SHOCK Said:

I have been turning out using store ground Starbucks (generally Espresso roast, sometimes Italian) for a Saeco Vapore.

The first step was to buy a Rocky DL grinder so whole bean could be used at home (on its' way as I write this), and now I am planning either a Pasquini Livia 90 or a Isomac Tea.

In keeping with the new equipment, I'd like to find a more satisfying bean.

I'd like to try Lavazza, but at $30 for a bag and no idea what to expect I'd sooner try a few local roasts out, or at least find a place that sells Lavazza in a more practical size.

Any recommendations?

-on a separate note, comments about either machine I've got planned (or a lead on any for sale locally) would be appreciated as well.

Posted March 16, 2003 link

•  Regarding the grinder.  I, like you bought a Rocky initally, but immediately returned it and got a Mazzer Mini to go with my TEA.  I don't think you would regret doing the same thing.  If you're going to go all-out, then go all-out, IMO.
  
  
• Regarding more satisfying beans.  I know what you're thinking about home roasting...that is for the real nuts.  But it produces the best coffee available and I now roast at home almost exclusively.
  
  
•  Regarding Local Espresso machine dealers.  There are a few in Seattle.  However, they typically only carry one or two high-end home machines so it's hard to compare.  In addition, their prices are much higher than what you'd pay on the Internet.  The only exception that I'm aware of is Espressoparts.com in Olympia.  Yes, it's a little drive from Seattle, but it's definietely worth it.  They carry a few different machines including the famed Wega line.  If you go down and talk to the owner, Terry, he knows more about machines than just about anybody I've met.  His internet prices are not the best.  However, if you go there and pick it up yourself, you may do MUCH better than using Internet.  Though he doesn't regularly stock the Isomacs or Livas, he may have some in his basement or be able to get hold of them for relatively cheap.  Check out the Wega Lyra as an alternative to the Tea at his store.  
  
  
• Good locally roasted Coffee...well there's a lot of it.  If there were anywhere in the US where you didn't need to roast your own, it would be in the Seattle area.  I'll just list a few:  Lighthouse Roasters in Freemont, Vivace on Capitol Hill, Uptown Espresso at the base of Queen Anne, Messiah Coffee on Capital Hill, Cafe Ladro at base of Queen Anne and next to Paramount Theater, Cafe Vita on Capital Hill and Downtown, and newest that I've found is Caffefiore.  Outside Seattle, there's Martin Henry on River Road toward Puyallup and Batdorf Bronson in Olympia (if you go to Espressoparts.com in Olympia, be sure to try Batdorf).
  
  
• Regarding Lavazza, it's ok.  But Illy is considered to be the best Italian coffee.  Both are, however very expensive and will not be as fresh as locally roasted coffees.