I guess I'm a sucker for good porcelain

I admit it. It makes a world of a difference to drink your espresso from the right cup and Bob's Java Hut definitely has the right cup. I felt so damned classy!

Sister Sludge or should it be Sisters?

Sister Sludge is run by triplets who have a passion for good coffee. They couldn't say enough good things about Alakef Roasters in Duluth. Made me want to road trip up there soon for a visit. Anyway, their espresso was tasty, nice bright aroma, good bitter almond aftertaste, crema a little light, but all around good stuff. Definitely check out Sister Sludge next time you're near 46th and Bloomington. By the way, I hear they have some of the best mocha in town. Cheers!

Espresso Royale in Dinkytown

Home is where the espresso is...

Sunday, post football espresso. Gave me solace after that last unlucky play... Next week we kick Greenbay's ass!

That's Amore!

Amore Cafe in St. Paul afforded me the perfect father daughter bonding moment and some very fine espresso to boot! Spicy, bitter, chocolate and cinnamon all combined for a fantastic experience here at Amore where they know how to pull excellent shots. This was my second time here and I appreciated their consistency and expertise. The barista nosed my first ristretto (they call it estrenzza here) and then tossed it, I assume because it didn't live up to his standards. I sampled an estrenzza and a regular pull and they were both above average. And I agree with my daughter who, upon leaving remarked, "I like that place". I do too. The coffee is excellent and the menu too... Viva Amore!

I've been sick but that doesn't stop me!

Yep, yours truly perseveres in the face of a nasty cold. To be fair I'm not going to be reviewing their coffee but it certainly helped get through my tedious week long cold...

Here I am at The Edge with something better than the "hair of the dog"


Me and Poosa and two beautiful cups of espresso made by Ya Ya


Here I finally made it to SIP off Marshall behind the old Grainbelt Brewery. I say finally because I never seem to get their hours straight or maybe it's because they're only open until 3 most days and 2 on Saturdays...

OK, the place wasn't exactly hopping as you can see from the pictures, but it is nicely set up and the B and W Italian Dark Roast Espresso wasn't bad. Of course I was still sick so I can't really say whether I recommend it or not. Here's hoping next week is better than last...

The Limits of Control Coming in November!

See the movie that inspired the 2 espresso revolution! Yes, that's right, Jim Jarmusch's "The Limits of Control" is coming to DVD on November 17th. You can bet I've already pre-ordered! See Isaach de Bankole as the assassin that calmly sips 2 espressos on his way across Europe to complete his mission and kill his target. For lovers of coffee, hit men, Spain, Bill Murray and Jim Jarmusch this is a must see.

Below: homebrewed Trader Joe's Five Country Espresso. Home sick today so I thought I'd give TJ's a shot. Nice bitter taste, pleasant Arabica aroma, this fair trade, organic espresso wasn't bad. Of course if I had a La Marzocco to brew it in like some people....

My good friend Joe sent these new photos!

Ebar Nordstrom store, Fashion Island Mall, Newport beach CA

Black Sheep temperature off, but then back on...

I finally returned to the Black Sheep the other day. I love this place and I remembered their espresso as being exceptional but it's over an hour round trip from my house so I don't get over there as often as I would like. They served me a Brazilian/Ethiopian espresso mix that tasted great except for the fact that they came lukewarm. It really kind of threw me for a loop. I almost took them back but finally decided not to. I've heard through the grapevine that I'm too nice to most places and I guess this is a great example of me wimping out and not taking the espresso back. I should have. For the record, I stayed long enough to have a 3rd and it was definitely the right temperature and tasted like heaven. Different barista too. So I have to chalk it up to a fluke but you definitely have to have the temperature right or you kill an important part of the process...

If you stare into espresso long enough it stares back at you...

Sometimes I can just stare and stare into my cups of espresso. It calms and centers me. The aroma enlivens me. The taste emboldens me. Meditation on a cup of espresso is often all I need to remind me of what's important in life. And that's that.

The Black Horse of San Luis Obispo, CA

The Black Horse of Uptown in San Luis Obispo, CA afforded an excellent cup of coffee. I'd say espresso but despite the La Marzocco machine and a decent crema it was just a good cup of coffee...



La Marzocco...

Probably the sweetest espresso cups ever...

Santa Barbara, CA - Espresso Heaven at French Press

The French Press in SB was wonderful, classy and very tasty. I was hoping for some good stuff on my trip out to California and I was not disappointed either here or in San Luis Obispo. Verve beans from Santa Cruz, a very friendly and knowledgeable staff, La Marzocco machine, ristretto... Basically I was in heaven. Hats off to the team at the French Press...


Feast your eyes on the beauty that is the French Press espresso!

On Saturday I will be at Intelligentia in Venice Beach

I've heard big things. Let's hope they live up to the hype...