Author: Norbert Koput
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Onyx Coffee Lab Review: An Espresso Lover’s Dream
Onyx Coffee Lab is one of the most well-known names in specialty coffee. But even if you’re not shopping for beans right now, their website is worth checking out. It’s one of the best-designed coffee sites out there, packed with useful info on different beans, brewing techniques, and sourcing transparency. When it comes to quality,…
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Wild Gift Coffee: A Deep Dive into Rude Boy and El Téjo Espresso Blends
A Passion for Coffee and Connection Before we dive into the espresso experience, a huge thank you to the team at Wild Gift Coffee for sending me samples of their Rude Boy and El Téjo blends. Their passion for coffee, ethical sourcing, and supporting producers is evident in every cup. As Wild Gift Coffee co-founder…
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Portafilter Sizing Explained: Why 58mm is the Standard (and Why Breville Uses 54mm)
When shopping for an espresso machine, one of the key specifications to consider is the portafilter size. The portafilter is the handle-like component that holds the coffee grounds during extraction, and its diameter determines compatibility with accessories like baskets, tampers, and puck screens. The most common size in commercial and high-end home espresso machines is…
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Mediterra Cafe: Cozy Coffee and Pastries
If you’re looking for a warm and inviting spot to grab a great cup of coffee and a delicious pastry in Pittsburgh, Mediterra Cafe is an excellent choice. During my recent visit to their Sewickley location, I was immediately drawn in by the lively atmosphere and the sight of fresh-baked goods filling the display cases.…
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How to Use a Bottomless Portafilter for Espresso
What is a Bottomless Portafilter? A bottomless portafilter, also known as a naked portafilter, is a type of espresso filter basket holder without a spouted bottom. Unlike traditional portafilters, which direct espresso flow through a spout, a bottomless portafilter allows coffee to exit directly from the basket, offering a clear view of the extraction process.…
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Mayorga Coffee Review: Bold & Smooth Dark Roast
I recently found myself in Costco, perusing the coffee aisle in search of a new dark roast to try. As someone who gravitates toward bold flavors and eye-catching packaging, I was immediately drawn to the Mayorga Café Cubano Roast. Priced at just over $20 for a 2lb bag, it seemed like a great deal for an organic, whole-bean…
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Coffee & Tariffs: How They Affect Your Daily Brew
Coffee lovers worldwide rely on a steady supply of beans from top-producing countries like Brazil, Vietnam, and Colombia. But what happens when tariffs impact the cost of importing coffee to the U.S.? Let’s break it down. What Is a Tariff? A tariff is a tax imposed on imported goods, affecting the cost of products entering…
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Five & Hoek Coffee: A Hidden Gem in Wheaton
Tucked away in a charming brick-paved alley, Five & Hoek Coffee in Wheaton, Illinois, is the perfect café for those who appreciate high-quality coffee in a cozy, aesthetically pleasing environment. On a hot summer morning, I stopped by to enjoy a refreshing coffee milkshake, and the café was bustling with customers—clearly a beloved local spot.…
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30 Days on TikTok: My Latte Art Journey
My Journey into #CoffeeTok Nearly 30 days into my TikTok journey, I’ve realized one major thing: I’ve been making espresso all wrong for years. From grinding inconsistencies to improper milk steaming, my so-called “latte art” was more abstract disaster than café-worthy pour. But thanks to the massive #CoffeeTok community, I’ve learned more in a few…
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Why a Good Mug Makes Coffee Better
The magic of a good mug: it elevates coffee to new heights. Aromas dance, flavors intensify, textures come alive. It’s pure bliss in every sip.
