Starbucks Bold Tour - Drink Coffee, Get Free Wholebean
Starbucks has rolled out an innovative plan to get people in the habit of coming to the shop, and drinking their coffee. Coffee drinkers who purchase a brewed coffee every week and track their experience through a Coffee Journey Card will receive a free 1-pound of whole bean coffee. Not bad for those who drink it anyway and if word of the program spreads, this might just get a few new users into the store too. The program started yesterday and runs through May 3rd.
"We have a remarkable selection of high-quality bold coffees from around the globe and we wanted to provide an opportunity to showcase them," said Dub Hay, Starbucks senior vice president, Coffee. "Highlighting bold coffees also provides a backdrop for us to implement the Pour Over brewing method which helps ensure our brewed customers can quickly have a bold coffee of their choice after 12 p.m."
Starbucks is also debuting the "Pour Over" method of brewing, also known as cone brewing where they will brew a cup of fresh decaffeinated or other bold coffee that isn't already brewed just for you. This sonds pretty appealing and offers a fresh cup instead of settling for a blend you aren't really interested in. They will take hot water, and pour it over the fresh grounds, filtering it through a cone right into your cup. I think that this is a great way to enjoy coffee and never fails to make a good cup if you start with a great ground coffee. More at Starbucks.
Handpresso, the handheld Espresso machine, can get you an espresso just about anywhere you have hot water. Barry Sonnenfeld, director of such films as Men in Black, has a video posted where he shows off his espresso talents when he visits the Badlands of South Dakota and a few other famous sights around the country. Who knew Abe was such an espresso fan (watch the video)?
OK - most people don't need a tamp, but if you want one, a cheap one can often handle the occasional run. It makes complete sense to get a quick tamp on most machines to set the espresso cake to so rivers of hot water don't find their way around the grounds instead of through them.
To be clear, when professional portafilters get a tamp, it's because they need to create the right cake density in order to build back pressure for proper extraction. Most consumer machines get backpressure from the pin holes in the consumer portafilter. Here the portafilter does the work, whereas the professional portafilter, the espresso cake does the work.
Either way, a quick tamp can help most consumers too, and here's a cheap one at less than $10.
Saw this and had to pass it along. Was this the start of the craze? Could the espresso tipping point have been reached via the espresso cart craze in Seattle? While Starbucks, founded in 1971, contributed to the craze, it was much bigger than just one brand. This very well could have been the first espresso cart in the nation helping to contribute to the wild west of espresso in the early days out in Seattle.
Two of the three owners of the cart features in this Seattle Times posting, are also the co-owners of the revered La Marzocco espresso machine company.
Check out the Photo and then the story that prompted one of the Co-owners of La Marzocco to mail in the picture - at Seattle Times.
Nespresso Le Cube C185 Espresso Machine Now $100 Off
Normally priced much higher at $299, the Nespresso Le Cube is now only $199 (you can read our full review here). The Le Cube measures 9 by 8-8/9 by 9-inch, and makes an exceptional cup of espresso or lungo coffee. You can even auto-program the amount of espresso you want in each cup. The Nespresso Le Cube works with coffee-filled capsules from Nespresso, and there is 12+ flavors available, along with seasonal flavors too. We imagine they've lowered the price to make way for the new Citiz line of Nespresso coffee makers, but we really love the Le Cube and think at $199 you can't go wrong.
Nespresso Easy to Use Espresso Machines - about $100
I really enjoy my espresso, and love the push button ease of the Nespresso system; pop in a capsule, out comes great espresso every time. My Back-up Essenza is out on loan right now to a friend who is playing with it for a while to decide if they are going to buy one. I think that they will given that after a few days their reaction was that the "Thing is amazing."
Well, cost can be an issue, and I have pointed out to a few readers that Nespresso runs an eBay store where they sell certified refurbs on a few of the popular machines, including Le Cube, the Essenza and D290's.
Nespresso is trying a few things differently after the holidays on the eBay site, as they experiment with some Buy it Now or Best Offer type sale tools; well beyond the typical auction style.
Nespresso Certified Auctions has sold over 3,000 items with a 99+% satisfaction rate, according to their eBay rating. You might want to check them out for a good bargain on a nearly new Nespresso Machine.
Every year, Nespresso comes out with a new set of Variations, flavored espresso capsules, that while not for everyone, they are an appealing and fun way to play with your Nespresso machine and enjoy espresso with others who maybe aren't as into espresso as you are. This year, three Nespresso Variations showed up in early December at the Nespresso Club store and at their boutiques across the country.
Chestnut Cream - "Reminiscent of very sweet and concentrated jarred chestnut cream, recalls the traditional "marron glace," or "candied chestnut." - says Nespresso. For me, I tried it as a straight espresso, and in a latte. The latte was a great way to enjoy the subtle flavors that do admittedly get a bit muted, but complement the cream flavor well. Americans might think of this a bit as a hazelnut cream type flavor, but it is a bit different. Straight, the flavor is intense, and sits on a nice medium dark roast that offers a bit of acidity for the flavors to play off of. I preferred it with a bit of sugar. I do have to call out that the aroma coming off this when it brewed was intoxicating.
Apricot - "Reminiscent of a very fresh, ripe and juicy apricot; unlike the more intense dried apricot flavor." - Says Nespresso. They should have added "It will blow you away with the authentic flavor". This was my least favorite in concept and most favored in tasting. Total surprise. Again, I tried it straight and in a latte, and favored this one as a straight espresso with a bit of sugar. Again the sugar just lengthens the flavor profile enough to enjoy it. No need for over sweetness here, just a touch to bring it out. The flavor truly is like a fresh apricot, which is a great treat. The aroma is not as overwhelming when it brews as the Chestnut Cream, but the nose when drinking is just great. Don't let it sit around long, the aroma is great sooner than later.
Pain d'Espice/Gingerbread - "Reminiscent of crystalized orange zest or peel, honey, cinnamon and ginger in a brown sugar base." - Says Nespresso. I think that it comes across with a strong ginger flavor, reminiscent of my big surprising favorite from last year the Crystalized Ginger Variation. Again, great with a hint of sugar to lengthen the profile, and has some nice subtle spice flavors. It is not over the top gingerbread flavor that you may be use to from store bought gingerbread men. I enjoyed it quite a bit straight, but the flavor also blended nicely with milk based drinks too.
With each of these capsules rated a "6" on a scale of 1 to 10 for strength, Nespresso is appealing to most espresso fans. The base coffee is a clean blend with some acidity to make the flavors pop a bit without being overly sour. At Nespresso.com, they refer to the base blend of the Chestnut and Apricot as the Livanto blend and roast which happens to be one of may favorites along with the Rosabaya Single Origin. So not a surprise that I like the Variations flavors on top of one of my favorite blends.
I liked the brews overall, with the Apricot being my hands down favorite for surprising quality and experience of a flavored brew. not for everyone though, but well worth a try in everybody's next order. I liked the Gingerbread flavor for its wide appeal - a lot of visitors tried these this past month or so and liked this one the best. I happen to think the trio is well worth the try in your next order if you are open to the flavored coffee idea. I am usually not when I go to a coffee shop, but still look forward to these every December.
A quick check today has all of these capsules in stock but sadly not the matching espresso cups. A quick thanks to Nespresso for sending a set of these for this review, which only added to the stockpile that I bought on my own.
Brewing into a 12-ounce Double Wall Bodum Pavina Glass
Above you can see a drink being made that was a hit this year with friends and family. I was brewing with my Nespresso Citiz into a Bodum Pavina 12-ounce Double-Wall Glass that already had frothed milk in it from a Nespresso Aeroccino - less than a minute from milk to frothed heated milk. I tended to mix some sugar into the heated milk before brewing the Nespresso capsule. I set the glass on the bottom tray with the mid-level shot glass stand folded up (behind the glass against the Citiz). The espresso brews down the side of the glass to make the layered effect.
Interesting article in the Boston Globe today that is worth a read - the findings are debatable, but they should certainly provide a bit of insight that makes people either cringe or nod their heads.
The premise is to find cheap machines on Craigslist, try out a whole bunch of coffees and then report back on how to get a good espresso out of the machines. Net, the finding that canned coffee from Italy is at least as good as any local coffee shop freshly ground ignores the fact that taste is subjective. I don't buy it. Find a better coffee shop. While I love some of the espresso coffees from Italy, and even use Cafe Bustello in a stovetop Moka Pot for Cafe con Leche, I don't think that they compare well to a freshly ground, well blended and roasted local blend that delivers layer upon layer of flavor and texture.
Another sad miss is the omission of steam vs. pump espressos. The extraction of even a low end pump machine is a lot better than steam based extraction.
What I do like about the article is that the author investigates about a dozen lesser known Italian Espresso roasts, and dives into the subject to examine a great subject - espresso on the cheap!
Always a good thing to have espresso where you want or need it, and while the Handpresso and the My Pressi have been in the news lately for their portable nature, this Espresso machine from Stelton looks pretty interesting.
The unit is battery powered, and runs on ESE pods to deliver a cup of espresso wherever and whenever you need it during your day. At a little under 180 GBP, or about $290US, the unit doesn't come cheap. Then again, what high quality espresso device does?
The time is getting close and wanted to get this out to help all of those people I have been corresponding with over gift ideas. What you should buy boils down to a couple of things, what you really want out of the espresso machine and your budget. There are people who want excellent espresso with little bother, all the way to the traditionalist who wants to perfect their technique and everything in between. I'll try to hit some key needs and several price points.
The Do-Everything Superautomatics
DeLonghi ESAM3500 Magnifica - Amazing quality at the push of a button, pour beans in the top, hook up a milk pitcher and push a button. Grind, tamp, extract and steam the milk right into your cup. Instant high quality latte. This will give you high quality drinks with the freedom to pick and choose your own whole bean. I reviewed its predecessor, the EAM 3500 and thought it was excellent. Cost ~$1499.
Nespresso EN660 Lattissima - The ease of the Nespresso capsules, and the quality frothing straight into your cup. The Nespresso capsules are ordered from the Nespresso site or bought at their stores across the country. Two-day deliver standard makes the refilling process easy; I use it myself all the time. The Latissima is made by DeLonghi and offers high quality with easy use. Cost ~$499 - Buy before January 17 and get a $50 Nespresso Club Credit - see this Voucher PDF for details.
Purist
Rancilio SILVIA - Commercial format machine allows the inner barista come out. Not for the amateur this machine will push you to get a high quality grinder for a precision tamped espresso puck, and an accurate pull to get you a beautiful shot of espresso. Cost ~$700 - $800
Solid Espresso Machine for Ground and ESE Pods
Gaggia Baby Class Espresso Machine - Very high quality machine, well built and offers adapters for ground espresso and ESE pods; the chrome coated brass brew group will hold the heat for quality pulls. Cost ~$475
Nespresso C100 Essenza with Nespresso Aeroccino Milk Frother - I use a Nespresso regularly, and love it for its consistent quality and ease of use. You buy the capsules from Nespresso, sit back and enjoy the awesome drinks. The Aeroccino is another push button easy milk frother; add milk to the line, push the button and about a minute later, warm frothed milk is ready to top your drinks. - package costs about $230
Don't forget the Espresso Cups
Bodum Pavina 2-Ounce Espresso Glasses - These are hands down my favorites for drinking espresso as a shot. The glass is just cool to see the espresso swirl while it is being made, and the double wall keeps it hot longer. Cost ~$13 a pair.
Each winter Nespresso launches a set of Nespresso variations that have are built around unique flavor profiles. Three new varieties, "Gingerbread," "Apricot" and "Chestnut Cream," launch this year and are available at Nespresso's site. I still have some of last year's Ginger flavored Espresso capsules in the 'frige for safe keeping - they were definitely my stunning favorite.
CHESTNUT CREAM Reminiscent of very sweet and concentrated jarred chestnut cream, recalls the traditional "marron glace," or "candied chestnut."
APRICOT Reminiscent of a very fresh, ripe and juicy apricot; unlike the more intense dried apricot flavor.
GINGERBREAD Reminiscent of crystalized orange zest or peel, honey, cinnamon and ginger in a brown sugar base.
I already ordered mine this week, and I would suggest that you order yours quickly. These have a tendency to sell out and they are well worth the wintertime treat.
Sorry if you missed it, but there was a tasting event in Boston at the Nespresso Boutique last night that explored the Grand Cru line of capsules with several corporate Nespresso representatives who walked a packed audience through the delicacies of the three grand cru espresso capsules and if you wanted the two Lungos in the line. Not only were there plenty of coffees to be had, but a nice complement of some amazing hor'derves and wine.
After a short run through of a talk about the coffees selected and the various distinctive attributes of these coffees and their flavors that went into these blends, Karsten Ranitzsch, head of green coffee buying, led people through the tasting of each of the three espressos, Dulsao, Rosabaya and Indriya, noting the differences and pointing out their strengths. While most were sipping, Karsten brought out his cupping spoon to taste his; there certainly seemed to be interest in everyone in the audience using a silver cupping spoon to taste their coffee. While regular people may think it a luxury, it is clearly a tool of the trade and something that went home in its own protective cloth drawstring bag.
Most people went home with bags of nespresso capsules bought from the boutique's sales counter; if you haven't stopped by for a taste and a demo of the machines, you should. The espresso is free and they have lots of it.
Newpresso has opened up a "Pop-up Boutique" for the holidays, apparently bullish on what could be the bounce-back holiday shopping season. They positioned their new boutique well in Bloomingdales on 59th St. in NYC with espresso demonstrations and the new Nespresso Citiz line - (See my Full Review). Not a bad little pick-me up for the busy shopper.
Press release below.....
Nespresso--the worldwide pioneer in premium portioned coffee--celebrates the opening of its first-ever Pop-Up Boutique at Bloomingdale's 59th Street, a holiday installation open now through the end of the year. The temporary retail location offers coffee lovers the opportunity to discover their ultimate coffee experience as they enjoy the ultimate shopping experience offered by the most famous store in the world.
"Our Boutique partnership with Bloomingdale's has been a very successful retail model, and we are excited to expand our partnership to this iconic location. As well, to share space on the newly renovated main floor which has just undergone a stunning transformation," said Frederic Levy, president of Nespresso North America. "As the perfect holiday gift for the coffee lover on your list, we look forward to fulfilling the needs of both new and current Nespresso customers."
"To offer our guests at Bloomingdale's 59th Street the opportunity to experience Nespresso coffee on our main floor during the holidays is a real treat," said Michael Gould, chairman and chief executive officer at Bloomingdale's. "Holiday shopping at Bloomingdale's will be a lot more fun and a bit warmer this year."
Sleek and stylish, the Pop-Up Boutique offers Bloomingdale's customers the opportunity to peruse Nespresso's extensive selection of espresso machines and sample Nespresso's Premium Blend Grand Cru coffees. Nespresso coffee specialists will staff the Pop-Up offering demonstrations of the single-serve coffee systems, including the new Nespresso CitiZ range.
The Bodum Pavina is still my favorite espresso cup to enjoy everyday espressos in, with its light design and cool double wall, it lets you experience the shot of espresso in so many ways, that it elevates the experience above taste and smell. By adding in a three dimensional visual enjoyment, the espresso cups, or glasses rather, the shots come alive, as you witness the swirl of the crema being created during the the brewing and its delicate balance perched atop the espresso as you start to enjoy it. I tend to use them to share with friends while we stand around the kitchen, and enjoy a casual espresso, versus the more formal espresso cup on saucer style of sharing after dinner or at a party.
Illy has the prominent collection of espresso cups around, and it's always a treat to see the new ones when they come out. On a regular basis they work with well known artists to celebrate their work in the form of a new espresso cup collection. The works are usually stunning, and are all based on the classic design that is probably one of the best known cup designs in the world.
Starbucks Bold Tour - Drink Coffee, Get Free Wholebean
Continue reading: 
">Espresso Tamp
that already had frothed milk in it from a Nespresso Aeroccino - less than a minute from milk to frothed heated milk. I tended to mix some sugar into the heated milk before brewing the Nespresso capsule. I set the glass on the bottom tray with the mid-level shot glass stand folded up (behind the glass against the Citiz). The espresso brews down the side of the glass to make the layered effect. 
The time is getting close and wanted to get this out to help all of those people I have been corresponding with over gift ideas. What you should buy boils down to a couple of things, what you really want out of the espresso machine and your budget. There are people who want excellent espresso with little bother, all the way to the traditionalist who wants to perfect their technique and everything in between. I'll try to hit some key needs and several price points.
- Amazing quality at the push of a button, pour beans in the top, hook up a milk pitcher and push a button. Grind, tamp, extract and steam the milk right into your cup. Instant high quality latte. This will give you high quality drinks with the freedom to pick and choose your own whole bean. I reviewed its predecessor, the EAM 3500 and thought it was excellent. Cost ~$1499.
- The ease of the Nespresso capsules, and the quality frothing straight into your cup. The Nespresso capsules are ordered from the Nespresso site or bought at their stores across the country. Two-day deliver standard makes the refilling process easy; I use it myself all the time. The Latissima is made by DeLonghi and offers high quality with easy use. Cost ~$499 - Buy before January 17 and get a $50 Nespresso Club Credit - see this 
- Commercial format machine allows the inner barista come out. Not for the amateur this machine will push you to get a high quality grinder for a precision tamped espresso puck, and an accurate pull to get you a beautiful shot of espresso. Cost ~$700 - $800
- Very high quality machine, well built and offers adapters for ground espresso and ESE pods; the chrome coated brass brew group will hold the heat for quality pulls. Cost ~$475
- I use a Nespresso regularly, and love it for its consistent quality and ease of use. You buy the capsules from Nespresso, sit back and enjoy the awesome drinks. The Aeroccino is another push button easy milk frother; add milk to the line, push the button and about a minute later, warm frothed milk is ready to top your drinks. - package costs about $230
- These are hands down my favorites for drinking espresso as a shot. The glass is just cool to see the espresso swirl while it is being made, and the double wall keeps it hot longer. Cost ~$13 a pair.
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