Chicago Coffee Fest and the MWRBC

Brian D from EspressoParts
Originally uploaded by OldTimeyDave.

Well Chicago is the coffee place to be for the weekend of the 23-25. Not only is CoffeeFest in town, more importantly they will see hosted at the same event the MidWest Regional Barista Competition. This region has become highly watched over the past few years. You can expect the baristas and coffee of Intelligentsia to make a good show, however the good folks of Alterra Coffee Roasters could likely give them a run for their money. It will be interesting to see what comes about.

In any case Terry Z is flying solo for this one so stop by the EspressoParts booth and say hi. Check out the product lineups from the likes of Espressocraft, Bumper, Joe Glo, and Pallo. Chicago is a show we always mean to attend but never make it to. Perhaps next year Brian and I will also attend... and then we'll get to ship "Robo Cube" (as seen above) our portable traveling trade show booth.

This year I'll just have to settle for my annual vacation to Wintergass...

The Yama 5 Cup Tabletop Vacpot - Complete Set Up

The Yama 5 Cup Tabletop Vacpot - Complete Set Up
Originally uploaded by OldTimeyDave.

Yama Vacpots are back... But where did they go to begin with?

Well Yama used to be imported by Baratza and when they made the move to commit to grinders the ever popular Yama Vacpot was unavailable in North America.

Well they are back and better than ever, and have introduced a table top version that comes complete with a alcohol lamp. The lamp uses any ole rubbing alcohol available at any drug store or for a hotter burn and quicker boil use "Denatured" Alcohol available at most hardware stores.

I love this tabletop version and will be taking one home soon for a relaxing Saturday/Sunday Morning cup of vacpot coffee. Not to say you can't make it any old morning it takes about 5 minutes to boil when starting with already hot water, and about 2 minutes to brew once water is boiling.

The 8 Cup Stove Top Yama works equally as fast and makes an equally mean cup of coffee.

You can view our Yama Vacuum Siphon Coffee Maker adventure by clicking on the picture above.

Trabant - Seattle Roaster/Cafe Tour 02-01-07

Trabant - Seattle Roaster/Cafe Tour 02-01-07
Originally uploaded by OldTimeyDave.

We witnessed a very cool Linea Mod while on cafe tour in Seattle last Thursday. Check it out... A lit work area!