Confessions of an Espresso Geek

Dave on November 28th, 2008 in Personal & Miscellaneous

One of the perks of working from home and having a great cappuccino machine around is being able to indulge in my favorite drink several times a day (now you know why I talk so fast ;) ).

But you didn’t think just *any* espresso machine would do, did you?

My geekiness doesn’t stop with QuiKeys; it’s a sickness that runs deep in all I do. Just ask Quin.

081122_LatteArtMontage.jpg

Camera: Canon G9 (RAW)

Software: Lightroom 2.1

Hardware: QuiKeys RAW and Album Modules (RAW conversion and montage)

Did I research which machine to buy? Seek far and wide for the best grinder, beans and tamper to invest in?

But of course.

I even Frankensteined our espresso machine and placed a thermometer in the group head with surgical precision to ensure we’re pulling shots at just the right temp (too high a temp: espresso gets bitter. too low: sour).

I soaked up everything I could find out about everything espresso from water filtration, packing the puck to pouring latte art.

Yes folks: I’m a Geek with a capital G and proud of it!

But this is my confession: after doing all that research, and even being the one who initially taught Quin the proper rules and techniques, Quin is still ultimately a better barista than I.

*sigh*

Her shots are rich and thick with chocolaty and nutty overtones. Just look at that espresso falling into that cup! Amazing shot technique.

And did I mention her latte art prowess?

My 6-year old likes to look at our latte art right after we pour and always finds something encouraging to say. When he saw my last one he excitedly said, “Wow! Looks like a caterpillar and his poo!”

This is kinda like QuiKeys too: even though I’m waaay geekier and develop much of the hardware and software, she’s a faster retouching artist than I, averaging over 100 images an hour!!

*SIGH*

Thankfully, she loves me and makes me a capp pretty much anytime I ask :) Am I blessed or what?

Quiz time: Extra Espresso Geek points for those that can match the term to the corresponding pic above:

1. Naked portafilter (get your mind outta the gutter)
2. Macap
3. E61
4. Stretching
5. P.I.D.
6. Pulling

Comments

Ral
Posted on 29th November, 2008

Wow, you guys just keeping making it faster and faster! Had a quick question – do you need CS4 to be able to star and upload images from bridge?
Not that it was troublesome opening the images up from PS then plopping them in, now it’s just going to be that much faster! Great stuff guys, keep it up! – (same with the blogging :P )

Sharon
Posted on 30th November, 2008

Dave! You weren’t kidding when you said you’ll try to be a better blogger! 4 posts in a week?!?! I’m impressed! Is there a prize for answering the quiz correctly? Good bloggers give away prizes on their blog you know :)

Dave
Posted on 8th December, 2008

Hey guys!
Ral: CS3 will work just fine with the album update. Great to hear you’re excited about it!
Sharon: Re: quiz giveaway. LOL! You never know what the future brings ;) Now what about that naked portafilter?!!?
Thanks for commenting guys! Still trying to figure out the blog commenting so thanks for your patience as we get the kinks worked out :)
Blessings …
d

Jacinta
Posted on 15th December, 2008

Guess What Dave?
When I went to geek camp(SHAD Valley)2.5 years ago we had to engineer some type of energy saving device and we used to PID technology to make Hot Tub heating more efficient =) Seems like I’m not the only PID geek I know! ahaha

Dave
Posted on 19th December, 2008

Jacinta! Good to see you here :)
HAHA! Oh my …. The Geek force is strong in you ;) LOL!
Take care and hugs to EVERYONE in E-Town :) :)
d

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