Best espresso for home brewing?

[Nyum]

Hi. We usually get Lavazza Espresso (already ground) from Amazon.com
delivered monthly. Like it a lot. However, we are interested in trying something new for home brew. We're fine with grinding beans. Any suggestions, given our taste for Lavazza?
Many thanks. :-)

[JohnRC]

Try

http://www.intelligentsiacoffee.com/

I've just bought a Rancilio Silvia after trawling through loads of coffee blogs & sites and these guys names came up a lot for good espresso. Black Cat is the one to go for.

[edwardspk]

Congrats on your Silvia, JohnRC! I've had mine for years and have never regretted the choice. It definitely requires it's own grinder (it's finicky on the grind, but you probably knew that from your research before buying), but I've found the Rancilio Rocky pairs up greatly with it. Hope you enjoy it as much as I have!

[allieb2031]

I have a Silvia and am still getting to know more about her...I have the Rocky, too - what grind level are you using? I try to get it as fine as possible, without causing a clog in the grinder from the level being tooo small....

And, when you steam -- do you have the standard single hole steam spout or a 4-hole one? I am trying to perfect my steaming with this machine, and am having problems creating a whirlpool...

I buy my beans from Whole Foods - fresh ground Organic Espresso. It's convenient. But I am a fan of Counter Culture's beans!!!

www.earthlyepicurean.blogspot.com

[JohnRC]

Thanks Edwardspk. I've had it for just over a month and absolutely love it. Agreed, there's only one item on my Xmas list and that's the Rocky!

[edwardspk]

Porto Rico on Bleecker is a good local option. They have a huge selection and roast their bean fresh daily. They will grind the beans for you, but obviously if you have your own grinder, it's preferable to grind it yourself immediately before using.

[Ann900]

I'm a coffee fanatic - for years I schlepped from Brooklyn to Rohr's- a small coffee roaster now on East 86th near 2nd Ave- for coffee after trying coffee from places all over the city. They have a great selection, and their prices are reasonable.
BUT, I've recently switched to Essse Cafe,- simply the best Italian espreeo beans I've ever tasted. I'd been drinking it for years at restaurants like Al Di La in Brooklyn, that are particularly finicky about coffee and finally found a local source. 1st Line Equipment (google Essse and 1st line should c\ome up. They're in Jersey- but their service is very fast- I ordered coffee from them this past Monday night and it was at my door by Wednesday. Essse sells several different kinds of beans- my fav is the Miscela Masini - rich, bull-body- delish. Not cheap, but worth every sip.

[demo5]

La Colombe - 319 Church Street or 270 Lafayette, unless you can get to Sant'Eustachio in Rome.

[boccalupo]

They sell Sant'Eustachio's coffee at DiPalo. One of the best in the world.

Also excellent is Passalaqua's Caffe Mexico (from Naples) sold at Buon Italia in the Chelsea Market.

[demo5]

The problem with Sant'Eustachio coffee from Di Palo is that it is old. You have no idea how long it's been on the shelf. I have found that while Sant'Eustachio, fresh, beats everyone else, La Colombe, fresh, is far superior to the Sant'Eustachio you can buy in the states.

[Nyum]

THANK YOU, ALL. What a gift is this site, and all your research and experience!
Sooo excited! Will try to sample them all! :- >

[cuaimo]

Stumptown - Hairbender.