Daily Espresso

Heavy handed Rosetta

Got to raise the pitcher for the finishing touch. If not, you end up with a heavy heart, like this.

Still pretty!

From the past few days...

Bounced back on the 1% milk train.  The final froth definitely lacks the silky smooth texture of whole, or even 2%, but froths to a delicate microfoam quite easily.

 


 
Attempting latte art necessitates properly frothed milk.  If you're having trouble getting the right density, check out this great article from the folks at home-barista, and this in-depth discussion on milk and steam at coffee-geek. 

 

 

How I Learned to Etch

Here's a great etching tutorial from Barista Bros.  I like this for its simplicity- as long as your producing crema and steaming your milk properly, you're guaranteed success.

 

 

1% milk and Peet's beans

Basic Etching

Simple technique, beautiful result. I'll post a tutorial soon!

Trump the Stump

A latte and a cappuccino from the Blue Bottle kiosk at SF MOMA. As delicious as it is beautiful. This is one if the best spots in SF. Worth the price if admission for sure- and if you're a member they take a few pennies off the top.

Zip up!

It's somewhere between a rosetta and a jacket I used to wear as a kid.

My best.

2% milk and single shot of Peet's espresso forte blend. I used a larger frothing pitcher this time. I think giving the milk extra spin room leads to better texture.

Home Away

When I get a call that sends me to New York, I'm usually happy for two reasons:

a. My family is on the east coast.
b. Stumptown roasters.

And while seeing my dad is certainly nice, nobody does it better than Stumptown. Nestled in the loins of the Ace Hotel, Stumptown Roasters is an oasis in a city of hit or miss cafes. From the hand stamped to-go cups to the hand blown light fixtures, the place has a vibe all its own. The lines are long, the baristas are friendly, and there's no shortage of vintage caps or ironic facial hair on either the patron or employee side of the register.

I appreciate their consistency- compare this latte to ones I posted a month ago. Indistinguishable. With espresso, that's quite the feat.

5 stars.

Apple...

...with a little stem tail.

Finally descaled my machine after daily use over the past 6 months. Not much of a noticeable difference in terms of flavor or pump performance. Must be that SF tap keeping it clean.

Blue Bottle Hayes Valley blend.