US Barista Competition!

One of our baristas, Mike Jones, who placed 2nd in the Northeast Regional is vying for one of the 6 spots available in the semi-finals of the USBC. Watch it LIVE here - Mike is scheduled to compete today at 4:18 pm CST (that'd be 5:18 NYC time)

Watch live video from SCAA/USBC on Justin.tv

Video and chat also at http://www.usbaristachampionship.org/

Fresh, hot GRINDERS for sale!

We're talking sweet bean-crushing machines here.

 
First and foremost, the amazing NEW model from Baratza - the Virtuoso Preciso (but let's just call it the Preciso ok?)

Shown here with the included(!) portafiler holder.

It's "pricey" at $325 but it totally justifies the "you get what you pay for" saying in our opinion. Actually, we would argue you get quite a bit more than you pay for. Why is it so great?
    •    EVEN grinding of the coffee - the importance of this really cannot be overstated.
    •    RANGE - Here's where the value really comes into play. The Preciso is capable of grinding for ANY brew method, from Espresso all the way to Press Pots. For real.  FYI, a lot of consumer grade grinders say they can do this but almost none can.
    •    SPEED - it's the fastest "home" grinder we've ever seen. Very good when your significant other is still asleep as your grinding will be done before they realize it ; )

See the very detailed review of the Preciso from CoffeeGeek.com here

Weighing in at a more wallet friendly $145, the MaestroPlus is also an excellent choice for your home brewing needs. Forget about espresso with this guy though, it's not designed for that. IF however, all you need is a good, reliable grinder to make drip, any kind of Pour Over method (Chemex or Beehouse dripper etc) or Press Pot, then the MaestroPlus could be the right grinder for you.

MaestroPlus - currently on backorder : (

At the moment, they are on backorder with the manufacturer and the latest eta is a "couple of weeks".  Shoot us an email if you would like to be notified when this grinder becomes available.

NERBC 2011

We're bursting with love, respect, pride and total admiration for our Mr. Mike Jones who just competed in his very first Barista competition aaaand......

ROCKED A 2nd PLACE FINISH !!!!

Mike serves up his signature beverage.

We'd like to especially congratulate Park Brannen (3rd) and Phillip Search (1st) and our good friends Sam Penix, Wiggles Peters and Brandon Duff who rounded out the top 6!

The truth is, we're in awe of EVERYONE that competed and extremely thankful for all those people who work so incredibly hard to make it happen (looking at you Marcus Boni).

It was an amazing privilege to have the 2011 Northeast Regional Barista Competition right here in NYC this past weekend and the entire experience was simply incredible.

Rosettas for Relief - Japan Edition

Come on out this Thursday night for a good cause and a good time featuring special guest Judge Katsu Tanaka from Tokyo's Bear Pond Espresso!

Thursday, April 7th
Counter Culture Coffee NYC
37 West 26th Street, #400