January 2010

The Latest Espresso Tech: The Slayer

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All the coffee nerds are salivating over the latest advance in espresso generating technology, THE SLAYER.  I'm sorry, I can't help putting it in all caps.  The machine is called SLAYER.  Grar!

At a mere $18,000 The Slayer is not the machine for everyone.  In fact, less than 20 of these hand built machines are in use in coffee shops today.  What would lead a coffee shop to pay nine or ten times as much for an espresso machine, compared to typical commercial espresso machines?  Aside from being absolutely beautiful, The Slayer allows for a degree of customization unheard of in today's espresso marketplace.

Burnt Coffee - In A Good Way!

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I was cruising around various other coffee news websites when I ran across an ad for Java-Logs.  According to the ad copy, the Java-Log was invented when their inventor was "flipping through an engineering textbook" and noticed a bit about how coffee grounds have more "energy capacity" than cordwood when combusted.  (By "energy capacity" I assume it means BTUs.)

The inventor found a way to collect, dry, and compress coffee grounds into a fire log.  At about $3.50 per log, Java-Logs are comparable in price to their competitors like Presto-Logs.  And they are unquestionably better for the environment.

National Hot Tea Month

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Hot tea is delicious; if for no other reason, enjoy a cup for this one! I add nothing to my tea (whether black or green, fruit flavored or Earl Grey) but a nice dollop of honey; others like cream and sugar, cinnamon sticks, sprinkled spices and plenty of other additives for a nice kick.

From almond to chocolate mint, you can pretty much make any tea into a delicious treat—or even a dessert. And whether it’s Amaretto or bourbon, the addition of alcohol can make one tasty tea cocktail as well. Some even enjoy a nice hot toddy while under the weather. Remember, the longer your tea steeps the stronger it will be.

National Gourmet Coffee Month

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Whether you’re like Garfield and you can’t start your day without a cup of joe or you simply like to savor the flavor of cup of coffee while out with friends, there’s no excuse to get a cup like Gourmet Coffee Month. Here are a few ways to celebrate.

Splurge: Once a week go for the gold and order the best coffee your neighborhood shop has to offer.

Use Those Gift Cards! That’s certainly what I’ve been doing. I’ve been choosing a different variety each day and have been enjoying the ride. Tip: Order a small if it’s a flavor you haven’t tried yet. I’ve had a couple of large coffees that I didn’t enjoy so much.

Make a Coffee Playdate: Organize a day out with the girls, a coffeehouse performance (music? comedy? poetry?), or just go out alone to a coffee shop and sip a cup as you read, write, or dream.