Handpresso.

First there was the Aeropress. From what I’ve heard, it does a decent job making the espresso with some elbow grease. Now there is something new, Handpresso, that looks like a bicycle pump, and it makes espresso wherever you go.

Dolphin Play Bubble Rings. How Cool Is That?

La Marzocco GS/3.

It is sleek, beautiful, and from a great name in the business. I played with it at the Coffee Fest in Chicago last year, and I was impressive with it from the shots (Alterra's Espresso Blend) I pulled myself. At US$7500.00, they sure priced themselves out of the home machine market...

The Return Of The Brewed Coffee

Are you espresso-ed out? Not me, but I do enjoy a cup of good coffee from time to time. An article in today's The New York Times, it mentioned Blue Bottle Café in San Francisco will make you a nice cup of coffee with the lab looking brewing equipment. The best part? You get to watch your coffee being made like a science project!

The Coffee Studio

Our coffee friends at The Coffee Studio is in today’s Chicago Tribune! They don’t need me to pump them up, their coffee can do the talking for them. This charming place is a must visit on the Chicago’s coffee shop list.

Sticker Shock!

I went to a local grocery store for the ingredients to make the Spiced Americano, and I was surprised to find out how expensive the spices were! This little fella (if I can recall it correctly) is less than an ounce and it sells for about $4.00. Along with the other ingredients, the ground allspice (also in the smallest size), and the cinnamon, that would cost me over $10.00 for all three! I thought about it for a moment, and I ended up putting them back on the spice racks. I am sure Giada's spiced americano tastes good.

Just scroll down, and you will see the picture.

LaMill Coffee Boutique.

People in SoCal got a new coffee place. LaMill Coffee Boutique, which is less than a mile away from Intelligentsia in Silver Lake, CA.

In addition to your typical espresso based drink menu, it is the first coffee shop in the world to have the United States Barista Competition (USBC) tested signature drinks. I believe Eton is its head barista.

So people in SoCal, please tell me how you like it if you have a chance to visit LaMill Coffee Boutique. Here is a video clip from Metromix.

Spiced Americano with Cinnamon Whipped Cream.

I saw it on Food Network’s Everyday Italian. It looks pretty tasty, and I’ll try to make it one day to see if I like it.

Here Comes The Famous Quote.

A New Year. A New Office.

311 S. Wacker Dr., Ste 6500
Originally uploaded by Spinnaker007.

Not by choice after working for the linkage of the same companies for 14 years, however, there is no need to spat over the details of of how wrongful and deceiving of the late management.

My boss and I are happy at the new place. Friendly people and a healthy working environment. A brand new start! At least for the time being, for me... : )

Cheers all and happy New Year!