View Full Version : The Coffeehouse.... Baristi, Barista, Bariste
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was hoping to see jammy toast there:eyebrows:
Lol - next time! What do you think of the coffee? Not bad results I think, with a basic pot:)
Marco.
yeah it looks like a capachino to me. sure it tasted like on too:)
yeah it looks like a capachino to me. sure it tasted like on too:)
Lol, I meant before the milk was added., when the coffee was inside the pot. These new African beans produce a decent crema. Look at the second and third of my pictures.
Love the look of your coffee this morning - a kind of 'Milky Way' appearance! Always prefer it when there's a thick white bit in the middle of the crema... And yes, as I'm enjoying mine now, I raise my cup in honour of your very dear brother:cool:
Marco.
cheers... yes there was a decent crema formed there. You wont do better without pressure really.
Yeah, it's about the best I can get it from this pot. The new African beans seem to add a bit more crema though, and also a rather pleasant red cherry/milk chocolate note, which leaves a gorgeous aftertaste - I'd highly recommend them [Uganda Rwenzoru]!:)
https://pobladocoffi.co.uk/collections/africa/products/uganda-rwenzori
Marco.
Nice one. You can let me know what you think:)
Marco.
Cafe Colombo. We arrived at the wrong time at 5pm. 50 yard queue outside. You needed a ticket to get in!!!
So we went in the plebs side which was immediate entrance.
We'll go again to another one.
Amazing place as I think you can see.
That's a Cappuccino Colombo. That is some sort of adulterated cream. It tastes amazing.
NOTHING like any cup of coffee I have ever had anywhere. It is famous here. For a reason.
To be strict, the adulterer cream permeates the coffee so it doesn't taste like coffee. But it is any amazing drink. Portequese custard taste tasted great too.
Plenty of other coffee choices in there. I have a pretty decent video may post it.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190908/4628e1dafce47ea6873adca452810aed.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190908/f24799a6f193276ebd7db98e0b618d6f.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190908/facdb5606a0dcf22950c4ac5a88b51e6.jpg
Botanical gardens coffee.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190908/b62a72e135b028233b0d2c3ee601dcfe.jpg
Looks fabulous, Justers, both the coffee and the place! Although queues and crowds would put me right off, so 'pleb entrance' sounds like the one:)
Yeah, I know those Portuguese custard tarts well, as I have them in the deli in Wrexham (run by a Portuguese family), and made fresh every day. If they do a sweet white port in Brazil (as they serve in Portugal), then next time try a custard tart with that, as they compliment each other perfectly!:cool:
Marco.
The plebs side.
Still pretty acceptable.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190908/477422378fb66bf5650a4d27e88e8a9f.jpg
Indeed... Bet that's where most of the locals go, too!;)
Marco.
Bet there's a few calories in that
Bet there's a few calories in thatProbably. I'm not exactly fat so it is fairly irrelevant.
We need to up our game, though, appearance wise. The stuff we are posting is a bit of a fail IMHO.
An afternoon Macchiato and some chocs....
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/qvBLJI.jpg
Marco.
top ho .... nice way to finish a nice meal
Flash enhanced alas but it's dark today.
Not up to Brazilian standards but will do me finehttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190909/c1815ffcda0dae3dc52c82902de65039.jpg
More crap food and drink:D, Colombo stylee. Non-plebs side.
The espresso, not on the bill, was £1.50.
But £11 for the rest is a bargain. Outstanding quality. It is basically selling coffee inspired drinks but it isn't a coffee purists place. Hence the espresso order, just to see what it was like.
The espresso was very viscous, smooth, zero bitterness - even slightly sweet. Very njce.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190909/08678b03934fd5bfe87da1bce3908f1a.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190909/b62eca1592acf5f1d1b2837f4785d641.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190909/be414b116bd042e4d7c9f2f2a3c59f2b.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190909/a47129d2a66440c968bbf6db82293c3a.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190909/74bc9c60af82eddf2649fcc51179e37d.jpg
All are great, but I like the look of the last one best. What do they call it?:)
Marco.
Espresso moccachino. The bottom deck is a chocolate fondant affair. The top did taste of coffee with a slightly sweet taint due to the bottom layer.
Lovely.
Random snaps...
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190909/8729eaba020dd5852ecdc1c9748bf8b4.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190909/a2312780eb3e9983aed77b4cab8c7c77.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190909/d4d84e64ca430b9fa7ceb911b8be3dc5.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190909/28d29460169f112a6cdca94f9e745b6f.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190909/9f8edfcfcb24b0b0175ff904d5f7c519.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190909/310077f2caaee69b05ce20ce594b1d94.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190909/aa05c55576bd5b3d5bf9c573797d25db.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190909/30da3b4f28ef2ec1ff34300e8beaaa61.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190909/1f7e8e57f220f91c7177874ad24047bc.jpg
Nice pastries etc, if u have sweet tooth. Big place
Nice pastries etc, if u have sweet tooth...
Yup... Thing is though, in many other parts of the world [certainly in the likes of Germany, Italy, France and Spain, as I can speak from personal experience], people enjoy having a small pastry with breakfast, or even more so in the afternoon, around 3pm, with a nice cup of coffee.
It's very common practice, and an entirely separate occasion from lunch, not necessarily because they have a sweet tooth, but simply because it's part of their culture and tradition, and most importantly, a nice way to relax and de-stress.
For me, it shows that even in the hustle and bustle of today's world, they still have time [that precious commodity once again] to enjoy themselves and appreciate the finer things in life, which isn't so often the case here, where folks trapped in a rat race are often running around like headless chickens...
Marco.
Espresso moccachino. The bottom deck is a chocolate fondant affair. The top did taste of coffee with a slightly sweet taint due to the bottom layer.
Lovely.
Random snaps...
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190909/8729eaba020dd5852ecdc1c9748bf8b4.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190909/a2312780eb3e9983aed77b4cab8c7c77.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190909/d4d84e64ca430b9fa7ceb911b8be3dc5.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190909/28d29460169f112a6cdca94f9e745b6f.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190909/9f8edfcfcb24b0b0175ff904d5f7c519.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190909/310077f2caaee69b05ce20ce594b1d94.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190909/aa05c55576bd5b3d5bf9c573797d25db.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190909/30da3b4f28ef2ec1ff34300e8beaaa61.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190909/1f7e8e57f220f91c7177874ad24047bc.jpg
Simply awesome... *But* I'd want to go there (and other places like it) off of the peak season, when hopefully it would be much less crowded!;)
Marco.
Simply awesome... *But* I'd want to go there (and other places like it) off of the peak season, when hopefully it would be much less crowded!;)
Marco.It is winter here. And 29 deg C. Try the summer at 42 Deg C. No one will want coffee. The trouble would be I suspect you wouldn't either.
TBH it wasn't that busy and the atmosphere was really good. Much better than the first attempt. Only three in the queue.
I can only dream about how bad the pollution would be at 42 Deg V with no rain for weeks. It is dreadful now. Up here in Joa the air is clean.
Not busy??:eek: That's not what your pictures portray to me dude, especially the fifth one down!
I guess it's all relative, and based on what you're used to. I'm simply not used to crowded big cities [Bristol is rather different from Wrexham, in that respect], and enjoy a slower, more relaxed pace of life, at home or on holiday:)
Plus I also generally prefer smaller places, where you can hear yourself think. As lovely as it is, I can imagine the din in there, just from folks yakking, must've been considerable.... And I simply don't 'do' queues. Tickets to get into a cafe? Ferk off....:nono:
But yes, your points are valid, so essentially I'd only go there when it was (reasonably) quiet and the weather was conducive to drinking coffee. So based on that, I might never get to go....!;)
Marco.
You might get shot if you look suspicious, dude.
The guards protecting the secure gated community we are staying in just passed with full on machine guns:D
Stay safe. Stay home;)
any place that needs armed guards isnt my kinda place... i'll stay here in blighty;)
To be fair Rio feels entirely safe. Not in the favelas but elsewhere is absolutely fine. Been talking a lot to the chef and hotel staff about it.
Forget the Sky and BBC sensationalism.
You might get shot if you look suspicious, dude.
Suspicious? Lol... What do you think I'd be doing, going around with a smartphone and a pervy grin, taking sneaky 'upskirt' shots of ladies foo-foos?:D
Marco.
Suspicious? Lol... What do you think I'd be doing, going around with a smartphone and a pervy grin, taking sneaky 'upskirt' shots of ladies foo-foos?:D
Marco.Yup. On Ipanema beach, which we've just been to.;)
Forget Copacabana, Ipanema is much nicer. Surrounding area much nicer, far less pollution too.
A warm drinkhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190911/cf51eafb04056ac39315acdc46cc68c9.jpg
Pulled out all the stops today and used my real camera. Lolhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190912/1c1873079f1af2f839f9aed861d97980.jpg
Nice... You can easily tell the difference:thumbsup:
Marco.
top all rounder camera in its day but still does top notch pics especially outside, as it has a 30x optical zoom and still available second hand. canon sx700hs
Pics please!:)
Marco.Sometime this weekend...
The Ugandan has landed. Didn't take too longhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190912/02b8a48649960db1a85185d08883b136.jpg
Looks good.
Blighty. Cunning double shot doesn't actually taste too bad.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190912/e89b9a911725ea39697615660168ec53.jpg
The Ugandan has landed. Didn't take too longhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190912/02b8a48649960db1a85185d08883b136.jpg
Nice one, mate. Let me know what you think:)
Welcome back, Justers!:cool:
Marco.
Audio Al
12-09-2019, 16:09
I just had incoming
1KG of Colombia Surez project whole beans
and
1KG of Colombia EL Carmen Whole bean
Both from Rave coffee
Will be cracking open a bag soon :)
Good stuff, mate. Be sure to post a pic of the resultant coffee, daftee!
Marco.
Nice one, mate. Let me know what you think:)
Welcome back, Justers!:cool:
Marco.11 hour sleepless night flight plus 2.5 hours drive home plus 9 days walking, Uber and Metro (sardine tin) and we are wacked!
Should have some nice pics to share will select once I have them on the big screen. Must have taken a good few hundred. Plus loads of vids.
Cool beans... Chillax, and I look forward to seeing them later:)
Marco.
No lavvazza in this. or not muchhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190914/4d4a05ff496f83a05fcca8f24ea168f4.jpg
Have you tried those African beans I recommended yet?:)
Anyway, here's that toast you hate.... Jams are wild strawberry, and apricot.
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/VY2EL1.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/NyChyI.jpg
:D:eyebrows:
Marco.
lovely... no its resting at moment..
Ah, no worries:)
Toast (and coffee) was great!
Marco.
Have you tried those African beans I recommended yet?:)
Anyway, here's that toast you hate.... Jams are wild strawberry, and apricot.
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/VY2EL1.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/NyChyI.jpg
:D:eyebrows:
Marco.I dunno Marco. Frame your pictures properly i.e. get the subject in the frame!;)
Both cases are a fail. You can do better.:)
Audio Al
14-09-2019, 18:18
I would be a wild strawberry if someone crushed me :steam:
I dunno Marco. Frame your pictures properly i.e. get the subject in the frame!;)
Both cases are a fail. You can do better.:)
:lolsign:
Very good!
Marco.
I would be a wild strawberry if someone crushed me :steam:
You couldn't crush a grape;)
Marco.
Audio Al
15-09-2019, 07:15
You couldn't crush a grape;)
Marco.
:offtopic:
Breakfast Oj.. Only the best innocent juice
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190915/361a71629adb52b4f44832c3d6848c1f.jpg
Le Bombe
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190915/7d72493b135e0dae74f001a8549897c2.jpg
Now the fruit n veg shield
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190915/46930e22001d18a24bcf3251a0d07870.jpg
Oops replied to wrong post.
Fresh milk today so a milky topped one for funhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190916/c1dbe2fc358f8ebab352cbf076dafbb5.jpg
New beanshttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190917/117b84130fa774d98346ac78f1d0177a.jpg
very nice they are too. no bitterness
Which new beans are they, mate?:)
Marco.
Which new beans are they, mate?:)
Marco.
the welsh ones.. i likethem so far:) good pick mate
Nice one, mate. Glad they worked out well!:)
I certainly enjoyed them, and indeed find the standard of the beans I get from Poblado consistently high.
Marco.
Nice this. Gonna get more of thesehttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190919/1074d0b4985d3118734618a28d41e555.jpg
Same ones from Wales, mate?
Marco.
Same ones from Wales, mate?
Marco.
yup, with a bit of lavazza crema in as filler.. just boosts crema and background flavour...without affecting the taste of these lovely cherry beans
Nice one. Told you I had good taste!;)
Marco.
:lol::D yup these are top notch beans, washed on a virgin's thigh each:eyebrows:
Lol - do you get the cherry connection? I didn't quite grasp their influence on proceedings.
Marco.
Aye its there.. you might need a bit more pressure to extract it tho than a pot.
Yeah, what I meant though was in what way are the cherries introduced into the production of the beans?
Marco.
Yeah, what I meant though was in what way are the cherries introduced into the production of the beans?
Marco.
No, it just comes out in the flavour tho.... although when picked they are called cherries too
Lol - never mind, still none the wiser!
Marco.
Audio Al
19-09-2019, 10:20
Lol - never mind, still none the wiser!
Marco.
You will get it one day Marco , When you pop your cherry :D
Yeah, what I meant though was in what way are the cherries introduced into the production of the beans?
Marco.
I see what you mean i think.. The cherry influence is from the soil/sum/air where they are grown. Also to an extent variety of bean.. Its all in the mix of life, a bit like making a whisky really ..:) African stuff it usually fruitier and more floral, with more acidity etc.
You will get it one day Marco , When you pop your cherry :D
Ah, you obviously haven't spoken to your sister.
Marco.
I see what you mean i think.. The cherry influence is from the soil/sum/air where they are grown. Also to an extent variety of bean.. Its all in the mix of life, a bit like making a whisky really ..:) African stuff it usually fruitier and more floral, with more acidity etc.
Yes, that's what I was getting at. Said influence is unclear on the site description:)
Btw, if you fancy trying a new 'mixer bean', I'd recommend these, which IMO are superior to the Lavazza: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000LY7E1S/?coliid=I2MCW5NI2IWDX&colid=2HCXE3DQ178QM&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
Marco.
interesting... i was looking at these.... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06XXJ3H4N/ref=pd_luc_rh_sspa_dk_huc_pt_expsub_0?psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzSTAwMUVMTjJIMlowJ mVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMDM0MzkwMU8yV0gxSDEwTUg3OCZlbmN yeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMzE1NjI1NEtGV05JVUJVNE8xJndpZGdld E5hbWU9c3BfaHVjX21yYWkmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3Q mZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl
will maybe try both
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000LY7E...v_ov_lig_dp_it
ordered a kilo of those first.... try them out as my lavazza are getting low and old
Link doesn't work, mate.
Anyway, bear the Segafredo Zanetti ones in mind, as they're damned good!:)
Marco.
Link doesn't work, mate.
Anyway, bear the Segafredo Zanetti ones in mind, as they're damned good!:)
Marco.Was the stuff u linked to.
Yeah, your first link works, but the second one doesn't.... Different codes.
Marco.
Think I made error of copying yours and it didn't reproduce properly. Yup same ones you mentioned. Good price for a kilo
Ah, so you ordered the Segafredo ones I recommended, not the ones you were originally considering?:)
Marco.
Ah, so you ordered the Segafredo ones I recommended, not the ones you were originally considering?:)
Marco.
yup, will be here next week... meanntime i will continue with the few tons of beans i have :rolleyes:
Lol - you collect them like I collect wine!:eyebrows:
Anyway, it'll be interesting to see what you think of them as 'mixers'. For me, their depth of flavour is superior to the Lavazza. Slightly better crema, too.
Marco.
Audio Al
20-09-2019, 09:46
I just upgraded my bean grinder , I now have one of these
https://www.bellabarista.co.uk/brands/ecm-s-automatik-64-grinder.html
Was using this one
https://coffeegeek.co/en/eureka-mignon-review/
Will be filling some beans as the ECM is now ON :)
I just upgraded my bean grinder , I now have one of these
https://www.bellabarista.co.uk/brands/ecm-s-automatik-64-grinder.html
Was using this one
https://coffeegeek.co/en/eureka-mignon-review/
Will be filling some beans as the ECM is now ON :)
very nice Al, an ecm.. the mignon mk2 was a good grinder with a timer ims...mk1 didnt i think. ive still got my sage smart grinder
Coffee time againhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190920/11686f10b6329c08179072215186e51e.jpg
Morning refreshments
Seems to be a pink glow around.. Not sure how that happenedhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190921/ab8ded601598d52f52a4a04c1d196360.jpg
It'll be the reflection from your lippy!:eyebrows:
Marco.
That will be it..
Beans came very quick
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190921/3863a43d3afdad23313a40918977c59d.jpg
Ah, nice one. Be interesting what you think:)
Marco.
popped some in grinder with some poblado... see how it goes
Lol - barring precise quantities, you'll be having the same coffee mix as me:)
Marco.
Lol - barring precise quantities, you'll be having the same coffee mix as me:)
Marco.
was a few uncle funkle in there too from last time..... but not much
was a few uncle funkle in there too from last time..... but not much
Have you had a cup of the Unkle Funkle by itself, Grant? It is so expensive I didn't order any yesterday. Was feeling miserly. But is it any good?
Any opinion is invalid if you have mixed it in any way.
Have you had a cup of the Unkle Funkle by itself, Grant? It is so expensive I didn't order any yesterday. Was feeling miserly. But is it any good?
Any opinion is invalid if you have mixed it in any way.
Yes of course.. its very good on its own too.. gives decent crema as well.. I love it and will be getting more for stock as its not always available. Think its Extract's best.
Thats why I said there were a few in the grinder left as ive been using up the remains of bag.
Opps - its Unkle Funka.
Ordered 250g.
Rest of order for today will be for Wogan. Their packaging and marketing don't look great but the coffee really is brilliant value. I have to say I think overall regardless of price it is better than Extract.
i will of course try the casa by itself too. i only mix enough for 2/3 coffees at a time. not seen wogan as of yet
found them... ordered a few to try..:) Prices are keen at least
I went for this lot.
The Brazilian Peaberry is my fave but not this time.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190921/db20082f7108b5da09f7e7e5ca934c1c.jpg
Kenya Peaberry × 1 250g
Kenya AA × 1 x 250g
Organic Fairtrade Honduras × 1 x 500g
Very nice mix this..
Great pourhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190921/e9aa1d0919f9956d2b758b71e4ca22f6.jpg
The perfect one... I can retire now
Wot, the Poblado + Segafredo?:)
Looks great, anyway!
Marco.
Wot, the Poblado + Segafredo?:)
Looks great, anyway!
Marco.
yup.. a very small amount of unkle too.
Another top one..
Good call on beans Marcohttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190922/1968a8e1908525cf3d1fdbf98c3d60e1.jpg
Darjeeling for me. Ran out of coffee!
Crisis.
Another top one..
Good call on beans Marcohttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190922/1968a8e1908525cf3d1fdbf98c3d60e1.jpg
Wow - looks wise, that could be your best ever!:eek::)
Glad you like the beans. It's a mixture I've been enjoying for a while, but obviously not to the standard you're producing.
Marco.
Proof it was no flukehttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190922/9ebf93b8c830c5964546d6dbcfc641e6.jpg
Found this in Waitrose for £4 (reduced) whilst waiting for coffee order to come through.
It's really quite nice.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190922/644acdb925a97319d12017961b3f85ec.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190922/1048e0811faab16d36b2d89632e11f14.jpg
Looks very nice, ya Waitrose fanboy!:ner::D
;)
Marco.
Just next to Waitrose in Portishead is LIDL.
When LIDL opened I tried to find wine, beer, meat, veg etc etc for quite a while I could live with.
Now I never go. Waitrose is better. Simples.
Don't get upset bro I know you like yer LIDLs. Each to their own.;)
Lol - not upset in the slightest dudekins, but if/when I visit, we'll go shopping to Lidl, and I *guarantee* I could find you stuff you could 'live with', with ALL the things you've listed. In fact, I'm so confident, I'll bet you a £100, with the winner giving the cash to their charity of choice:)
Marco.
Hibster_2000
22-09-2019, 17:06
Just next to Waitrose in Portishead is LIDL.
When LIDL opened I tried to find wine, beer, meat, veg etc etc for quite a while I could live with.
Now I never go. Waitrose is better. Simples.
Don't get upset bro I know you like yer LIDLs. Each to their own.;)
I was gutted when the coop changed to Aldi. Waitrose is a bit of a walk.
Lol - not upset in the slightest dudekins, but if/when I visit, we'll go shopping to Lidl, and I *guarantee* I could find you stuff you could 'live with', with ALL the things you've listed. In fact, I'm so confident, I'll bet you a £100, with the winner giving the cash to their charity of choice:)
Marco.Trouble with Waitrose is the botty shafting for cash. Fortunately, next to LIDL is Home Bargains. Now that really is good for essentials like household cleaning products, human cleaning products, sweets, crisps,.medicines etc etc.
HB makes you realise just how hard the Waitrose shaft is.
Dude I really have done LIDL. You can't win!!! Save your money;)
I was gutted when the coop changed to Aldi. Waitrose is a bit of a walk.
Now Co-ops I like, especially the larger ones, as IME the quality of produce is excellent, and would rate it higher than that generally found in the likes of Asda, Tesco or Sainsbury's. However, with Aldi and Lidl, it often comes down to the type of things you buy.
If you're a brand-name freak, then forget it, but if you like continental foods, especially anything authentically German (e.g bratwurst, various types of cold meats and pickles, mustard (senf), Pils lager, chocolate. Ritter Sport knocks any British chocolate into a cocked hat, cheeses, etc), including a superb selection of 'speciality' wines, contained inside the wooden crates nearest the checkouts (especially German white and dessert wines, such as Spatlese, Riesling, and also superb Prosecco), count me in!
Quite simply, you *cannot* get stuff like that in Waitrose - or if you can (or similar), it's simply more expensive, not better.
Marco.
Trouble with Waitrose is the botty shafting for cash. Fortunately, next to LIDL is Home Bargains. Now that really is good for essentials like household cleaning products, human cleaning products, sweets, crisps,.medicines etc etc.
HB makes you realise just how hard the Waitrose shaft is.
Dude I really have done LIDL. You can't win!!! Save your money;)
Soz, I don't buy that. I'd challenge you not to like the meat, wine or anything else you care to mention, I would select on your behalf from Lidl, simply because I don't believe you're as familiar with the product range as I am. I know it inside out, so know exactly what to pick.
Often the best time to shop in Lidl is during their 'special promotion' weeks, such as Alpenfest or Italian week, where much of the produce is just silly-good, at equally silly prices!:eek:
70% of what Waitrose sell is grossly overpriced to appeal to 'badge snobs' and/or people who like to 'feel special' because what they're eating has been 'approved' by Waitrose. M&S comes into the same category, but is worse.
Marco.
Interesting viewpoint dude.
The horse meat mince put me off LIDL. And their German white sausage was inedible. I also had red peppers that were rotten inside but otherwise looked OK. More than once.
Some of their red wines quite frankly tasted odd. Even what is for them their expensive ones. Not unpleasant odd, quite nice but not what I would call red wine. I suspected adulterants of some kind i.e. not all grape.
Best thing in there was their salted peanuts. Can't remember the brand but they were to die for. Really cheap, too. Then they stopped selling them. Nail in the coffin for me.
Maybe you're LIDL stocks better stuff. Very possible. The one we have is naff.
Those peanuts were Alesto Salted. Not dry roasted. Amazing. I'd post a link but I could only find dry roasted.
There are other things in there that are good value I don't deny it.
Lol - they still sell them in our branch, and I agree, they're excellent!:)
Marco.
Interesting viewpoint dude.
The horse meat mince put me off LIDL. And their German white sausage was inedible. I also had red peppers that were rotten inside but otherwise looked OK. More than once.
Some of their red wines quite frankly tasted odd. Even what is for them their expensive ones. Not unpleasant odd, quite nice but not what I would call red wine. I suspected adulterants of some kind i.e. not all grape.
Best thing in there was their salted peanuts. Can't remember the brand but they were to die for. Really cheap, too. Then they stopped selling them. Nail in the coffin for me.
Maybe you're LIDL stocks better stuff. Very possible. The one we have is naff.
It's all about opinions, based on your relevant experience. The Lidl near you might not be as good (perhaps due to bad management) as my local one, but generally they tend to stock the same stuff. One thing that might explain the poor quality of the fresh produce you've had is that Lidl tend to use local suppliers, so perhaps the produce in your area, selected by Lidl, isn't as good? Dunno...
Don't like white sausage, so have no experience of that, but love Bratwurst (what they sell in market stalls in streets and in trains stations in Germany, fried with onions and served in buns with mustard), and trust me, the stuff in Lidl is as authentic as you'll get. You must've had it/seen it for sale when you've been over to the Munich hi-fi show. And the German beer sold in either Lidl or Aldi is genuine German Pils, and superb, especially the Octoberfest stuff and Lowenbrau they're currently selling!
As for the wine, you've either been very unfortunate or have bought the wrong stuff. Don't buy anything 'new world', or Spanish, as chances are it'll be crap. That's not Lidl's (or Aldi's) forte.
Stick with German wines or Italian or French, and you really can't go wrong, as long as you're spending £7 a bottle or more. Anything less than that is liable not to be a very rewarding experience. Their Prosecco (DOCG Valdobbiadene) is among the best I've tasted from any supermarket, and for that quality cheaper than found elsewhere. And their Chianti Riserva (Gallo Nero) is also excellent.
Also, their fresh pasta, particularly that of Aldi, is top-notch. These Girasoli, for example, served with your own homemade Ragu sauce [pic below taken from what I've eaten and subsequently posted on the food thread], are as good as you'll find in most UK Italian restaurants, and way better than anything I've had from Waitrose: https://www.aldi.co.uk/spinach-%26-ricotta-pasta/p/075029129468700
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/svpiyL.jpg
Gorgeous! Oh, and the quality of their fresh Parmigiano Reggiano (DOC) is also better, IMO, than anything sold in Waitrose, or any other supermarket, for that matter.
Marco.
I was just cutting you some slack with the 'maybe the sell better stuff'. But you might be right wrt veg. Who knows.
The main thing is you're happy with yours.
As as a point of note I actually spend more in Sainsbury's than Waitrose. I consider it to be the best in terms of price/performance locally.
But I food shop in quite a few different places. Including delis. When I lived in Redland in Bristol the choice was quite a bit more varied. It's not bad out here, though.
Lol - don't 'cut me slack', and patronise me like that. I don't need it!
We're entitled to disagree. I'm simply confident that you haven't yet experienced the best that Lidl (or Aldi) has to offer, as you probably haven't been often enough to find it, and/or have just missed it or not thought about it.
Sainsbury's is not bad. It's probably the supermarket we use most after Lidl. However, like you, we like to buy from delis, but preferably farm shops, as delis can often be overpriced. Anything that's perceived as 'posh' these places tend to overcharge, and it pisses me off, as it discourages people who don't have much money from eating well.
Too many delis in this country are founded upon snobbish/elitist principles, rather than sticking to selling honest top-notch produce, from local suppliers, at realistic prices.
That's the difference between delis here and those, say, in France or Italy. Over there, the bulk of their customers are ordinary home cooks, producing basic meals for their families, and the stuff sold is priced accordingly. whereas here, they tend to cater for the snob 'dinner party' set, who like to 'impress' their guests by paying through the nose for a bulb of wild garlic and couple of sprigs of fresh rosemary!:rolleyes:
That is NOT what good food, or cooking, is about.
Marco.
I got to the stage that I decided I just couldn't trust the local LIDL. I probably shopped in there about 25 times in total. So I did buy quite a bit in there.
But expert in all their stock? No way. Of course I missed some of the good stuff.
Sure, at the end of the day, life's too short to keep going back to somewhere you've been disappointed with. However, equally it's unwise to completely write it off. I only issued you with the '£100 challenge' because I'm confident I could invite you here and cook you a meal consisting entirely of stuff bought from Lidl (including the beer or wine) and you'd love it!:)
Marco.
julesd68
22-09-2019, 21:28
Opps - its Unkle Funka.
Ordered 250g.
Rest of order for today will be for Wogan. Their packaging and marketing don't look great but the coffee really is brilliant value. I have to say I think overall regardless of price it is better than Extract.
Thanks for reminding me about Wogan - I tried several times to put in an order with them over the past few months but their website had some bug where it would never complete the transaction. Anyway, I put in an order tonight for Brazilian Santos and Nicaraguan La Bastille. Hope I like them as Wogan prices are more than reasonable and postage is very cheap!
Thanks for reminding me about Wogan - I tried several times to put in an order with them over the past few months but their website had some bug where it would never complete the transaction. Anyway, I put in an order tonight for Brazilian Santos and Nicaraguan La Bastille. Hope I like them as Wogan prices are more than reasonable and postage is very cheap!Yeah I had trouble ordering on my mobile. Tried the laptop and it was fine.
Their coffee is distinctive. I really like it but I am sure their roasting process imparts a character that runs across all their coffees. The same is true for other coffee roasters e.g. Extract and Has Bean.
Hope you like it. It certainly packs a lot of flavour. More so than most.
Sure, at the end of the day, life's too short to keep going back to somewhere you've been disappointed with. However, equally it's unwise to completely write it off. I only issued you with the '£100 challenge' because I'm confident I could invite you here and cook you a meal consisting entirely of stuff bought from Lidl (including the beer or wine) and you'd love it!:)
Marco.Well I like Hoegaarden...;:) Might pop in and see if you are right.
I'll be honest with you, though. If I disagree you will know about it. Just don't get pissed if I disagree.;)
Ha - not at all. Similarly, if I robustly defend an alternative view from yours on something I know a lot about, don't pee your panties about it:eyebrows:
Marco.
Quite like some stuff from lidl but a lot of it isn't my cuppa either.
Rotter choc us good but so are British chocs. All depends on what you like, often from what your used to.
We have a giant new one opening very shortly. So will report on it soon, but price isn't always everything..
And neither is being German. Lol
Indeed, but if you like some types of German food and beer/wine [count me in], chances are a German-owned store will do it best;)
And you like bloody Galaxy chocolate, the most over-sweet tasteless shite known to man!:ner::eyebrows:
Marco.
Think it's often how your taste buds are developed.
My boy who is now 40 only likes heinz cream of chicken soup. Even though its probably not tge best.
Love a chunk of Galaxy myself but I do like foreign chocs too.
Crisps tho... Foreign ones are shite. British is best
I think your point about taste buds is spot on. In that respect, mine tend to align with continental foods.
I don't have a 'British palate', which is probably why I like a lot of the stuff Aldi and Lidl sell, not necessarily because it's German, but because some of the German food and drink suits my continental tastes (and Del's), hence why we also buy our bread, butter, yogurts and various other things from the Polish shop, and all sorts of things from our local Portuguese deli, as the stuff that they sell aligns closest with my Italian palate.
Essentially, we're seeking flavours that we're familiar with and also trying to make up for the lack of a good Italian deli here, which there were tons of up in Glasgow, to get that familiar 'taste' we like/crave, and which we struggle to find in British supermarkets:)
Plus I'm completely uninfluenced by major brand names, so if I find something from a 'no name' brand, which for me is better (and cheaper) than it's 'big name' counterpart, then that's what I'll buy. Same goes for where I'll shop. I don't get a 'warm glow' from buying stuff in a posh supermarket. Conversely though, if I consider that something is of truly excellent quality, and worth paying more for, then I won't hesitate, but I won't pay through the nose simply for 'snob factor'.
I like to experiment, move outside of my comfort zone with food and drink, and discover new things! A creature of habit I'm not., nor am I a fussy eater...
But when it comes to food, I also like flavourful/tasty things, where the use of fresh herbs and spices. garlic/olive oil/generous seasoning is prominent, and so in that respect often find British food a bit bland. I may not be a fussy eater, but I'm not a plain/boring one either. Food, for me, *must* excite/tantalise the taste buds, and be something you look forward to eating with gusto, as that's what I've always been used to, not merely something to fill you up!:cool:
Marco.
My taste buds want thishttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190923/894e8e2e870dc9fddf228384969a363b.jpg
....which mine helped introduce you to...:eyebrows:;)
Marco [the beanmeister].
....which mine helped introduce you to...:eyebrows:;)
Marco [the beanmeister].
indeed.. good stuff.... pure :champagne:
oddly when a child, i loved milky coffee, then went off it(took a scunner for it, my mum said lol) but re educated my taste buds to coffee again when older, which was done bit by bit... still cant drink instant tho
Ugh - instant is for folk who like caramelised brown liquid, not coffee!
But yes, your tastes change when you get older. There are quite a few things I like now that I didn't like very much when I was younger (things like seafood), and yes also milk. I still wouldn't enjoy drinking a glass of it cold, but I think I could perhaps manage it now, whereas at one time I'd have gagged at the very thought of it.
Hot milk in a tasty cappuccino or latte/hot chocolate has never been a problem though, but aside from that I'm not a milk drinker, which is why I don't take cereals.
Btw, going back to the Lidl/Aldi thing, I think partly why you're not that keen on some of their stuff is because you (understandably) eat a lot of ready meals, and granted, the ready meals in Lidi or Aldi are undeniably SHITE, as Germans don't really eat them. They mostly cook food from fresh, as we do.
Therefore, in that instance, the main UK supermarkets will always cater better for your needs:)
Marco.
Ugh - instant is for folk who like caramelised brown liquid, not coffee!
But yes, your tastes change when you get older. There are quite a few things I like now that I didn't like very much when I was younger (things like seafood), and yes also milk. I still wouldn't enjoy drinking a glass of it cold, but I think I could manage it now, whereas at one time I'd have puked at the very thought of it.
Hot milk in a tasty cappuccino or latte has never been a problem though, but aside from that I'm not a milk drinker, which is why I don't take cereals.
Btw, going back to the Lidl/Aldi thing, I think partly why you're not that keen on some of their stuff is because you (understandably) eat a lot of ready meals, and granted, the ready meals in Lidi or Aldi are undeniably SHITE, as Germans don't really eat them. They mostly cook food from fresh, as we do.
Therefore, in that instance, the main UK supermarkets will always cater better for your needs:)
Marco.
not a milk drinker either although can manage cereal, just not floating cereal...
Lol@"floating cereal". I know exactly what you mean and detest it! I've just never been into any types of cereal, or porridge (yes I know you love that), or anything of that ilk. I just wasn't brought up on it.
For us, for breakfast, it was cold meats, cheeses, or pastries or toast, and sometimes yogurts/fresh fruit, washed down with tea or coffee and/or fresh orange or grapefruit juice, and perhaps some scrambled or poached eggs on toast. Or the very occasional fry up!
Btw, returning to your point on British crisps, yes I agree. There's nothing wrong with them, and indeed many are excellent. However, the bog-standard stuff, from Walkers and such like doesn't really do it for me, I prefer the 'Kettle Chips', and other hand-cooked varieties, which have a REAL taste of potato.
Now if you go abroad and try virtually ANY make of 'ready salted' crisps [San Carlo are a good example in Italy], they all have that taste of REAL potato, without you having to pay extra for 'hand-cooked' varieties. That, for me, is the main difference. Plus, here in the UK, a lot of the crips flavours I once loved have now gone...
What happened to Tomato or Worcestershire Sauce flavoured crisps? Pickled onion (Tudor's were fab), smokey bacon, gammon, Bovril, and even curry flavoured - remember those?
I used to love eating all those at school... The problem too is that back then we had crips from all different manufacturers, Smiths, Golden Wonder, Tudor, etc, and they all had their own individual 'take' on what salt and vinegar, or whatever other common flavour tasted like, and so some would be more vinegary than others, saltier or cheesier, or whatever. There was real variety!
Now that Walkers have largely cornered and dominate the UK crisp market, everything has become rather homogenised and 'samey'. Plus, the contents inside the packets have got smaller, yet more expensive!:rolleyes:
Progress? No, not for me.
Marco.
Lays are quite a bit better than Walkers and far more available around the world.
Hand cooked crisps often suffer from far too much oil being impregnated in the crisp. It gets quite sickly I think.
For some reason most Walkers crisps give me a stomach ache. I don't get that from other brands.
Lays are quite a bit better than Walkers and far more available around the world.
Hand cooked crisps often suffer from far too much oil being impregnated in the crisp. It gets quite sickly I think.
For some reason most Walkers crisps give me a stomach ache. I don't get that from other brands.
Yes, that can happen, but generally not with the better varieties. The secret, I guess, is not to eat too many of them at once;)
One thing I can't stand is the 'puffy' varieties of 'crisps' [which in reality have been nowhere near a potato], such as Wotsits, etc - just horribly artificial!:spew:
Call me old-fashioned, but I like wine to taste of grapes, cider to taste of apples, coffee to taste of coffee beans, and crisps to taste of POTATO....
Marco.
If you want a good snack, when M&S are doing it, their Bombay Mix is seriously friggin' good.
They have messed around with the formula over the years but it has always been really impressive I think.
One of the best, if you can get yourself through the door, Marco!:);)
Lol... Some stuff from M&S is ok, and yes I've had the Bombay Mix before and agree it's good, as indeed are many of their other snacks. It's more the 'upmarket' image that they try to portray with their food, which I'm against and indeed find somewhat laughable, as indeed are some of their customers who sign up to that image!:D:doh:
Ditto with Waitrose, Harrods, and all such other bollox, with folk walking around with their carrier bags, thinking that they're a 'cut above'.... Sad bastards.
Marco.
Wouldn't say it upmarket as such but the quality is better across the range. Obviously not everything but it's fairly wide-ranging.
Prices are not all that different in general.
Certainly what I get there is very good, and their low cal stuff is by far the best around
Wouldn't say it upmarket as such...
Indeed, and neither would I, but try telling M&S that!:D
As I said, that's the IMAGE that they're trying to portray... You don't have TV mate, so won't have seen their adverts, especially recently during the breaks in between some primetime commercial TV programmes!:doh:
Marco.
Yeah no telly is great. I don't miss any of it. More folk should kick the habit lol
Lol... Some stuff from M&S is ok, and yes I've had the Bombay Mix before and agree it's good, as indeed are many of their other snacks. It's more the 'upmarket' image that they try to portray with their food, which I'm against and indeed find somewhat laughable, as indeed are some of their customers who sign up to that image!:D:doh:
Ditto with Waitrose, Harrods, and all such other bollox, with folk walking around with their carrier bags, thinking that they're a 'cut above'.... Sad bastards.
Marco.The application of simple logic sees through most bullshit.
Annoyingly for many, bullshit makes the world go round.
Which means the clever guys just get frustrated by their apparent idiocy.
It's a wonderful world...:)
Ain't that the truth, bro!
Marco.
Ads go back to ancient times, although in modern terms, the 19th and 20th c.
I guess most folk will be affected by it to some extent.
The best ad form is word of mouth tho and always will be... It's also the cheapest
Word of mouth is always free.
Hibster_2000
24-09-2019, 04:30
Lays are quite a bit better than Walkers and far more available around the world.
Hand cooked crisps often suffer from far too much oil being impregnated in the crisp. It gets quite sickly I think.
For some reason most Walkers crisps give me a stomach ache. I don't get that from other brands.
Lays and Walkers are both owned by Pepsi. The packaging is also remarkably similar, so for me they are the same company, the only difference is regional.
Wogan stuff arrived today..
Will keep me goinghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190924/86e175ab44051454e889cde286858d03.jpg
Another nice one https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190924/5583313ae4da1d25226745da9bcfe63e.jpg
Lays and Walkers are both owned by Pepsi. The packaging is also remarkably similar, so for me they are the same company, the only difference is regional.The product is different, however. And pretty consistently Lays like across countries. You couldn't mistake them for Walkers given the crisps alone. Lest you were undiscerning, I would say.
The product is different, however. And pretty consistently Lays like a Ross countries. You couldn't mistake them for Walkers given the crisps alone. Lest you were undiscerning, I would say.
Sorry, I don't understand that bit... :scratch:
I agree though that products made by the same manufacturer and distributed to other countries under a different name can often taste quite different, usually because they're catering for different types of customers and 'palates', For example, Orangina, in France, tastes rather better than that available in the UK, as do virtually all products sold under the 'Knor' label.
Marco.
I raise your stash with my new stash...
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190924/14343830c5ab7676c0af6d5b105aa031.jpg
Sorry, I don't understand that bit... :scratch:
I agree though that products made by the same manufacturer and distributed to other countries under a different name can often taste quite different, usually because they're catering for different types of customers and 'palates', For example, Orangina, in France, tastes rather better than that available in the UK, as do virtually all products sold under the 'Knor' label.
Marco.Fixt.
julesd68
25-09-2019, 08:41
Yeah I had trouble ordering on my mobile. Tried the laptop and it was fine.
Their coffee is distinctive. I really like it but I am sure their roasting process imparts a character that runs across all their coffees. The same is true for other coffee roasters e.g. Extract and Has Bean.
Hope you like it. It certainly packs a lot of flavour. More so than most.
Justin, I salute you sir! The Wogan tip is a proper result.
For my taste preferences, the Nicaraguan is one of the best coffees I have ever tasted. Very smooth with good body like all the best South Americans but this one has a huge hit of black cherry and red fruit, almost like a Black Forest gateau.
I am super impressed with Wogan - great prices and very quick, cheap shipping. Look forward to the Santos.
Justin, I salute you sir! The Wogan tip is a proper result.
For my taste preferences, the Nicaraguan is one of the best coffees I have ever tasted. Very smooth with good body like all the best South Americans but this one has a huge hit of black cherry and red fruit, almost like a Black Forest gateau.
I am super impressed with Wogan - great prices and very quick, cheap shipping. Look forward to the Santos.Those Wogan coffees really do have depth of flavour and real complexity.
Not hard to see why they have been in business so long. There's a lot of experience behind them, obviously.
Enjoy:)
Audio Al
25-09-2019, 09:23
My ECM Barista is not well , hardly any water coming out , must be full of limescale :( needs to go to Northampton to be fixed
My ECM Barista is not well , hardly any water coming out , must be full of limescale :( needs to go to Northampton to be fixedDescale it?
Audio Al
25-09-2019, 11:24
Descale it?
Done that a couple of times , No Joy , The pump is working with good pressure
Done that a couple of times , No Joy , The pump is working with good pressureTry YouTube. You might find a strip down video or something that leads you to the fault if you have the nerve to do it.
Or just phone up or email who you plan to return it to first. That worked with the problem I had recently.
Blockage somewhere no doubt. Check the showerscreen too
Audio Al
26-09-2019, 10:29
Good call grant , Will have a look now :)
Audio Al
26-09-2019, 14:07
Grant you are a genius :youtheman:
I will say my filters were lets say solid with coffee grinds and scale :o
Now enjoying my first propper coffee for days :cool:
you should clean and warm both showerhead and portafilter every use tbh. just put it into showerhead and pump half a cup through it.. it also warms the cup ;) everything clean and warm
But he said he had de-scaled it?
Evidently not!
Anyway, all's well;)
But he said he had de-scaled it?
Evidently not!
Anyway, all's well;)
wouldnt ness remove a clogged screen. need usually to take it off, or at least brush it with sommat firm
Audio Al
26-09-2019, 15:58
But he said he had de-scaled it?
Evidently not!
Anyway, all's well;)
I did with citric acid , made up a mix and run it through the machine but did no dismantling , Lesson learnt on my part :(
Now everything's hunky-dory, daftee, let's see some pics of your coffee!:cool:
Marco.
Audio Al
26-09-2019, 18:03
I'm no barista , it comes out and I drink it so not much to see
Lol - neither am I a barista [far from it], but it hasn't stopped me posting pics of coffees I've made:ner:
By all means discuss machine-related issues if necessary, but this is like the food thread......
:worthless:
WE LIKE PICS HERE!
Geddit?:D;)
Marco.
Look tis easy... see?
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190926/f9b757c7f982ed1d0fd114bbe90c34f5.jpg
I'm lovin' that, Justers - as yummy looking as the inside of a Crunchie bar!:D
Marco.
It's a weird one. Half patterned, half not.
And it seems to say v/o or v/u. Hm.
Yesterday's and today's. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190927/dc849980a78800bcde1f8a431fb649fe.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190927/f54f6de8528d23b08b60ff05470f33bb.jpg
Audio Al
27-09-2019, 08:47
Still trying to dial in my new bean grinder ,
the water is not extracting the flavour :(
More dialing in today :)
Try a higher number Al. finely ground isnt always the answer. I find just into espresso figures is enough with a lighter than 30lb tamp. every bean is different tho and may need adjusting from one to next.
Using water high in magnessium will also help
Audio Al
27-09-2019, 08:55
Grant at the moment it like pouring water through gravel
can be frustrating, but grind at different grades and tamp at different pressures. every bean grinds different so its just working out what you need for a decent cup. Use cheap or older beans til you get it working well then its easier to adjust for the better ones without costing the earth....might add tamping pressure is maybe more important. not enough and it can pour too fast, and too much and it cant get through puck.... aso be careful not to break or crack puck and make sure the porta is dry when coffee goes in or you will find the water will go to the cracks or down side of puck again producing a weak drink
Audio Al
27-09-2019, 09:18
OK I'm going in :cool:
Try a calibrated tamper so the pressure is always the same. I use an Espro which is silly expensive but there are cheaper about.
Then grinding is the only variable.
That's a top reco BTW. It will save you money in the long run. Less pissing around means less wastage.
Audio Al
27-09-2019, 14:40
Try a calibrated tamper so the pressure is always the same. I use an Espro which is silly expensive but there are cheaper about.
Then grinding is the only variable.
That's a top reco BTW. It will save you money in the long run. Less pissing around means less wastage.
What does this mean :scratch:
guessing a top recommendation...??
guessing a top recommendation...??Yup.
Audio Al
27-09-2019, 15:51
Did I tell you about my grinder disaster :eek::)
Who managed to tangle the power lead when carring the hoover through the kitchen from the utility room
And pulled the grinder off the kitchen worktop , A allmighty " CRASH " and it was on the floor :doh:
Bean hopper snapped off at the neck :doh: Grinding adguster rod bent and not revolving :doh:
Just spent time superglueing the hopper back together , Thats fine now :) and dismantled the adjuster assembly managed to straighted the main rod without it snapping " PHEW " :D
All back together now and a Britter water filter jug now in use for the water that will go in the ECM Barista
Back to dialing in the grind consistency :eyebrows:
Fingers crossed I can now look forward to a few cups of poncy coffee :)
you just got it too :doh::doh:
Did I tell you about my grinder disaster :eek::)
Who managed to tangle the power lead when carring the hoover through the kitchen from the utility room
And pulled the grinder off the kitchen worktop , A allmighty " CRASH " and it was on the floor :doh:
Bean hopper snapped off at the neck :doh: Grinding adguster rod bent and not revolving :doh:
Just spent time superglueing the hopper back together , Thats fine now :) and dismantled the adjuster assembly managed to straighted the main rod without it snapping " PHEW " :D
All back together now and a Britter water filter jug now in use for the water that will go in the ECM Barista
Back to dialing in the grind consistency :eyebrows:
Fingers crossed I can now go look forward to a few cups of poncy coffee :)Sell it all and go back to Nestle or Nespresso.
I really am not sure what you have is right for you.
Nope.
Really not sure at all....;)
Bit harsh mate. He has had his machine for ages. He just replaced his grinder. Seems alas to have had an accident.. Sure the hopper is replaceable
Bit harsh mate. He has had his machine for ages. He just replaced his grinder. Seems alas to have had an accident.. Sure the hopper is replaceableI was wondering whether that would be taken the right way. I thought the wink would do it.
Take it the right way... with mild humour.
Sweet nectarhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190928/b2397a9e7dce1c63e0fdccf0fa1fa984.jpg
I was wondering whether that would be taken the right way. I thought the wink would do it.
Take it the right way... with mild humour.
Indeed... Al, the clumsy, sleep-deprived DAFTEE!:D
Marco.
Looking good, Granty! Still the same beans combo?
Just enjoying a cappuccino now with some of my lovely jammy toast!:eyebrows:
Marco.
Looking good, Granty! Still the same beans combo?
Just enjoying a cappuccino now with some of my lovely jammy toast!:eyebrows:
Marco.
with the addition of some cast Iron from Extract Coffee, yes... Was ok, but a slight aftertaste... might be the cast, or might be some other variable.. will see on the next one
Well, you know what they say: don't change a winning team!;)
Marco.
Well, you know what they say: don't change a winning team!;)
Marco.
You dont try things you wont discover things is my motto, coffee wise anyway.
But, yes the likelihood is i wont be adding cast iron beans with this mix again.
Wake up you sleepy heads.
Wogan's Josh Eggleton.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190929/848880210d1d0d4b95ba9089b6d0a832.jpg
You dont try things you wont discover things is my motto, coffee wise anyway.
But, yes the likelihood is i wont be adding cast iron beans with this mix again.
Were they endorsed by our resident beanmeister? No... Well, lesson learned!:spank: ;)
Marco.
Wake up you sleepy heads.
Wogan's Josh Eggleton.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190929/848880210d1d0d4b95ba9089b6d0a832.jpg
Looks like it was so good, you've added your your OWN 'shots of milk'!:D
Marco.
Looks like it was so good, you've added your your OWN 'shots of milk'!:D
Marco.TBH every one I have made so far has tasted quite wildly different. A sure sign it needs more resting time. It's too close to its roasting date.
This is Josh. Must try one of his restaurants.
https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/business/michelin-star-chef-josh-eggleton-1972710
Still has the cast in. Still that slight edge.. Not to say its mot good tho and much better than before. Beans were straight from fridge last time which might have been an issue https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190929/14fcd23ca99049e01613f3b6243373eb.jpg
When you know exactly what goes into your coffee. mate, and something's not quite right, it's easy to identify the variable responsible...;)
Marco.
Have you ever tried a bottomless portafilter, Grant?
Yesh, but he uses it for something brown, other than coffee!:D:eyebrows:
Marco.
Have you ever tried a bottomless portafilter, Grant?
not seen them in my size
What is your size, or is your portafilter proprietary Sage only?
What is your size, or is your portafilter proprietary Sage only?
yup.. they say its 54 but its more like 53... probably done to keep you buying their bits .... still its a decent machine for little money. pretty much unbeatable tbh
What's the model number? BES810?
Somebody is taking advantage with cheeky chappie pricing.
https://shop.pullman.coffee/en/pullman-made-products/portafilters/naked-portafilters-sunbeam-breville/product/510-breville-sage-naked-portafilter-bes810-40-60-70-80
https://www.espressoparts.com/resources/barista-basics/bottomless-portafilters
They are interesting and most of what it says in the last link is true.
yup, bes 810. could damn near buy another machine for that:)
That's what I thought.
For my thermos I use a regular double PF. For all the shots I do here these days it is the bottomless.
You do get about 50% more crema. But the basket is much bigger and I think it is inappropriate for single or double espresso. It's basically triple shot.
Will add photos but a small capacity one would be worth trying for when less is more. I will try and find one.
i use a double unpressurised one. it does the job.. obviously a bottomless one would have been nice but not at that price.
It does a different job.
One disadvantage is you get so much crema that traditional latte art is made far harder as the head of the coffee almost refuses to budge.
you should be able to reduce it a bit with bean/tamp/grind. TBH, as much as i'd like a great machine i only have 1 or 2 a day so this one is adequete without costing a fortune. They are usually about 300, but seen them cheaper, which is good value as its a clever bit of kit.
The truth is you can't get a good result if you put less coffee in the filter. There's too much open space if you try. So it become a slushy coffee mix that doesn't filter properly when water is added.
Been there and actually tried it;)
Another point is that if you alter the grind and tamp you cannot get the correct flow rate. You have to have this or the coffee will go all over the place.
It is an ENTIRELY different beast to work with. I was surprised. It takes a lot of practise to do well with.
The reason bottomless portafilters are not supplied with coffee machines as standard is because you need very precise control of tamp and grind or you will just get a mess.
It's too much for most people to invest in or take the time to suss out properly.
As a whole, though, you can get a result that I would say is better.
Decent grinders and calibrated tampers will certainly help. Though to be honest a £150 Ascasso grinder is good enough.
No need for bottomless when it comes out like https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190930/579fa64ea6f642c2b65951f73ad9d194.jpg
Noice... TBH, I haven't a clue what a "bottomless portafilter" is, or its purpose - I keep thinking of a porta-loo!:D
When making coffee gets too technical or complicated [not to mention expensive], with results reliant on gadgets, and in general too much like hard work, it stops being fun.
Marco.
https://www.ecm.de/fileadmin/products/feature-zubehoer/Feature-ECM-FT-Profi_2_Auslauf_seitl.jpg
https://www.1st-line.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/50890.jpg
the difference :)
Lol, I see... So what exactly does it do?:)
Marco.
well less surfaces aid crema retention, and as you can see how it flows out you can also check to see if its evenly distributed when flowing. If its not, then your tamping may for instance be off centre, or if coming more from sides you might not be producing a good seal at sides of filter and coffee.... Overall, although its a handy thing to have its by no means nes.. In fact it can make you too pernickety and lose the spontineity ... certainly not worth 160 bucks plus del lol
well less surfaces aid crema retention, and as you can see how it flows out you can also check to see if its evenly distributed when flowing. If its not, then your tamping may for instance be off centre, or if coming more from sides you might not be producing a good seal at sides of filter and coffee.... Overall, although its a handy thing to have its by no means nes.. In fact it can make you too pernickety and lose the spontineity ... certainly not worth 160 bucks plus del lol
I see, and noted. However, for me the bit in bold hits the nail on the head... I don't want to have to *think* about making a coffee, or for it to turn into a chore (or an exam), especially when I wake up first thing in the morning, all bleary-eyed, dying for my 'caffeine hit'!;)
All I want to do, is go through the (very well-rehearsed) motions, without even thinking, and just make myself a coffee. In that respect, the simplicity (and consistency) of a Moka pot is great:)
When making good coffee becomes too geeky or complicated, I'm out...
Marco.
yup, ive a well rehersed set of actions that never change.. can nearly do them blindfold tbh. i dont get any complaints from myself:eyebrows:
If you don't like bottomless go topless:D
Note: once you have bottomless sussed, it's no quicker or slower than bottom full:D
Well you have to keep the grinder on for 2 seconds more in my case.
It might take you a week of practise to get good, though. Maybe more for some people.
If you're happy with less than the best carry on with a standard pf (deliberate wind up).;)
But in Grants case I'd leave it. He's priced out of it because of Sage's deliberate meddling.
I have the same problem with my De Longhi I would imagine. Haven't used it in years. My old Gaggia Classic allowed bottomless portafilters but I found it IMPOSSIBLE to get acceptable results with it.
It got supped a bit but u get the ideahttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191002/4a080473458634bef3b977dba5a3ecbd.jpg
Nice depth of crema, dude....
So I wonder if Al ever sorted his 'little dilemma', and moreover, if we'll EVER see a picture of a coffee he's made?:hmm:
Marco.
It got supped a bit but u get the ideahttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191002/4a080473458634bef3b977dba5a3ecbd.jpgI'm liking that because it looks different to yer usual.
Nice depth of crema, dude....
So I wonder if Al ever sorted his 'little dilemma', and moreover, if we'll EVER see a picture of a coffee he's made?:hmm:
Marco.I would enforce a permanent ban unless we see something soon.;)
Lol.... He does seem a trifle 'shy':D
No-one will laugh if it's shit, daftee - promishe...:eyebrows:
Marco.
Earlier than usualhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191003/25ec36030a4360d19a0a09ad665b2ec8.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191003/40a1a24f2a1fd446f9d279069b761e31.jpg
Nowhere near Grant's standard
Still looks nice mate, and a cool cup! Thanks for sharing, and please continue to do so with your coffee:)
Marco.
cool cup!
Oh I have a plethora of those :thumbsup:
Audio Al
03-10-2019, 10:02
Nice depth of crema, dude....
So I wonder if Al ever sorted his 'little dilemma', and moreover, if we'll EVER see a picture of a coffee he's made?:hmm:
Marco.
Who lill old me :o
Yes super glue to the rescue and adjuster rod straightened so working again , still in the dialing in the bean grind as this grinder does sutch fine adjustments , Currently the grind is now to fine and I am working my way backwards , As the puck is waterlogged and needing just under 10 bar pressure to get and water through it :eek:
Tried this morning at 4am but DOH!!! the milk was off and curdled :(
Out soon for fresh milk well as fresh as it is in the blue big 4 supermarket
Beobloke
03-10-2019, 10:11
All I want to do, is go through the (very well-rehearsed) motions, without even thinking, and just make myself a coffee. In that respect, the simplicity (and consistency) of a Moka pot is great:).
A fully automatic DeLonghi machine is even easier! ;)
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191004/3e3bf346d43cd1f12b4d8a14e1cfcaa3.jpg
Slurp https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191004/efe4ed557394fc98b08d09990c8cd8af.jpg
Tried any of the Wogan's yet Grant?
Tried any of the Wogan's yet Grant?
nope, but very soon Justin.. Just draining the hoppa. Once empty it will be Terry time:lol:
kenyan aa it will be.. de gassed now, and whiffing very nice..:eyebrows:
OK some Wigan in the mix as there were some beans in hopper.. Will try it itself later.
This is quite a nice mix tho. The wogan has deffo added something nice. Not sure what yet tho.. Came out nicely too visually https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191004/b45bed49f65b5973b694ac8305e76f1f.jpg
I am doing the Honduras at the moment.
They are top coffees I have no doubt. I think you are going to be in for a real treat;)
That's about 5 different ones of theirs I have had now and in their own way they have all been very good. Better than HasBean or Extract to my taste buds.
Mind you not done Funka yet and the above said I do still think Extract are a good supplier. Just not as good overall as Wogan.
Try the Peaberry first. I love it.
julesd68
04-10-2019, 16:45
I've just ordered four more bags of the Nicaraguan Natural from Wogan.
Also ordered the Peruvian Feminino - let's see how good a job the women do with it ... :)
I had the Nicuraguan and initially didn't like it.
By the end of the 250g I thought it was just seriously, seriously good.
Strange thing coffee sometimes.;)
On the Honduran I had a neat espresso with it this morning. Excellent. Then a thermos full with milk. Not as impressive with a thermos full of milk but still good. I reckon a bottomless portafilter triple shot with milk will work a lot better. But as espresso it's fabulous.
Audio Al
04-10-2019, 17:19
I just ordered some formic acid as my ECM must be clogged up :(
Excellent. If you're coffee's pish, you can always drink the acid!:D
Marco.
I just ordered some formic acid as my ECM must be clogged up :(No you fixed that. Remember?
Try lysergic acid instead. I heard it's mind bending to the extent your coffee machine will ALWAYS work.
Really.
;)
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