vowed to tear it apart every month to clean the screens and gasket to get more life out of the latter and were convinced that our espressos would be absolutely amazing now.
The following day I ground up some Strictly Organic Quickstep Espresso (review coming soon), frothed some milk, and pulled a nice shot. I lifted the cup to my lips and sipped. Taste-wise there wasn't much difference from the day before (a.k.a. when the machine was a dirty girl). Go figure.
And duh.
Before the cleaning process could begin he started digging around in the drawers to see what all had come with the machine. He found an extra set of screens, another gasket, more portafilters, and all kinds of good stuff that we had forgotten even existed. Next he started the process of taking the machine apart to clean it well. I really wish I would've taken pictures, but at the time I just didn't think about it. Mea culpa. When he pulled out the screens we couldn't help but shudder a little. They were quite caked with remnants of brewed espresso. The stuff you can't get to despite wiping down the entire machine (screens included) after each brewing. I guess that's what happens when you don't remove and scrub them for nine months. We couldn't help but wonder if this has affected the taste of recently sampled beans. Removing the gasket was much tougher. For one the machine was quite hot. I think he turned it off, or maybe he didn't. You would think he would've shut it down, yet I'm not so sure that actually happened. Go figure. Meanwhile I placed the screens into a special solution of cleaner and water so they could soak. Somehow he got the gasket out and it was indeed cracked. This would've been a complete disaster had we not had the extra one, let me tell you. I can go a day or so without my daily cappuccino but more than that and well, I may be on the news saying, "I don't know what happened, I just cracked!"
After everything was cleaned and put back together the machine looked like the day it arrived. Shiny, pristine, and ready to crank out the perfect cuppa. We both vowed to tear it apart every month to clean the screens and gasket to get more life out of the latter and were convinced that our espressos would be absolutely amazing now.
The following day I ground up some Strictly Organic Quickstep Espresso (review coming soon), frothed some milk, and pulled a nice shot. I lifted the cup to my lips and sipped. Taste-wise there wasn't much difference from the day before (a.k.a. when the machine was a dirty girl). Go figure.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Happy Birthday to Me
That's right...today is my (a.k.a. "she") birthday. To start off I got two very cool presents. Granted, one is technically for "he" but I am claiming them both, although I will share if "he" asks politely. Or begs. Begging is always good with me.
The fabulous Jen sent our website over to the very talented Owen Dearing of Mug Revolution. He offered to let us have a couple of mugs to try out and tell him what we thought. Now knowing that I am a mug whore...errr...lover...I jumped on this. I will say, though, that even if it's free I am going to be honest. If something sucks I'm saying it. So despite the generous gift you can rest knowing that free does not equal an automatic good review. Good reviews have to be "earned" by having a quality product. There, now that that has been said...
After trying to connect for awhile and not having much luck, the very kind Owen offered to leave the mugs at his house so that I could swing by this morning and pick them up. I tried to be good and wait until "he" got home to open the box but really...it's my birthday (did I mention that?) and I am impatient. The box was opened in the car in front of Owen's house. I should say that first I opened and read the letter Owen had left for me as well and had a good chuckle. Owen, there hasn't been any "pinging" yet but I am eagerly waiting for that. :)
Before we go any farther, this has to be said. The name...Mug Revolution...how perfect is that? I am so down for a Mug Revolution! There should be more quality mugs in people's homes so that when they drink their favorite beverage they also enjoy what is containing their beverage. Viva la Mug Revolution!!
Moving on...
In said letter I learned that the blue mug had been pulled out of the kiln today. Very nice! These mugs remind me of the one my aunt had and used daily when I was a kid. I don't know where she got it from as it was long ago, yet the familiar two-toned glazing that sometimes looks like water and other times stone (to me) brought me back to sitting in her kitchen, watching her cup that beloved mug, drinking crappy coffee, and talking about anything and everything. I will admit that I am still having difficulty deciding which one shall truly be "mine" as they are both beautiful in their own right. Now coming from me, the girl who loves funky shapes, colors, and sizes that should mean something. These mugs do not need any pretentious flowers, whimsical swirls, or glaring colors. They rely solely on keeping it real, au natural. Also, you can see and feel the love and care that went into these mugs. There is something special about a hand-thrown mug. It takes a lot of talent and time. When I was in high school I took ceramics and made some really ugly stuff. Never did get a chance to "throw" anything, which was probably good because I have a feeling it would've crumpled in on itself, yet I churned out a few hand-made items during that time. I can appreciate the multitude of steps it takes to turn some clay into a meaningful shape and then in to a finished product. Clearly Owen loves what he does, and he's damned good at it too.
Size-wise there is a slight difference between the two, but both mugs allow you to comfortably wrap both hands around them which is perfect for warming up those chilly digits. The handles are awesome. Nothing pisses me off more than trying to cram my tiny hands and fingers into a mug handle only to have them cramped. They are also not super heavy like you would think upon first glance. Don't get me wrong, they have a good bulk feel to them that makes you realize these are sturdy and made to last. However you're not going to get a sore arm from using them. Neither of these are cappuccino mugs and Owen isn't trying to pass them off like they are, although you could totally do a latte in them. These are what you use when you want a nice big cup of good coffee, or a velvety rich hot chocolate, and possibly even a spot of tea (two bags please!). But they are what real mugs should be...well balanced, not too heavy, shaped perfectly, and attractive to boot! I haven't had the chance to use one yet as I've been gone most of the day. Rest assured there will be another post when both "he" and I have tried various beverages in them and can see how well they hold the temp, etc. In the meantime I am going to stare at them while they sit upon my desk waiting patiently for me.
Owen, thank you for introducing us to your tres cool mugs and for letting us sample them!
On to the pics...
Side by side comparison
Close-up of the green mug inside
Close-up of the inside of the blue mug
Even the tea likes the mug.
The fabulous Jen sent our website over to the very talented Owen Dearing of Mug Revolution. He offered to let us have a couple of mugs to try out and tell him what we thought. Now knowing that I am a mug whore...errr...lover...I jumped on this. I will say, though, that even if it's free I am going to be honest. If something sucks I'm saying it. So despite the generous gift you can rest knowing that free does not equal an automatic good review. Good reviews have to be "earned" by having a quality product. There, now that that has been said...
After trying to connect for awhile and not having much luck, the very kind Owen offered to leave the mugs at his house so that I could swing by this morning and pick them up. I tried to be good and wait until "he" got home to open the box but really...it's my birthday (did I mention that?) and I am impatient. The box was opened in the car in front of Owen's house. I should say that first I opened and read the letter Owen had left for me as well and had a good chuckle. Owen, there hasn't been any "pinging" yet but I am eagerly waiting for that. :)
Before we go any farther, this has to be said. The name...Mug Revolution...how perfect is that? I am so down for a Mug Revolution! There should be more quality mugs in people's homes so that when they drink their favorite beverage they also enjoy what is containing their beverage. Viva la Mug Revolution!!
Moving on...
In said letter I learned that the blue mug had been pulled out of the kiln today. Very nice! These mugs remind me of the one my aunt had and used daily when I was a kid. I don't know where she got it from as it was long ago, yet the familiar two-toned glazing that sometimes looks like water and other times stone (to me) brought me back to sitting in her kitchen, watching her cup that beloved mug, drinking crappy coffee, and talking about anything and everything. I will admit that I am still having difficulty deciding which one shall truly be "mine" as they are both beautiful in their own right. Now coming from me, the girl who loves funky shapes, colors, and sizes that should mean something. These mugs do not need any pretentious flowers, whimsical swirls, or glaring colors. They rely solely on keeping it real, au natural. Also, you can see and feel the love and care that went into these mugs. There is something special about a hand-thrown mug. It takes a lot of talent and time. When I was in high school I took ceramics and made some really ugly stuff. Never did get a chance to "throw" anything, which was probably good because I have a feeling it would've crumpled in on itself, yet I churned out a few hand-made items during that time. I can appreciate the multitude of steps it takes to turn some clay into a meaningful shape and then in to a finished product. Clearly Owen loves what he does, and he's damned good at it too.
Size-wise there is a slight difference between the two, but both mugs allow you to comfortably wrap both hands around them which is perfect for warming up those chilly digits. The handles are awesome. Nothing pisses me off more than trying to cram my tiny hands and fingers into a mug handle only to have them cramped. They are also not super heavy like you would think upon first glance. Don't get me wrong, they have a good bulk feel to them that makes you realize these are sturdy and made to last. However you're not going to get a sore arm from using them. Neither of these are cappuccino mugs and Owen isn't trying to pass them off like they are, although you could totally do a latte in them. These are what you use when you want a nice big cup of good coffee, or a velvety rich hot chocolate, and possibly even a spot of tea (two bags please!). But they are what real mugs should be...well balanced, not too heavy, shaped perfectly, and attractive to boot! I haven't had the chance to use one yet as I've been gone most of the day. Rest assured there will be another post when both "he" and I have tried various beverages in them and can see how well they hold the temp, etc. In the meantime I am going to stare at them while they sit upon my desk waiting patiently for me.
Owen, thank you for introducing us to your tres cool mugs and for letting us sample them!
On to the pics...
Les Mugs. We got cool pads of paper too!
Side by side comparison
Close-up of the green mug inside
Close-up of the inside of the blue mug
Even the tea likes the mug.
See, told ya my hand fits perfectly!
Monday, August 20, 2007
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Strictly Organic
I really do enjoy Strictly Organic coffee and their place is very cool. I also like the wide selection of goodies, sandwiches, and salads they offer. As it's been awhile since I had a cappuccino from Strictly Organic I thought it was high time to get down there and get me one. I have to say that I was pretty disappointed in finding out that the smallest size they offer is 12 ozs. Unfortunately that's pretty typical in most cafe's in the states. More on that later, though.
Despite the tall size and tons of milk, I could still actually taste the espresso and I liked it a lot. There was a certain note of something I couldn't place and I haven't decided if I care for it yet, however. Still, I would love to get some of their beans when we run out of the Hairbender and make our own cappuccinos with it. I think with the proper mix it would make a great cuppa.
In looking at their website I see that they have two types of espresso. I'm not sure which one I tried but both sound equally tasty. Either way I plan to grab a bag in the very near future.
Despite the tall size and tons of milk, I could still actually taste the espresso and I liked it a lot. There was a certain note of something I couldn't place and I haven't decided if I care for it yet, however. Still, I would love to get some of their beans when we run out of the Hairbender and make our own cappuccinos with it. I think with the proper mix it would make a great cuppa.
In looking at their website I see that they have two types of espresso. I'm not sure which one I tried but both sound equally tasty. Either way I plan to grab a bag in the very near future.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Not quite ready for a job at Stumptown
It's hit or miss these days with me when it comes to my cappuccinos. Sometimes the milk is perfect, but the espresso was pulled too long. Or the espresso is good, but the milk is too foamy and doesn't mix as well as it should. Part of me wants to just keep playing and drinking yet the other half knows I can't stand the gitters.
Okay, this just cracks me up. "Gitters." I first heard this word on a podcast by Brian at DoubleShot on our way up to Portland. "He" had been listening to Brian's podcasts for awhile on his daily commutes, however this was my first time and I found it quite funny. Apparently one of Brian's listeners had wrote in to ask about the caffeine issues associated with drinking coffee and how it gave her the "gitters" (pronounced get-hers). He laughed and said, "I assume she means 'jitters.'" Seriously though, gitters is way much more fun to say than jitters. Plus, when I do say it people look at me like, "What the hell is she talking about?!" and really, does it get any funnier than that?! No. I didn't think so. Thus, everytime I drink any caffeinated beverage and get the familiar shaky feeling that comes from having Hypoglycemia and drinking the evil, but well loved stuff I say I have the gitters. What's even better is saying, "Dang, I'm all GITTERY!!"--and do it with a Southern accent as that makes it sublime. Jump around a bit. MEAN IT. Put some feeling into it. Caffeine does that to a person. Get down with your gitters! Become one with them.
Wow. I think I went way too far on that one. Might have even killed it some.
Nah. It's still funny.
Meanwhile I keep on trying to earn my barista badge. Drinking mediocre cappuccinos that I used to think were decent and now just make me sad. I did get one very close recently and I was one happy girl. Then "he" shot me down with a, "It's pretty good."--which is "he" talk for "it's not nearly as good as Stumptown/Thump/Someone who REALLY knows what they're doing." Freakin' perfectionist, I tell ya.
Okay, this just cracks me up. "Gitters." I first heard this word on a podcast by Brian at DoubleShot on our way up to Portland. "He" had been listening to Brian's podcasts for awhile on his daily commutes, however this was my first time and I found it quite funny. Apparently one of Brian's listeners had wrote in to ask about the caffeine issues associated with drinking coffee and how it gave her the "gitters" (pronounced get-hers). He laughed and said, "I assume she means 'jitters.'" Seriously though, gitters is way much more fun to say than jitters. Plus, when I do say it people look at me like, "What the hell is she talking about?!" and really, does it get any funnier than that?! No. I didn't think so. Thus, everytime I drink any caffeinated beverage and get the familiar shaky feeling that comes from having Hypoglycemia and drinking the evil, but well loved stuff I say I have the gitters. What's even better is saying, "Dang, I'm all GITTERY!!"--and do it with a Southern accent as that makes it sublime. Jump around a bit. MEAN IT. Put some feeling into it. Caffeine does that to a person. Get down with your gitters! Become one with them.
Wow. I think I went way too far on that one. Might have even killed it some.
Nah. It's still funny.
Meanwhile I keep on trying to earn my barista badge. Drinking mediocre cappuccinos that I used to think were decent and now just make me sad. I did get one very close recently and I was one happy girl. Then "he" shot me down with a, "It's pretty good."--which is "he" talk for "it's not nearly as good as Stumptown/Thump/Someone who REALLY knows what they're doing." Freakin' perfectionist, I tell ya.
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