Monday, November 27, 2017

Breville Oracle Touch



Over the past couple of years, decent home espresso machines have become far more accessible. I remember ten years ago, walking into a department store and finding the average espresso machine to be a glorified water heater, never mind a precision tool that produces excellent espresso. But now, the consumer market is finally catching up to the geeks, and household brands once overlooked in the quest for good espresso are emerging as contenders.

Friday, November 17, 2017

Source Coffeehouse




Subject: Source Coffeehouse
Location: Bridgeport, CT
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

After a gorgeous weekend relaxing in a New England cabin, the only thing left to round out the experience was a stop by a great coffee house. Fortunately, my path led me through Bridgeport directly past a coffeehouse I had been looking to try since their 2013 inception: Source Coffeehouse.

Friday, November 10, 2017

Grace Street Coffee




Subject: Grace Street Coffee
Location: Washington DC
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

Georgetown displays some of the best scenery in DC, with lots of historic architecture, cobblestone streets and occasionally-filled canals. Striking a great balance of conservation and new construction, many of the local businesses operate out of beautifully rendered venues, making a sunny walk down M Street a window shopper's paradise.

Thursday, November 02, 2017

Double Knot




Subject: Double Knot
Location: Philadelphia, PA
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

Until recently, I never realized how much an izakaya was missing in my life. The equivalent of a tavern or pub, izakayas became popular watering holes in Japan along main routes during the late eighteenth century. Today, these Japanese establishments serve far more than sake, with some offering light fare along with various beverages, while others serve "an all you can consume" option with a set time limit.