Best Barista
I’m relatively new to the “sport” of coffee drinking. I like a cup or two in the morning and after that I’ve pretty much had my fill. I know lots of people take it more seriously than I do, and one of them is Chicago’s own Matt Riddle from Intelligentsia who is the reigning United States Barista Champion.
That aside, I’d like to ask coffee drinkers that are a little more serious than me, where are you going for coffee these days? Are you making it at home (if so, which brand do you buy?) or freshly brewed at a coffee shop?
French Market FTW. Run it through a 2-serving stove top espresso maker and mix with a cup scalded (not steamed, dammit!) milk.
If I ever win the lottery, I’m opening a Cafe Du Monde in Chicago.
At home: Peet’s Major Dickerson blend in a French press
On the way to work: Metropolis
At work: the horrible sludge in the breakroom
I drink Costco coffee at home, which is actually really good coffee and most of the time comes freshly roasted and still piping hot. It’s like 7 or 8 bucks for 2 pounds or something.
I drink Intelligensia coffees, black. I typically buy a coupla pounds at the store to make at home (personal fave: Trotter’s Blend), or I stop at the cafe in my building that serves Intelligensia coffees.
Intelligensia is the best and worth the extra cost.
I’ll drink other things, when I have few options. Pretty much the only thing I try to avoid are canned coffees – Folgers, Maxwell House, etc
We buy the orange-infused coffee from Orange on Clark. Sounds funky, but damn it is good.
I have been loyal to Illy coffee for years. Made in my ancient Saeco espresso machine and enjoyed on my back porch or while walking my dog. It’s my favorite way to start my morning.
It was an awesome piece, and I highly recommend the Intelligentsia tour for anyone who hasn’t yet been.