Interest today from many corners
Category: miscellany
when is a chain not a chain?
When I was in Milwaukee last summer I visited an outlet of Colectivo Coffee, a local coffee business with 13 cafes in the Milwaukee area, three in Madison, WI, and four (soon to be five) in Chicagoland.
I liked the ambience, the coffee was very good (if not exceptional). Felt like a small, independent cafe, definitely nothing like a shop that’s part of a multi-outlet behemoth.
Continue readingcoffee may not improve your jumper, but….
Here’s an interesting article on NBA athletes trying to boost their game by drinking coffee before tip-off. I’ve heard before of people trying an espresso shot before working out, but not this kind of pregame pick-me-up.
A lot of it makes sense, and I’m also glad to see any move away from the poison of “energy drinks.” Figures that Portland would be one of the franchises driving the trend, given it’s geographically the most remote franchise, as well as a hotbed for high-quality coffee.
La Terza Onda del Caffé
Here’s an interesting story about Italy’s resistance to third wave coffee.
Lots to digest here. I’m a fan of both approaches.
Continue readingbest of mattymacchiato in 2018
Hi Kids!
Thanks to everyone who took a look at this nonsense in 2018; I’m absolutely stunned to see that, as of this writing, there’s been exactly 1,300 (!) page views*. Here’s a quick look back at those posts that were viewed the most, and the ones I took the most pleasure in writing.
*I reckon I myself must only be responsible for, what, 1,283 of them
Continue readingMatty’s Holiday Coffee Gift Guide
this is the original 2018 version; also see my 2019 holiday gift guide
You can do better than a Starbucks gift card.
Here are a few suggestions for showing a little holiday love to the coffee drinker in your life. Prices are as of this date and, like much in life, subject to change. Shop around for best deals.
Continue readingBarista Q&A: Randi Milton, Northside Social
Editor’s Note: Today I visited Randi Milton, General Manager of Northside Social in Arlington, VA, before the morning rush kicked in to get the view from the other side of the machine. Anyone who has looked at this blog knows that Northside is my go-to for great drinks, great food and great service (here’s my earlier review). I’m very grateful to Randi for her time, hope you all enjoy this as much as I did.
hot new Thanksgiving special
It’s a….. uhm……. wild turkey?
I’ll get it right eventually.
still not there yet
So far my efforts at homemade latte art are not quite barista-worthy. I keep coming up with something that looks like Prince’s love symbol or other suggestive images melded into a poor copy of Edvard Munch’s The Scream. Will keep trying.
master class
This morning I returned to the Counter Culture training center in DC. It was time to learn how to make a better espresso, and (hopefully) how to make some latte art. Not to mention the attraction of getting on a La Marzocco machine I could never hope to own.
