Don't Leave It All Unsaid

Another frustrating day for steaming soapy water. I'd say I was acceptable about a third of the time and actually where I want to be only 1-2 times. The shop was slow because of the pouring down rain, so I appreciated the time to practice, I just wish it had been more fruitful.

The only good news is that I spoke with a regular (who also happens to be someone I went to high school with) and he seemed intrigued by both my coffee book club idea as well as the existence of this blog. He asked me a few questions about the Chemex versus pour-over and I gave my opinions on both. I like when I can feel I answered a question accurately and with some degree of expertise, even when it's an opinion. It's nice to have an educated opinion to offer, as opposed to when I'd started at the shop and had to defer to someone else. I'm definitely learning, even if it's not as quickly as I'd prefer. Elizabeth, one of the co-owners of the shop, and I spoke tonight about diligence and practice, and how it's proven that baristas who practice have good results. I have no problem with hard work, so that's good, and I'm crossing my fingers that I also possess enough of the innate skills that make a great barista. I guess only time will tell.

Today's only "real" pour attempt, a cappuccino that tasted terrific and looked only so-so:


Upward and onward, folks. Behind the Marzocco is no place for a whiner.

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The powers of a man's mind are directly proportioned to the quantity of coffee he drinks. - Sir James Mackintosh