segfault Senior Member Joined: 16 Dec 2002 Posts: 37 Location: Centennial, Colorado, USA Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Rancilio Silvia Grinder: Nuova Simonelli MCF Vac Pot: Press: Bodum Drip: Mr. Coffee Roaster: n/a
Posted Thu Feb 27, 2003, 2:01pm Subject: Aurora / Centennial, CO Coffee Bliss
Well, I had become resigned to the fact that no coffee bar in the Aurora area (and perhaps Denver) could pull a truly great shot of espresso. About as close as I had gotten to a decent shot was the two Dietrich Coffee shops around here - although all of them pull shots around 14 sec. on their La Marz machines.
But today I was out at Carmine Lonardo's (Italian Deli and Grocery) getting some Lavazza Super Crema to try in my Silvia (I've been trying just about everyone's espresso roasts, local and Italian), and the proprietor tells me he just opened a coffee shop. So I asked, and he mentioned that his shop is the coffee bar in the new Library branch here. (the Smoky Hill Branch of Arapahoe Libraries). The name: "Carmine's Internet Café". He tells me how he has had an expert from Italy over training his five workers and himself for the last three weeks, but she has just left back to Italy yesterday.
I couldn't resist, so I immediately went over to get a double espresso. The kid who was running the shop was astounded I wanted a double espresso, no milk, no sugar, nothing. He proceeded to grind my shot to order (Lavazza beans), put the portafilter into the nicely heated new WEGA 2-group semi-auto, and then asked me if I wanted a short, normal, or long pull. This is getting better all the time, is what I'm thinking. "Short," I say. And he picks up a nicely warmed Lavazza-logoed ceramic cup off of the top of the machine and proceeds to pull a 22 second double, about 2 ounces. Handing it to me, he said, "I can't believe you drink this stuff straight!" (Kids these days!)
In a word: awesome. Not a god shot, but WAY better than every shot I've had around here. I compliment him, and he mentions how much he had to learn from his Italian trainer, and how picky she was. I tell him it paid off, he is pretty good.
I haven't tried their cappas, so I don't know if they've learned to froth, but I am impressed that they're willing to train their baristas. Life is good. And the doubles are only $1.65. Whooo! Like I needed any more inspiration to go to the library!
Karnin Senior Member Joined: 2 Jul 2003 Posts: 72 Location: Denver Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: mmm mm good Drip: Ok, I gave in Roaster: "Elmer" the heat gun (yes, I...
Posted Mon Oct 20, 2003, 9:23am Subject: Re: Aurora / Centennial, CO Coffee Bliss
segfault Said:
Well, I had become resigned to the fact that no coffee bar in the Aurora area (and perhaps Denver) could pull a truly great shot of espresso. About as close as I had gotten to a decent shot was the two Dietrich Coffee shops around here - although all of them pull shots around 14 sec. on their La Marz machines.
I had come to the same conclusion while staying in those parts with my mother, and am glad to hear that there is finally some place to go, I will keep that in mind. Now if I could only find something closer to me (between Denver and Boulder) that would be peachy. As for now, I am still trying to add to my limited experience so that I may justify a home set up.
DSW Senior Member Joined: 19 Feb 2004 Posts: 1 Location: Englewood, Co Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Silvia Grinder: Mazzer Mini Roaster: Danesi, Illy
Posted Thu Feb 19, 2004, 9:23pm Subject: Re: Aurora / Centennial, CO Coffee Bliss
I agree, have not been able to find any decent baristas who have any know-how to pull good shots around the Denver area. I did however find a great place recently called Poggio's in Highland Square on Lowell & 32d. It's a real authentic Italian style cafe and I had one of the best double ristretto's on the town in a long time. It's a cool atmosphere as well.
It's amazing to me the lack of skills in baristas at most coffee houses. Also, the selection of the dark oily beans they use because most people ruin good espresso with all the syrups and junk to water it down!
We found a local distributor who carries Danesi beans for a great price and a very smooth taste- similar to N. Italian medium roast like Illy.
x Senior Member Joined: 29 Sep 2002 Posts: 322 Location: x Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Mon Mar 29, 2004, 6:40pm Subject: Re: Aurora / Centennial, CO Coffee Bliss
Hello, You might try "Kaladi Brothers Coffee" down by DU I don't have the phone book in front of me so can't give the address. They roast using a sevitz roaster, something a little different. I haven't been their in quite a while as it is quite a hike for me but I think it is worth checking out. http://www.kaladicoffee.com
For those up north there is a shop called the "Jazzy Bean" in Firestone, I went their as they use Dr. Josuma's malabar for their espresso. I wanted to compare theirs to me roasting the malabar gold at home.
Signalman, I'm surprised you didn't mention the little shop just south of downtown Golden on Washington, isn't it Higher Grounds? I stopped in and ordered a double shot macchiato, and the woman behind the bar made me a marvelous drink! She's older, probably late 50's, and actually has read an espresso recipe book to know what proper terminology and corresponding ingredients are. I'm finding the smaller shops to be really, and I mean Really preferable to the Starbucks and Peaberrys. Had a super disappointing double espresso from a *$ superautomatic on Sunday - never again.
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