[sainttoad]

Quote:

Originally Posted by beerguy0 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Nice. I'm gradually building my coffee gadget collection - I've got the wife persuaded to let me buy a roaster, so as soon as they are back in stock at Sweet Maria's, I'm getting one of these:

I upgraded to that from a SC/TO setup. Much better control over the roast, although I have/get to roast twice as often now. It's a great piece of gear and hopefully a step up from the heat gun!

 

[WalkGood]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JadeEast /img/forum/go_quote.gif That's pretty sweet where did you find that?

Picked up the "old school eco-friendly coffee sock drip gear" on one of my trips down to Venezuela while visiting the in-laws. I’ve used it a few times, but having a rancilio silvia you can guess who gets all the use

 

[jax]

I've had the same, Olympia Cremina since 1991 - built like a Swiss tractor. I've replaced the gasket set three times during that period (coming up on 20 years old). I'm certain if I averaged it out I've pulled at least one shot a day over the period of owning it. That's over 6000 shots (actually I drink doubles so 12K!!). They're still being made essentially exactly the same as they were back then (I think they've added a pressure gauge), but the price has gone way up since I bought mine. I think I've paid for it many times over in savings on buying $3 lattes. I use a Rancillio Rocky burr grinder, which does a fine job. I've been using caffe Vivace for the past five years as I've found no better coffee (and there's plenty to be had in my town). They roast locally here in Seattle and most of the time I'm buying beans that were roasted within days of my buying it. The best drip I've had came from my buddy, Zander's machine, which was bought out by Starbucks. The Machine is called "Clover" and if you ever get a chance to try some drip from one, give it a shot. Z always had some exotic beans at the shop to savor and that was an intoxicating combination with his brilliant machine. I'm not fond of Starbucks roasts so don't how well it fairs there...check it out though, it's an amazing machine!

 

[nsx_23]

Attended a latte art class today:

Was definitely challenging, but I now have a few basic exercies so I can practice more at home.

I do wish I had a decent machine though

 

[kwkarth]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nsx_23 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Attended a latte art class today: Was definitely challenging, but I now have a few basic exercies so I can practice more at home. I do wish I had a decent machine though

Very cool!!

 

[nsx_23]

And really difficult!

Seriously, by the time I finished one cup the instructor could probably finish 4 cups.

 

[dfkt]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dfkt /img/forum/go_quote.gif The La Pavoni Professional will be replaced by a Ponte Vecchio Lusso 1 soon...

It has arrived...

 

[nsx_23]

Holy smokes that is nice....

 

[dfkt]

Tastes better than it looks.

It's a bit of an improvement over my old machine... never thought coffee could be better than what the La Pavoni produces, but obviously there's always a step up - like in some other certain hobby that gets discussed here on these forums.

 

[krmathis]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dfkt /img/forum/go_quote.gif It has arrived... http://anythingbutipod.com/images/fo...tonemapped.jpg

Woah! That is one clean looking machine.

No wonder it make excellent tasting expresso.

 

[Tjinez]

That's a beautiful machine dfkt! What grinder are you using and is it doing the machine justice?

Nice art nsx_23. Pouring latte-art is damn funny. My brother took some photos for something in school while I was pouring yesterday:

 

[dfkt]

Thanks Krmathis, and nice foamy flower, Tjinez.

I've been using that Swiss-made Solis grinder (low-gear, conical burr) for years, the one you see in the photo. I like it cause it grinds into a receptacle and doesn't make any mess, unlike most open grinders. It sure did the Pavoni justice, and seems to work for the Ponte Vecchio as well - considering I already like the taste of the Ponte Vecchio's juice more.

 

[jax]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dfkt /img/forum/go_quote.gif It has arrived...

Very nice rig! Dude, you need to get a Thor Tamper for that setup! They're hand made by a guy named Les Albjerg. When I ordered mine he wasn't really on top of his website so I'd suggest emailing for current stock if anyone is interested. Here's my spalted maple tamper he made (I really love the dramatic figuring on this one):

Great pics of latte class too!!! I'm going to cup one right now!!!

 

[nsx_23]

Tjinez, how did you pour that?

Since I have a crappy el cheapo 1 boiler espresso machine, I now use a moka pot and a stove-top double mesh milk creamer when practicing latte art.

My instructor recommended it to me.

I want to become much better than what I am now. I am completely hooked on the whole latte art thing now.

 

[Bob_McBob]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dfkt /img/forum/go_quote.gif It has arrived...

How are you making out with the Lusso? It seems like a pretty neat machine for the money, though I've read some less than flattering comments about their quality control on new machines.