The Coffeehouse.... Baristi, Barista, Bariste

[Marco]

*Much* better, mate! Now it looks like coffee... I'm surprised you don't notice the difference yourself when posting pics, without me having to point it out

It ain't subtle

Marco.

[struth]

too late after its drunk

[Marco]

Lol - I meant just as you've taken the pic, before you've drank the coffee... Don't you check to see how the image looks on a screen first before posting it? I usually end up taking quite a few before I'm happy with the results

Marco.

[struth]

depends but obviously not those ones. probably too keen to drink it

[Marco]

Lol. understandable

Marco.

[Ian7633]

I'm preparing myself for the barrage of hate but here goes anyway . My sister bought me a Dulce Gusto pod machine for Christmas. I can't drink too much coffee due to digestion problems but I still enjoy a cup now and then. I'm pleasantly surprised how nice the results from the little machine are, really good, fully rounded drinks. Now I know these pods are a pricy way to have a coffee but as my consumption isn't that much it's fine plus there is quite a large choice of coffees and other drinks available. Also I've found a reusable pod you can put your own blends in, not tried it but could be a way expand the machine's uses.
Not for the real coffee oficionado but not bad at what it does.

[struth]

nowt intrinsically wrong with them. especally if its for occasional use. daughter has one of those

[Marco]

I'm preparing myself for the barrage of hate but here goes anyway

Ya tasteless lazy big bugger!

I'm afraid that's as good as the "barrage of hate" will get... Ian, it's all about whatever works for you in your circumstances, so if the DG's doing it for you, then cool (I started with the same), and please post pics of some of your coffees

The only thing I have against pods is their use of plastic, but if you don't use them that often then it's ok. If you have time on your hands though, I'd thoroughly recommend a Moka pot, such as I use. These cost around £30 and can produce coffee just as good in flavour as expensive professional machines, especially if you grind your own beans.

Then simply get a milk frother (and hand-grinder), for around the same amount, if you want to make lattes or cappuccinos, and once you've tasted the results of that (and coffee made from freshly ground beans), you'll never go back to pods, trust me!

And if you need any reccos on pots, grinders or frothers, or how best to use a Moka pot, I'm here to help

Marco.

[Ian7633]

I have got a Greek briki for making Greek and Turkish coffee. I really love this type of coffee but it does cause me problems if I have it too often. I have a bit of a thing for Greek drinks, 5 star Metaxa is a real favourite, much nicer than the posh 7 star. I got VERY drunk on Ouzo one night and even now I'm not too keen on anything aniseed lol.

[Marco]

I also love Greek and Turkish coffee, but only in Greek or Turkish restaurants

Dunno how to use a Briki though, or whether it'd be any good for making espresso-style coffee. The secret though, is to consume *everything* in moderation, so that includes strong coffee as well as booze!

Marco.