Posted Sat Mar 10, 2012, 9:56pm Subject: Who pulls the best shots in Houston?
Catalina has been the reigning champion, and having been there, I can vouch for their supreme excellence. However, I've just heard about Greenway Coffee (a.k.a. Tuscan Premium Coffee) in Greenway Plaza, and some people say they're better. Has anyone out there been to Catalina and compared them to other places? I'd be especially interested in knowing if there are good places in far NW Houston, since I live almost in Tomball, and getting down to Catalina is a bit of a trek.
Posted Sun Mar 11, 2012, 6:09am Subject: Re: Who pulls the best shots in Houston?
heh heh - thanks for the kind words.....
But no, it's not me. I've been pulling some great espresso shots lately but I'm not as consistent as Catalina or Greenway And there's also Revival Market, I've had a few lovely shots there as well.
PLUS - Look for Blacksmith - it should be opening this year sometime
When there was only one decent shop in town then the question could be answered with authority, there was only one "best" shop. But now that we have a few good places and more starting up, I'm just happy and thanful for the variety.
To define "best" then you'd have to set up some criteria for judging and go het the shops (probably multiple times each). Then you could tally up your scoresheets and crown "the best". For me, I'd rather just enjoy them for what each one offers. :)
Posted Sun Mar 11, 2012, 8:07am Subject: Re: Who pulls the best shots in Houston?
I've heard about Jon's espresso and open invitations. I hope to take you up on that someday!
Where is Blacksmith going to be?
And...I've been hearing things about Medici in Austin. Next time I'm there, I hope to check it out, but I wonder if anyone here has been able to visit it, and if you could compare it to, say, Catalina.
emradguy Senior Member Joined: 31 Mar 2011 Posts: 1,692 Location: Houston Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Izzo Alex Duetto II Grinder: MacapM4T, Macap M4, OE Lido,... Drip: Espro press; Aeropress Roaster: internet
Posted Tue Mar 13, 2012, 4:31pm Subject: Re: Who pulls the best shots in Houston?
I heard there's a place opening next to Aladdin on Westheimer and Montrose...could that be where blacksmith is going in?
I've tried Revival Market a couple of times, now, having gotten that recommendation from Jon a couple of months ago. IMO, the espresso drinks have been just ok, no, scratch that...let's say, pretty good. Catalina was much more impressive to me. I still haven;t made it to Greenway though.
Has anyone tried The Chocolate Bar's espresso drinks? I've only had their drinking chocolate with a shot in it. However, I noticed they have a commercial machine (I think it's a 3 group La Cimbali), and their tamper has an Intelligentsia logo in the delron (it's a Reg Barber). I've wondered ever since if their espresso drinks are any good.
Posted Thu Mar 22, 2012, 4:47pm Subject: Re: Who pulls the best shots in Houston?
Please see my 'Java Sojourner' post on Houston shots. Not only do I stand by that, but I revisited both Greenway and Catalina this week (and Revival Market, but did not imbibe) and Java Pura today. I waslooking for beans, but drinking along the way. Catalina and Java Pura (brc location) were both weak and flat. Word among Houston baristas is, Catalina reached its peak of quality about 18 months ago and has been slipping and coasting since then. If you are a Houston barista and you have not met me, please chime in and add to the discussion. It is no wonder that Java Pura sucks. In the one location I visited, they store their beans loosely in plastic bags in a REFRIGERATOR. They immediately become wet (wetter) when exposed to the Houston climate. Greenway's shot was lemony, nicely salty (minerally), bitter and toasty, with good body. Not only do Patrick, Dave, James know what they are doing, they are super-friendly. OK, so it is not at street level, it is under the Greenway complex, but it is no more difficult to park there than, say, Dirk's when their miniscule lot is full. To visit Greenway, park in any visitor's lot. Building 3 lot is convenient if you are approaching south on Buffalo Speedway while Building 5 lot is most convenient from the westbound 59 feeder road (get off at Kirby and watch for the lot driveway after you pass Buffalo Speedway.) It is in a food court on the same level as the underground parking garage, 87 paces from visitor 5 parking and 180 paces from the visitor 3 parking (I'm OCD, so what?). Take a parking ticket and Greenway Coffee gives you a free 2 hour parking pass to get out. It really is no hassle, and worth it.
No, that's a different shop. Blacksmith will be where Mary's was. The location is directly across Waugh from Hay Merchant/Underbelly. Click Here (swamplot.com)
Musicman Said:
And...I've been hearing things about Medici in Austin. Next time I'm there, I hope to check it out, but I wonder if anyone here has been able to visit it, and if you could compare it to, say, Catalina.
emradguy Senior Member Joined: 31 Mar 2011 Posts: 1,692 Location: Houston Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Izzo Alex Duetto II Grinder: MacapM4T, Macap M4, OE Lido,... Drip: Espro press; Aeropress Roaster: internet
Posted Mon May 21, 2012, 11:01am Subject: Re: Who pulls the best shots in Houston?
I was just at the Java Pura location in the med center. I had a double ristretto and thought it was really nice, though I would like to try it with the brew temp a degree or so hotter, as it was slightly sour at the finish. I didn't take tasting notes, so I can't really describe the shot more, but my take away message was that it's the best thing going I know of in the med center, and is certainly drinkable, if I have the time to walk down there from Hermann.
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