godshots

I have to say that the reunion ruled. We all got severely caffeinated and even though we say we can handle two espressos each, my feeling is that we really can’t. There’s always that point after the first one and halfway into the second when everyone is just euphoric, pontificating about god-knows what. But it’s ok. It was really great to see everyone again after a long hiatus. Zulu, Sabina, Dani, Gabo and Chino. Leandro wasn’t there, neither were Maria or Vero. Maybe next time.

Yesterday morning’s coffee session yielded my prettiest rosetta attempt to date. I tried clogging one of the steam holes in the la pavoni’s steam wand, like I had done way back in the beginning. It seems that after all this time, it might be a good idea after all.

After a long break for easter vacations and such, we finally conducted godshots last saturday. The ol’ gang was back for more caffeinated experimentation and such. I forgot to take out the camera to take some pics, alas! But it was still a fun ol’ time.

Back from Houston. This trip was tough, I never thought that being with a bride-to-be could be so exhausting. Things get even more stressful when the bride-to-be is one’s sister. Well, it’s over. And now, of course, we have the wedding to look forward to. No, but I am kidding. I am happy for my sis. I got the portafilter and I have to say that it really helps! I also got some Ecco Caffe espresso blends but those need to chill for a bit. Do I say that a lot on this blog? Today I have no photo. Ok that’s it for now.

Yesterday we had a chance to visit uncle sergio’s small cafe, called Cafe Plaza. we enjoyed a breakfast croissant and a cup of coffee each. It was a real nice time and I enjoyed watching him and Lindsay (his barista) pull shots on an ol’ Gaggia 2 group machine.

Driving down westheimer during my recent vacation in houston, we just happened to find this place by mistake! We were really looking for a place to have a cup of coffee. But we were almost dissapointed at discovering that they didn’t have coffee to drink… almost!

Then they showed us their selection of coffees, and I knew I had inadvertantly hit the jackpot. We left the store carrying over 20 pounds of coffee, including Harrar, Sidamo, Kenya, Las Minitas, Blue Mountain (my dad wanted some of that, not me)….

All in all a very nice little discovery.

So I ordered this La Marzocco portafilter because I am pretty sure it will rule. The problem is that the folks up at espressoparts won´t deliver to Mexico. “That´s ok” I thought “I will be in the U.S. next week so I can have it delivered to the hotel” Wrong!!!! Well even though I tried to get the cheapest UPS delivery method, it already got there!!! So now, for the first time in my life I am pissed at UPS for delivering ahead of time. The hotel people said they would hold it for me but I don´t know it makes me kinda´ nervous.

Earlier in the week my friend Mauri pointed out that now David Lynch had gone into the coffee-selling business. I immediately went to check out the Lynch site. I rarely visit this site for personal reasons, but this time I wanted to know what it was all about… And it was true!! So if anyone wants to drink Mr. Lynch´s espresso blend, go to his odious site and good luck with the nightmares!

Daniela insists that the one single cup of coffee I made her the other day is what kept her up all night that night. I’m a bit skeptical (she drank it at 10:00 am and went to bed at 11:30 pm), but no one seems to have the final word, there’s no general consensus regarding the effects of caffeine…

What about those people who can drink 3 or 4 cups during dinner then go to bed without any problems? The thing is for each of those there’s someone, like Daniela, who can’t or wont sleep after sipping the tiniest amount during the day!

Here Chino pulls a shot!

that is all. Oh, Vero took this photo.