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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…
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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,…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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?…
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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…
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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…
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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.
