Author Topic: Starbucks, does anyone ever drink real coffee? (Read 7805 times)

Bob Marino · « **on:** March 04, 2017, 12:13 PM »

Ah, the ubiquitous Starbucks. Can't get away from them; nor would I want to. But the lines...and they aren't giving that away either.
So I buy whole bean coffee (Whole Foods) and grind it up right before I make a cup or two. I'm no coffee aficionado, but I like a good cup of strong coffee, preferably French Roast. Anyhow, get up this morning and my coffee grinder is broken. Forced to drink of green tea for a bit of caffeine. Anyhow, I don't feel like spending another chunk of money on a new grinder (this is my second grinder breaking in 4 years) sooooooooooo I head to Starbucks and of course the line waiting is about 10 people long and a couple of dozen waiting for pick ups. And of course everyone's head buried into their phones.

"Oh, I'd like a Grande Caramel Macchiato with an extra shot." "Can I have an Iced Cinnamon Almond milk Macchiato, please." I'll have an Green Tea Crème Frappuccino Blended Crème with soy milk." And so on...and on.... and on.....

I get it that these are huge moneymakers@ about $4.00-$5.00 a pop, but does anyone order real coffee anymore? Does anyone remember what real coffee takes like? Does it matter anymore? I suggest having two lines - one for those pia customers ordering those time consuming phony-baloney dessert drinks and another one for people who simply want, well.....a simple cup of coffee! Or maybe I'm just getting increasingly impatient as I'm getting older.

pettyconstruction · « **Reply #1 on:** March 04, 2017, 12:27 PM »

Yeah after hearing the peeps in front of me , I ordered a 5 pump ,extra shot pump,med, BLACK coffee.
Not even a chuckle , oh and I was asked if I wanted room for cream

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Bob Marino · « **Reply #2 on:** March 04, 2017, 12:36 PM »

Quote from: pettyconstruction on March 04, 2017, 12:27 PM

Yeah after hearing the peeps in front of me , I ordered a 5 pump ,extra shot pump,med, BLACK coffee.
Not even a chuckle , oh and I was asked if I wanted room for cream

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Actually, since my above stated scenario is so common, I have asked - with only slight sarcasm if they still sold coffee here anymore - as well as my 2 line suggestion with a wee bit of stronger language.

RustE · « **Reply #3 on:** March 04, 2017, 12:54 PM »

It's not a choice, it's a lack of options. I would rather give the money to a Mom & Pop business when those are around.

As to Starbucks, I frequently get a Venti Americano when traveling for work. Always order using the app on my iPhone to avoid waiting.

Bob Marino · « **Reply #4 on:** March 04, 2017, 01:27 PM »

Quote from: RustE on March 04, 2017, 12:54 PM

It's not a choice, it's a lack of options. I would rather give the money to a Mom & Pop business when those are around.

As to Starbucks, I frequently get a Venti Americano when traveling for work. Always order using the app on my iPhone to avoid waiting.

I like mom and pops, but I have yet to go into a diner and get a decent cup of coffee. At least with Starbucks, I know what I'm getting.

Tim Raleigh · « **Reply #5 on:** March 04, 2017, 01:45 PM »

Quote from: Bob Marino on March 04, 2017, 12:13 PM

Anyhow, I don't feel like spending another chunk of money on a new grinder (this is my second grinder breaking in 4 years)

I am too weak to resist the cakes etc. at Starbucks.
Just get a new grinder. They aren't that expensive compared to the time and money wasted in Starbucks. I have a Capresso burr grinder. We grind a medium dark whole bean for about 8 cups of coffee everyday. I clean it out periodically but it works great.
I don't like the taste of Starbucks coffee but will order an espresso when I feel the need. They are consistent, but they are packed around here too.
Tim

w802h · « **Reply #6 on:** March 04, 2017, 01:53 PM »

Perhaps Festool will come out with a special coffee grinding pad for the Rotex! Do you want Saphir or Granat crystals in your brew?

Bob Marino · « **Reply #7 on:** March 04, 2017, 01:58 PM »

Quote from: Tim Raleigh on March 04, 2017, 01:45 PM

Quote from: Bob Marino on March 04, 2017, 12:13 PM
Anyhow, I don't feel like spending another chunk of money on a new grinder (this is my second grinder breaking in 4 years)

I am too weak to resist the cakes etc. at Starbucks.
Just get a new grinder. They aren't that expensive compared to the time and money wasted in Starbucks. I have a Capresso burr grinder. We grind a medium dark whole bean for about 8 cups of coffee everyday. I clean it out periodically but it works great.
I don't like the taste of Starbucks coffee but will order an espresso when I feel the need. They are consistent, but they are packed around here too.
Tim

I'll just buy coffee and grind it in the store I'm in, instead of getting a new grinder right now. Maybe I'll see if there is some type of place that does small appliance repairs.

RustE · « **Reply #8 on:** March 04, 2017, 02:20 PM »

Bob, what grinder do you keep destroying?

Z48LT1 · « **Reply #9 on:** March 04, 2017, 02:22 PM »

Anything worth doing is worth overdoing:

Starbucks, does anyone ever drink real coffee?

Courtesy Imgur.

Cheers - Gary

DrD · « **Reply #10 on:** March 04, 2017, 02:27 PM »

Bob, your post reminds me of the FBI agent in the long discontinued TV-series Twin Peaks, each time he ate breakfast at the diner, "Now that's a damned fine cup of coffee."

I'll drink to that.

Don

Bob Marino · « **Reply #11 on:** March 04, 2017, 02:37 PM »

Quote from: RustE on March 04, 2017, 02:20 PM

Bob, what grinder do you keep destroying?

It's a Cuisinart burr grinder. Similar to this one.

https://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-CBM-18N-Programmable-Conical-Burr/dp/B001NGO28Q

Tracky · « **Reply #12 on:** March 04, 2017, 02:59 PM »

Try this one. Had one for many years.

/KitchenAid-KCG0702CU-Coffee-Grinder-Contour

jobsworth · « **Reply #13 on:** March 04, 2017, 03:28 PM »

Reg coffee with milk and I'm good

Cheese · « **Reply #14 on:** March 04, 2017, 03:32 PM »

Ya we've got a KitchenAid Pro burr grinder that my wife's been able to abuse for the last 8 years and it's still going strong. She's tough on equipment and she readily acknowledges the fact.

Almost takes pride in the fact...

Frank-Jan · « **Reply #15 on:** March 04, 2017, 04:05 PM »

I’m not a coffee snob, but I do like coffee and drink lots of it. I don’t keep my beans in the freezer, and I prefer my coffee with milk and sugar, so that’s probably blasphemy for the true aficionado.
We don’t have a seperate grinder, and just pour the beans into the fullauto espresso machine.
We don’t have many Starbucks around here, but I had coffee from there a few times (two or three times over the years, and just a large regular coffee).
I do remember my first experience with the funny coffee stuff. We were visiting family in Canada in 2006 and we went to a Tim Horton’s.
Since it looked like a place that specialised in coffee, I thought I’d have a cappuccino… They asked if I wanted a hazelnut toffee, a caramelsomethingorother or an Ice-cappuccino (which looked like a mokka coloured milkshake) Since the regular cappuccino wasn’t an option I went for just regular coffee instead.

McNally Family · « **Reply #16 on:** March 04, 2017, 04:31 PM »

By the time I add half and half, and sugar, I couldn't tell you where my actual coffee came from, so I go cheap and am very happy. Besides, I limit myself to one cup with breakfast, and drink water the rest of the day.

magellan · « **Reply #17 on:** March 04, 2017, 04:38 PM »

My days of grinding coffee are gone. We don't do more than one cup apiece in the AM so she bought a Keurig. I do miss a good strong cup of joe in the morning but we wasted a lot of coffee Maybe I should send you the old grinder. I'll first have to clean the turquoise out of it. It works great for grinding rocks for inlays. I've been grinding turquoise in it for years

Buy the new grinder. Maybe FESTOOL makes a green one LIMITED EDITION like the pro 5. $$$$

RobBob · « **Reply #18 on:** March 04, 2017, 04:49 PM »

I bought a refurbished Breville grinder from this company and it has been going strong for a couple of years now. They have a great selection and give their honest opinions of each one.

Coffee Grinders

McNally Family · « **Reply #19 on:** March 04, 2017, 05:12 PM »

Quote from: magellan on March 04, 2017, 04:38 PM

My days of grinding coffee are gone. We don't do more than one cup apiece in the AM so she bought a Keurig. I do miss a good strong cup of joe in the morning but we wasted a lot of coffee Maybe I should send you the old grinder. I'll first have to clean the turquoise out of it. It works great for grinding rocks for inlays. I've been grinding turquoise in it for years

Buy the new grinder. Maybe FESTOOL makes a green one LIMITED EDITION like the pro 5. $$$$

We have the original Keurig, but recently I went with the reusable coffee holder, since those plastic K-cups sit in the landfill forever, never breaking down. I realized one day we were going to all that trouble to recycle, but were still using the K-cup for coffee. It is a little more trouble in the morning, but since the grounds go into the compost pale, the garden thanks us.

I think I heard the Keurig 2.0 might use cups that do break down, but I'm not sure. Since there is nothing wrong with my current machine, I doubt I would buy a new one at this point.

pettyconstruction · « **Reply #20 on:** March 04, 2017, 05:14 PM »

Quote from: Bob Marino on March 04, 2017, 12:36 PM

Quote from: pettyconstruction on March 04, 2017, 12:27 PM
Yeah after hearing the peeps in front of me , I ordered a 5 pump ,extra shot pump,med, BLACK coffee.
Not even a chuckle , oh and I was asked if I wanted room for cream

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Actually, since my above stated scenario is so common, I have asked - with only slight sarcasm if they still sold coffee here anymore - as well as my 2 line suggestion with a wee bit of stronger language.

I got the sarcasm,I was trying to be funny.
We have a company out here called "Dutch brothers" that's good.
Started in Grants pass ,or
Charlie

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

Untidy Shop · « **Reply #21 on:** March 04, 2017, 05:24 PM »

This Is Why Australians Hate Starbucks!

Eight years ago, Starbucks spectacularly failed in Australia. And yet we are some of the highest per capita drinkers of espresso machine based coffee.

There are hints as to why, even in the previous posts - but we like real coffee down here, Mate!

Will they succeed a second time!?

https://munchies.vice.com/en_us/article/this-is-why-australians-hate-starbucks-58acd87313f4b0c58c4f1b65

http://www.news.com.au/finance/business/retail/starbucks-coffee-is-quietly-expanding-in-australia-after-humiliating-retreat-eight-years-ago/news-story/b7f136c4d78f24aaa600a3822b1e31b4

Holmz · « **Reply #22 on:** March 04, 2017, 05:59 PM »

I get a 3 shot latte in the kid sized cup. (maybe 6 oz).

Bob Marino · « **Reply #23 on:** March 04, 2017, 06:49 PM »

Quote from: DrD on March 04, 2017, 02:27 PM

Bob, your post reminds me of the FBI agent in the long discontinued TV-series Twin Peaks, each time he ate breakfast at the diner, "Now that's a damned fine cup of coffee."

I'll drink to that.

Don

Don,

I was PM'd a YouTube segment from the Sopranos TV saga, where Tony and Big P walk into I'm guessing a Starbuck's and it's so hilarious. It would be posted here, but the language is stronger than 2 day old espresso.

Bob Marino · « **Reply #24 on:** March 04, 2017, 06:51 PM »

Quote from: Cheese on March 04, 2017, 03:32 PM

Ya we've got a KitchenAid Pro burr grinder that my wife's been able to abuse for the last 8 years and it's still going strong. She's tough on equipment and she readily acknowledges the fact. Almost takes pride in the fact...

Was that made in the USA or in China?

Bob Marino · « **Reply #25 on:** March 04, 2017, 06:53 PM »

Quote from: jobsworth on March 04, 2017, 03:28 PM

Reg coffee with milk and I'm good

Me too, or a good espresso on occasion.

Bob Marino · « **Reply #26 on:** March 04, 2017, 06:56 PM »

Quote from: pettyconstruction on March 04, 2017, 05:14 PM

Quote from: Bob Marino on March 04, 2017, 12:36 PM
Quote from: pettyconstruction on March 04, 2017, 12:27 PM
Yeah after hearing the peeps in front of me , I ordered a 5 pump ,extra shot pump,med, BLACK coffee.
Not even a chuckle , oh and I was asked if I wanted room for cream

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Actually, since my above stated scenario is so common, I have asked - with only slight sarcasm if they still sold coffee here anymore - as well as my 2 line suggestion with a wee bit of stronger language.
I got the sarcasm,I was trying to be funny.
We have a company out here called "Dutch brothers" that's good.
Started in Grants pass ,or
Charlie

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

You were funny. I was referring to my sarcasm when I asked the Starbuck's "baristas" if they actually sell coffee there and to my suggestion of the 2 lines.

Peter Halle · « **Reply #27 on:** March 04, 2017, 07:03 PM »

Bob, buddy, friend - you sell Festool. Use the tools. Right? The Festool RSM's do the whole math and value of time aspect when demoing the tools. Two years for a less than $100 grinder + the coffee beans + your time value before you have coffee (most people would have a zero for that figure, but you are a great guy so you need to figure out something for that) / divided by the cost of a cup of Starbucks x the aggravation factor = ....

OR just rig up a RAS-115 with 24 grit Rubin and go to town.

Next time I see you the coffee is on me.

Peter

bkharman · « **Reply #28 on:** March 04, 2017, 07:31 PM »

At home, I drink espresso and the occasional French press. If I want to sip on something a bit more, I make a doppio or an Americano.

I generally avoid Starbucks as we have several good baristas near me that make great drinks. They make a Cincinnatian that has Cheyenne pepper in it... very yummy!

I don't consider myself a coffee snob but I have been called one.

I take my time with my coffee... standing in line and getting bitter acidic coffee doesn't sound like any fun to me.

Bob, get one of these grinders. I have 2 of them in different parts of the house and my oldest one I bought in Germany in 1991.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VZEKMI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_PU1UybTVZY6QX

Cheers. Bryan.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

neilc · « **Reply #29 on:** March 04, 2017, 07:51 PM »

Bob - if you go to Starbucks, use the mobile app and pre-order. It stores your favorite orders with the options you like and you are a couple of taps away from jumping all the lines. I often will order before I get to Starbucks and it's waiting for me on the counter. Or in the drive-thru.

I think Starbucks has said something like 25% of their business now is paid for via a mobile app. Not sure how many are pre-ordering.

If your Cuisinart grinder is no longer working, it's worth a phone call to them to see if they will replace it. My experience with them and others like Black & Decker has been good on replacements for their small electrics. Particularly if they are not that old.

Bob Marino · « **Reply #30 on:** March 04, 2017, 08:26 PM »

Hey Pete, Bryan and Neil,

Just to clarify, I went to Starbucks today to get a pound of French Roast ground up, not to stand in line for a cup of coffee. I made that java when I got home. But when I'm around town or in NYC, Neil, that call ahead app is a great idea.

Cheese · « **Reply #31 on:** March 04, 2017, 09:25 PM »

Quote from: Bob Marino on March 04, 2017, 06:51 PM

Was that made in the USA or in China?

Unfortunately...China...

mrFinpgh · « **Reply #32 on:** March 04, 2017, 10:11 PM »

I've been usingthis one for about 4 or 5 years now and it has performed quite well.

I use an aeropress, so typically it's set just a little finer than drip.

-Adam

jtwood · « **Reply #33 on:** March 04, 2017, 11:01 PM »

Bob, I live in SoCal and the Costco Warehouses here sell a 2 1/2 lb. bag of Starbucks French Roast Whole Bean for about $20. The savings over Starbucks $12/ lb. will pay for the new grinder pretty quickly, or, you can use the Costco machine to grind it on your way out the door. You just need a Costco card.

Steve

yetihunter · « **Reply #34 on:** March 04, 2017, 11:17 PM »

Quote from: Bob Marino on March 04, 2017, 12:13 PM

Ah, the ubiquitous Starbucks. Can't get away from them; nor would I want to. But the lines...and they aren't giving that away either.
So I buy whole bean coffee (Whole Foods) and grind it up right before I make a cup or two. I'm no coffee aficionado, but I like a good cup of strong coffee, preferably French Roast. Anyhow, get up this morning and my coffee grinder is broken. Forced to drink of green tea for a bit of caffeine. Anyhow, I don't feel like spending another chunk of money on a new grinder (this is my second grinder breaking in 4 years) sooooooooooo I head to Starbucks and of course the line waiting is about 10 people long and a couple of dozen waiting for pick ups. And of course everyone's head buried into their phones.

"Oh, I'd like a Grande Caramel Macchiato with an extra shot." "Can I have an Iced Cinnamon Almond milk Macchiato, please." I'll have an Green Tea Crème Frappuccino Blended Crème with soy milk." And so on...and on.... and on.....

I get it that these are huge moneymakers@ about $4.00-$5.00 a pop, but does anyone order real coffee anymore? Does anyone remember what real coffee takes like? Does it matter anymore? I suggest having two lines - one for those pia customers ordering those time consuming phony-baloney dessert drinks and another one for people who simply want, well.....a simple cup of coffee! Or maybe I'm just getting increasingly impatient as I'm getting older.

I spice my black coffee up with ice.

SRSemenza · « **Reply #35 on:** March 04, 2017, 11:24 PM »

Please don't post the link or video on FOG but a youtube search for Paulie Trys To Order Just Coffee will find the Sopranos link Bob posted about.

Seth

grbmds · « **Reply #36 on:** March 04, 2017, 11:31 PM »

Always hated coffee and, for the most part, the taste of coffee. With Starbucks, I don't have to taste the coffee, get some caffeine from the expresso, and, I go with sugar free mocha, taste just enough coffee in combination with chocolate, and don't really get that much sugar and less calories. I have never stopped anywhere on a regular basis for coffee. For me, coffee is really just a way to wake me up. Otherwise I don't like it or buy it.

Kev · « **Reply #37 on:** March 05, 2017, 04:03 AM »

Coffee in the US is the worst I've had on the entire planet. Disgusting doesn't even start to describe it. And Starbucks pumps out putrid, vile sewer sludge.

I really don't understand why the US can't do coffee. It's not hard

Untidy Shop · « **Reply #38 on:** March 05, 2017, 05:00 AM »

@Kev I agree that Starbucks does not make Coffee; but I well remember having some excellent Expresso Shorts in NA, particularly in The Village and in some 'alternative areas' as in Hipster areas of SF and LA. But then I have also had similarly excellent Expressos in some Italian and French motorway service stations.

If Starbucks are going to grow again in the Australian market, a significant barrier is McCafe as in McDonalds [at least it is Coffee] let alone my local country general store with a trained Barrista.

Bob Marino · « **Reply #39 on:** March 05, 2017, 06:56 AM »

Quote from: Kev on March 05, 2017, 04:03 AM

Coffee in the US is the worst I've had on the entire planet. Disgusting doesn't even start to describe it. And Starbucks pumps out putrid, vile sewer sludge.

I really don't understand why the US can't do coffee. It's not hard

Kev,

Please don't hold back, tell us how you really feel.

I would certainly disagree about Starbuck's coffee, not their multi calorie, sugar and fat laden other drinks, but their other straight brewed coffees. I'm no coffee expert and my choice is usually a French Roast or some other dark roast. A good, strong coffee in the morning for me is something I look forward to and starts my day. I would agree that many of the Starbuck's offerings are over roasted. Actually, I buy most of my coffee at Whole Foods because the price is good and so is the French Roast and/or City Blend. I have yet to find a diner anywhere that serves a decent strong cup of coffee though, so there definitely is a paucity of shops serving good coffee, but they are out there, if you know where to look.

Brian Livingstone · « **Reply #40 on:** March 05, 2017, 07:41 AM »

In Canada we have a high end, very high quality line of fine restaurants known for their high quality food products and high quality coffee. Tim Hortons.

For those not familiar, there is no comparison.

Best. Coffee. Ever.

Goes so good with a Boston Cream. High quality pastry.

Mort · « **Reply #41 on:** March 05, 2017, 09:59 AM »

Around here we have espresso stands with girls in bikinis or lingerie serving you.

Coffee is terrible but I keep going back...

SRSemenza · « **Reply #42 on:** March 05, 2017, 10:56 AM »

I too have always thought that Starbucks is over roasted. IMO everything they make tastes burned. I have had dark and French roasts that are strong but not burned tasting. So I know it can be done.

Diners ......... well it varies a lot. Some good some OK, some terrible. I have not had any that was really good.

Just about every mini-mart, gas station, and pretty much every other type of place sells coffee in the USA. And most just do it to provide it and have it available. Most I have had are not good. Sometimes OK.

I have had some truly outstanding coffee in better restaurants. So few though that I can pretty much remember when and where. Even in better restaurants it is generally just good.

Lots of simple factors though ..... cleanliness off equipment, the WATER going into it, staff that cares, etc.

I tried Tim Horton's once or twice (same location) and it was only OK. Seemed really weak. But even within a particular chain it can vary a lot. EX- I have two McDonald's near me in cities in opposite directions. One has good coffee consistently. The other has bad coffee consistently. I am pretty sure in that case it is the water. Because the same holds true for the water in restaurants in those two cities.

At least the coffee I am drinking right now from my own kitchen is pretty good

Seth

Michael Kellough · « **Reply #43 on:** March 05, 2017, 11:50 AM »

Bob said;

"I'm no coffee aficionado, but I like a good cup of strong coffee, preferably French Roast....
I suggest having two lines - one for those pia customers ordering those time consuming phony-baloney dessert drinks and another one for people who simply want, well.....a simple cup of coffee! Or maybe I'm just getting increasingly impatient as I'm getting older."

I'm with you and I thought the exact same thing yesterday standing in line in Starbucks at the Ulster rest stop on the NY State Truway while waiting to get a chance to ask for a large dark roast coffee.

I'm older than you (Bob) and even more impatient. Grinding coffee had become too tedious so when my coffee grinder died I switched to buying fine ground Bustelo espresso (the history is interesting) and running it through the smallest ~~Mr. Coffee~~ dripper with a paper filter. The coffee to water ratio I use is probably high but the result is plenty good and strong (hate weak coffee) and the process is convenient. I know it violates several "rules" but it works for me.

Just got a cup and noticed that it's a small Cusinart dripper.

alkaline · « **Reply #44 on:** March 05, 2017, 12:14 PM »

The best coffe for me is the one I know from the beginning..

alkaline · « **Reply #45 on:** March 05, 2017, 12:40 PM »

...however, from the time I'm building up my workshop it often looks like this...

rst · « **Reply #46 on:** March 05, 2017, 01:06 PM »

My wife and I have been buying Gloria Jeans flavored coffees since the early 80's. I started buying in Lancaster, Pa and then in York. Unfortuanately now, the closest reatail outlet is in King of Prussia, two and a half hours away, so now we buy online. When we went to Hawaii in the mid nineties, we had to rearrange our luggage in order to bring back ten pounds of flavors that were not available in the our area. It's unfortunate that the various McDonalds of the coffee world have taken over the US. We've bought coffee all over the US and Gloria's is still our go to for great beans.

Kev · « **Reply #47 on:** March 05, 2017, 01:19 PM »

Quote from: Untidy Shop on March 05, 2017, 05:00 AM

@Kev I agree that Starbucks does not make Coffee; but I well remember having some excellent Expresso Shorts in NA, particularly in The Village and in some 'alternative areas' as in Hipster areas of SF and LA. But then I have also had similarly excellent Expressos in some Italian and French motorway service stations.

If Starbucks are going to grow again in the Australian market, a significant barrier is McCafe as in McDonalds [at least it is Coffee] let alone my local country general store with a trained Barrista.

@Untidy Shop I'm ultra fussy with coffee and my wife is twice as fussy as me. I't wouldn't be unusual to see us throw a takeaway espresso away after a sip or for us to walk away from a coffee in a cafe ... I just can't tolerate bad coffee!

Rock · « **Reply #48 on:** March 05, 2017, 01:27 PM »

Quote from: Kev on March 05, 2017, 04:03 AM

Coffee in the US is the worst I've had on the entire planet. Disgusting doesn't even start to describe it. And Starbucks pumps out putrid, vile sewer sludge.

I really don't understand why the US can't do coffee. It's not hard

You really think there is no good coffee in the entire US? You're obviously going to the wrong places. I've heard people say the same thing about beer as they think everyone here just drinks Budweiser.

Sparktrician · « **Reply #49 on:** March 05, 2017, 01:36 PM »

I'm with Seth. I can't stand burned coffee. Diner coffee is worse. On the rare occasion that I do buy coffee, I buy it from a trusted, small-scale roaster about 90 minutes from here. I prefer to drive there and buy a couple of bags, and they're open on weekends. The owner grinds it as I wish. Starbucks - MEH!

Kev · « **Reply #50 on:** March 05, 2017, 01:46 PM »

Quote from: Rock on March 05, 2017, 01:27 PM

Quote from: Kev on March 05, 2017, 04:03 AM
Coffee in the US is the worst I've had on the entire planet. Disgusting doesn't even start to describe it. And Starbucks pumps out putrid, vile sewer sludge.

I really don't understand why the US can't do coffee. It's not hard

You really think there is no good coffee in the entire US? You're obviously going to the wrong places. I've heard people say the same thing about beer as they think everyone here just drinks Budweiser.

@Rock I've had the odd "drinkable" coffee, but the majority was crap! Nothing I would rate as good. I've had good and bad US beer.

Obviously I haven't tried coffee across the entire US, but I've tried enough to say is was consistently bad.

joraft · « **Reply #51 on:** March 05, 2017, 05:50 PM »

Quote from: RobBob on March 04, 2017, 04:49 PM

I bought a refurbished Breville grinder from this company and it has been going strong for a couple of years now. They have a great selection and give their honest opinions of each one.

I went through several Brevilles. They were nice to use, but they just didn't last long enough for my purposes, kept stripping the gears.

I heard such good things about Baratza on the Internet that I bought a Forté AP. It's built like a tank, truly the "Festool" of coffee grinders.

My coffee comes only from Mountain Thunder in Kona, HI. They are masters at growing and roasting. I buy several different roasts and blend them to taste while grinding. IMHO, the best coffee in the world, can't start my day without it.

Bob Marino · « **Reply #52 on:** March 06, 2017, 08:34 AM »

Quote from: Cheese on March 04, 2017, 09:25 PM

Quote from: Bob Marino on March 04, 2017, 06:51 PM
Was that made in the USA or in China?

Unfortunately...China...

Oh well, there it is.

Bob Marino · « **Reply #53 on:** March 06, 2017, 08:35 AM »

Quote from: jtwood on March 04, 2017, 11:01 PM

Bob, I live in SoCal and the Costco Warehouses here sell a 2 1/2 lb. bag of Starbucks French Roast Whole Bean for about $20. The savings over Starbucks $12/ lb. will pay for the new grinder pretty quickly, or, you can use the Costco machine to grind it on your way out the door. You just need a Costco card.

Steve

Thanks Steve,

Been meaning to get a Costco card for a while now.

Bob Marino · « **Reply #54 on:** March 06, 2017, 08:53 AM »

Quote from: SRSemenza on March 05, 2017, 10:56 AM

I too have always thought that Starbucks is over roasted. IMO everything they make tastes burned. I have had dark and French roasts that are strong but not burned tasting. So I know it can be done.

Diners ......... well it varies a lot. Some good some OK, some terrible. I have not had any that was really good.

Just about every mini-mart, gas station, and pretty much every other type of place sells coffee in the USA. And most just do it to provide it and have it available. Most I have had are not good. Sometimes OK.

I have had some truly outstanding coffee in better restaurants. So few though that I can pretty much remember when and where. Even in better restaurants it is generally just good.

Lots of simple factors though ..... cleanliness off equipment, the WATER going into it, staff that cares, etc.

I tried Tim Horton's once or twice (same location) and it was only OK. Seemed really weak. But even within a particular chain it can vary a lot. EX- I have two McDonald's near me in cities in opposite directions. One has good coffee consistently. The other has bad coffee consistently. I am pretty sure in that case it is the water. Because the same holds true for the water in restaurants in those two cities.

At least the coffee I am drinking right now from my own kitchen is pretty good

Seth

I don't know if it's changed, but in the NYC NE/NJ area most diners seemed to be owned by Greeks and the bulk supplied coffee was from a company called Vassilaros - I may knot have the named spelled correctly. That is why all that diner coffee tasted the same - weak, almost tasteless and not memorable. They have never stepped up to a stronger brew as in their mind, most customers are satisfied with the current bland swill and would not prefer a stronger brew. Offering 2 different types of coffee would probably be considered non-efficient.
I'm betting some restaurants have some really good coffee, but I have yet to be impressed too much and for me, coffee is only something I would have at breakfast or maybe early afternoon - never at dinner. Actually, the chain Panera's, does have a choice of brews and their dark roast was pretty good.

Bob Marino · « **Reply #55 on:** March 06, 2017, 08:57 AM »

Quote from: Michael Kellough on March 05, 2017, 11:50 AM

Bob said;

"I'm no coffee aficionado, but I like a good cup of strong coffee, preferably French Roast....
I suggest having two lines - one for those pia customers ordering those time consuming phony-baloney dessert drinks and another one for people who simply want, well.....a simple cup of coffee! Or maybe I'm just getting increasingly impatient as I'm getting older."

I'm with you and I thought the exact same thing yesterday standing in line in Starbucks at the Ulster rest stop on the NY State Truway while waiting to get a chance to ask for a large dark roast coffee.

I'm older than you (Bob) and even more impatient. Grinding coffee had become too tedious so when my coffee grinder died I switched to buying fine ground Bustelo espresso (the history is interesting) and running it through the smallest ~~Mr. Coffee~~ dripper with a paper filter. The coffee to water ratio I use is probably high but the result is plenty good and strong (hate weak coffee) and the process is convenient. I know it violates several "rules" but it works for me.

Just got a cup and noticed that it's a small Cusinart dripper.

I'm forgetting the brand of ground, canned "imported" coffee -La Vazza, Bustelo, Medaglia D'oro?

I had at my brother a while ago, but was good enough to have a second cup. It just may be worth checking that out; the price is certainly right.

Bob Marino · « **Reply #56 on:** March 06, 2017, 08:59 AM »

Quote from: joraft on March 05, 2017, 05:50 PM

Quote from: RobBob on March 04, 2017, 04:49 PM

I bought a refurbished Breville grinder from this company and it has been going strong for a couple of years now. They have a great selection and give their honest opinions of each one.

I went through several Brevilles. They were nice to use, but they just didn't last long enough for my purposes, kept stripping the gears.

I heard such good things about Baratza on the Internet that I bought a Forté AP. It's built like a tank, truly the "Festool" of coffee grinders.

My coffee comes only from Mountain Thunder in Kona, HI. They are masters at growing and roasting. I buy several different roasts and blend them to taste while grinding. IMHO, the best coffee in the world, can't start my day without it.

Yikes, John. At close to $900.00, it better last. Great as that undoubtedly is, its way out of my price range. But it is nice to know that there are machines produced at this uber quality level.

SRSemenza · « **Reply #57 on:** March 06, 2017, 10:12 AM »

Also a difference between brewing whatever chain brand at home and getting it (brewed) at the store.

Bob, or anyone, I would skip the Lavazza at the Ramapo NYS Thruway stop.

Seth

joraft · « **Reply #58 on:** March 06, 2017, 01:31 PM »

Quote from: Bob Marino on March 06, 2017, 08:59 AM

Yikes, John. At close to $900.00, it better last. Great as that undoubtedly is, its way out of my price range. But it is nice to know that there are machines produced at this uber quality level.

The Brevilles were around $200 each and I've gone through 3 of them, I'd be money ahead if I had bought a good grinder in the first place.

I call it the "Festool Principle".

bkharman · « **Reply #59 on:** March 06, 2017, 01:33 PM »

Look at my post above. Great grinder for a great price.

Cheers. Bryan.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

LooseSox · « **Reply #60 on:** March 06, 2017, 03:00 PM »

I'm yet to venture to the USA but from what I've heard from all my mates that have been, I should steer well away from the coffee over there!

I'm on holiday on the Gold Coast atm and there is a Starbucks here. Thought I'd give it a try for the sake of trying it, I've had instant coffee that tastes better and I really don't like instant coffee.

I usually start my day with either a short or long black. Occasionally a latte. When I catch up with my dad, we embrace the Greek heritage and have greek/turkish coffee the traditional way. I've been through a few espresso machines over the past years as they tend to die 3 months out of warranty... I've got the model down from the top of the line Nespresso capsule machine now. It was more money than I wanted to pay, but my wife can actually work this machine (worth it for that alone) and with the price of coffee at the local cafe, plus me having 3 coffees a day, it paid itself off in under 2 months.

SRSemenza · « **Reply #61 on:** March 06, 2017, 03:45 PM »

One thing that will help get some good or really good coffee in the USA , at least in my area, is to find the independent coffee places that are in business to make and sell good coffee. Many of them are really in to it purchasing top quality beans and roasting on site, etc. And the price won't set you back more than Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts either, sometimes less.

Speaking of Dunkin Donuts ..... is it just me or do they have terrible donuts? Maybe it's just the ones near me.

Seth

Peter Halle · « **Reply #62 on:** March 06, 2017, 07:25 PM »

Quote from: SRSemenza on March 06, 2017, 03:45 PM

One thing that will help get some good or really good coffee in the USA , at least in my area, is to find the independent coffee places that are in business to make and sell good coffee. Many of them are really in to it purchasing top quality beans and roasting on site, etc. And the price won't set you back more than Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts either, sometimes less.

Speaking of Dunkin Donuts ..... is it just me or do they have terrible donuts? Maybe it's just the ones near me.

Seth

Seth, go get a Krispy Creme.

I love Dunkin Doughnuts. I might only eat 12 a year, but they are my go to on that rare occasion.

Peter

Bob Marino · « **Reply #63 on:** March 06, 2017, 07:37 PM »

Quote from: SRSemenza on March 06, 2017, 03:45 PM

One thing that will help get some good or really good coffee in the USA , at least in my area, is to find the independent coffee places that are in business to make and sell good coffee. Many of them are really in to it purchasing top quality beans and roasting on site, etc. And the price won't set you back more than Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts either, sometimes less.

Speaking of Dunkin Donuts ..... is it just me or do they have terrible donuts? Maybe it's just the ones near me.

Seth

I do like Dunkin Donuts, but Krisp Creme is better. I do stay away because they are both so addictive. Ok, since you two mentioned Dunkin Donuts, did anyone notice how the size of the DD's have shrunk in the last few years?

SRSemenza · « **Reply #64 on:** March 06, 2017, 07:46 PM »

I love Krispy Kreme !!!

There were quite a few in my area for a few years. Then they went out. There is one just off I90 in the northern PA section that just happens to be on my route to Festool in IN and another thing I go to in OH.

Seth

pettyconstruction · « **Reply #65 on:** March 06, 2017, 09:02 PM »

Man I love this place, we got 65 posts on coffee. That's funny.
I 2nd the coffee in kona, very nice, with a moannapua ?? (Spam over sushi rice"
Charlie

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

SRSemenza · « **Reply #66 on:** March 06, 2017, 10:50 PM »

Quote from: pettyconstruction on March 06, 2017, 09:02 PM

Man I love this place, we got 65 posts on coffee. That's funny.
I 2nd the coffee in kona, very nice, with a moannapua ?? (Spam over sushi rice"
Charlie

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

............................. and doughnuts, .................................. and spam on rice (which is also good)

Seth

bkharman · « **Reply #67 on:** March 06, 2017, 11:31 PM »

If you are far enough east, scrapple on over medium eggs. And crab cakes for breakfast.

Yum yum!

Cheers. Bryan.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Cheese · « **Reply #68 on:** March 06, 2017, 11:44 PM »

Move over Dunkin Donuts, your coffee is bad and your donuts are not much better...hey Krispy Creme you've just been condemned and relegated to selling your wares at the nearest local Holiday gas station. Hopefully the goods sell the same day they were baked...otherwise...not so much.

The best donut I've had is from a local establishment called the Mojo Monkey. Absolutely incredible. Everything baked in dozens rather than by the hundreds. Baked in the morning and sold in the morning so that as 11:00 am approaches...the donuts have usually been sold out for another day. Sorry, you snooze, you lose. If you want their donuts, you need to grab that cup of jo and get there earlier.

A small store, a small supply of donuts, yet a huge demand.

Holmz · « **Reply #69 on:** March 07, 2017, 04:23 AM »

Hard to beat a bagel and an espresso for low sugar intake.

denovo · « **Reply #70 on:** March 07, 2017, 08:17 AM »

Quote from: Holmz on March 07, 2017, 04:23 AM

Hard to beat a bagel and an espresso for low sugar intake.

Bagels usually contain 6-9g of sugar each! That's almost 25% of your daily recommended sugar intake. I'd probably just stick with the espresso

Sean Ackerman · « **Reply #71 on:** March 07, 2017, 10:18 AM »

Bobby boyyyyy. I was convinced a few years back that this was a worthwhile investment. That I'd be passing it down to my kid's kid's kid's kids. So far so good. We're thrilled with it. Get my coffee from a very close friend who roasted in his younger years and is still in some sorta local "coffee scene." Anything else now, unless it's a 'legitimate' coffee house is notably sub par. Seriously, buzz me. When I see this thing on the counter in the morning it puts a smile on my face.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00H1OUW24/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00H1OUSD2/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Holmz · « **Reply #72 on:** March 07, 2017, 04:05 PM »

Quote from: Sean Ackerman on March 07, 2017, 10:18 AM

Bobby boyyyyy. I was convinced a few years back that this was a worthwhile investment. That I'd be passing it down to my kid's kid's kid's kids. So far so good. We're thrilled with it. Get my coffee from a very close friend who roasted in his younger years and is still in some sorta local "coffee scene." Anything else now, unless it's a 'legitimate' coffee house is notably sub par. Seriously, buzz me. When I see this thing on the counter in the morning it puts a smile on my face.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00H1OUW24/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00H1OUSD2/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I got a clapped out Silvia used.
Similar to putting a 6" pad on an ETS EC one can hotrod the Silvia.
http://www.vogie.com/coffee/

The coffee is actually no tastier in any way, but it looks pretty cool.

Sean Ackerman · « **Reply #73 on:** March 07, 2017, 10:33 PM »

I will have to look into this. Friggin neat

ChrisK1970 · « **Reply #74 on:** March 08, 2017, 06:20 AM »

Sorry guys, life long New Englander and I hate D&D. Some boys from the West coast moved to NH back in 2000 and opened a drive through coffee house staffed by cute girls. Aroma Joes has everybody beat

When I bought our new home in anticipation for our newborn, my wife bought me a Nespresso....yeah, Penelope Cruz sold me. Absolutely awesome coffee, espressos and lattes. I hope in the cruiser every morning with an espresso now. Then AJ's on the weekend.

Untidy Shop · « **Reply #75 on:** March 08, 2017, 05:00 PM »

Mmmm! Coffee pods to me are like inkjet printers; you pay relatively little for the pod coffee machine or the printer, but pay a premium for the coffee pods or the printer ink.

Then in both cases there is another cost -
http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-35605927

Cheese · « **Reply #76 on:** March 08, 2017, 06:17 PM »

Interestingly enough, Starbucks is rated as the 95th most reputable company in the world by Forbes for 2017.

Festool didn't make the cut...

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.forbes.com/sites/karstenstrauss/2017/02/28/the-worlds-most-reputable-companies-in-2017/amp/

Kev · « **Reply #77 on:** March 08, 2017, 06:31 PM »

Quote from: Cheese on March 08, 2017, 06:17 PM

Interestingly enough, Starbucks is rated as the 95th most reputable company in the world by Forbes for 2017.

Festool didn't make the cut...

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.forbes.com/sites/karstenstrauss/2017/02/28/the-worlds-most-reputable-companies-in-2017/amp/

Glad I don't make my purchase decisions based on that list, I'd be very sad, disappointed and poor!

Untidy Shop · « **Reply #78 on:** March 08, 2017, 08:26 PM »

Interesting, if not dubious list from an Australian perspective.

Sure many of those companies listed are reputable and always have been. However, some do have 'history'. No 98 has a very poor reputation in Australia. So surprised it was included. And number 100; why, given DieselGate!?

http://www.drive.com.au/motor-news/new-boss-appointed-at-fiat-chrysler-australia-20160801-gqiooy.html

http://www.motoring.com.au/australia-no-longer-an-afterthought-for-fiat-chrysler-104449/

And what's with some of the tech companies on the list who seem to think they have a right to make a large profit in Australia, and yet pay little or no tax.

http://www.smh.com.au/business/eighteen-of-70-tech-companies-on-ato-transparency-list-paid-no-tax-20151218-glqydb.html

Kev · « **Reply #79 on:** March 08, 2017, 08:54 PM »

Quote from: Untidy Shop on March 08, 2017, 08:26 PM

Interesting, if not dubious list from an Australian perspective.

Sure many of those companies listed are reputable and always have been. However, some do have 'history'. No 98 has a very poor reputation in Australia. So surprised it was included. And number 100; why, given DieselGate!?

http://www.drive.com.au/motor-news/new-boss-appointed-at-fiat-chrysler-australia-20160801-gqiooy.html

http://www.motoring.com.au/australia-no-longer-an-afterthought-for-fiat-chrysler-104449/

And what's with some of the tech companies on the list who seem to think they have a right to make a large profit in Australia, and yet pay little or no tax.

http://www.smh.com.au/business/eighteen-of-70-tech-companies-on-ato-transparency-list-paid-no-tax-20151218-glqydb.html

@Untidy Shop

RI quiz 170,00 people ... I doubt that 30,000 are people living in China, another 30,000 are people living in India, etc ... For a uniform "world" perspective there should only be ~5,000 from the US. I think you need to look at this "World" list a bit like a "World Series"

Untidy Shop · « **Reply #80 on:** March 08, 2017, 08:59 PM »

Agree @Kev.

Just letting some of our NA FOG colleagues know that the list has some Devils amongst the Angels!

Holmz · « **Reply #81 on:** March 09, 2017, 02:43 AM »

Devils were once angles too...

Untidy Shop · « **Reply #82 on:** March 09, 2017, 04:51 AM »

Quote from: Holmz on March 09, 2017, 02:43 AM

Devils were once angles too...

Yes @Holmz
Which just goes to show that the reputable can become the disreputable!

Bob Marino · « **Reply #83 on:** March 09, 2017, 08:44 AM »

Quote from: Sean Ackerman on March 07, 2017, 10:18 AM

Bobby boyyyyy. I was convinced a few years back that this was a worthwhile investment. That I'd be passing it down to my kid's kid's kid's kids. So far so good. We're thrilled with it. Get my coffee from a very close friend who roasted in his younger years and is still in some sorta local "coffee scene." Anything else now, unless it's a 'legitimate' coffee house is notably sub par. Seriously, buzz me. When I see this thing on the counter in the morning it puts a smile on my face.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00H1OUW24/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00H1OUSD2/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Hey Sean,

Gonna sound stupid, but does this machine brew coffee - ya know, in the typical 8-10oz cups are just the smaller 2-3oz size cups?

Actually a couple of years ago - on recommendations here on the FOG, the Techform Mocha Master coffee maker and I do like that a lot.

Holmz · « **Reply #84 on:** March 09, 2017, 08:52 AM »

Quote from: Bob Marino on March 09, 2017, 08:44 AM

Quote from: Sean Ackerman on March 07, 2017, 10:18 AM
Bobby boyyyyy. I was convinced a few years back that this was a worthwhile investment. That I'd be passing it down to my kid's kid's kid's kids. So far so good. We're thrilled with it. Get my coffee from a very close friend who roasted in his younger years and is still in some sorta local "coffee scene." Anything else now, unless it's a 'legitimate' coffee house is notably sub par. Seriously, buzz me. When I see this thing on the counter in the morning it puts a smile on my face.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00H1OUW24/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00H1OUSD2/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Hey Sean,

Gonna sound stupid, but does this machine brew coffee - ya know, in the typical 8-10oz cups are just the smaller 2-3oz size cups?

Actually a couple of years ago - on recommendations here on the FOG, the Techform Mocha Master coffee maker and I do like that a lot.

I have the same gear, grinder and Silvia.
I usually make a looong shot in the morning, which is more like an Americano.
So ~6 oz.
And then another as I leave the house.

Occasionally in the afternoon or evening I will make a proper small espresso.

If I am having one with the Haus Boss then it is a latte for me, and for her a cappuccino with the chocolate powder dusted on it.
Basically as I need to froth the milk anyhow, and I do not froth it if she is asleep.