Cool Coffee Contraption

I can't go too long without talking about coffee, and I think I'm due and I have so much to share with you!

First of all, I repaired my French press once after the spout had chipped, but it broke again.  (Sadness!)  I have still been using it carefully since there are no sharp edges... but just when I was thinking about replacing it, I discovered a new brew method! (Joy!)

It all started when I was having dinner with a couple of gals from BSF and they realized I'd never had Philz Coffee.  So we planned to meet at this local chain coffee place, just a few minutes from the church that hosts BSF in Palo Alto, before leaders' meeting on Saturday (yes, at 6:40 am!).  I had no idea that this was going to revolutionize my coffee drinking!  I have been a pretty religious coffee drinker for years and an avid Starbucks fan (although I always enjoyed their lattes, frappuccinos, and other frou-frou drinks more than the regular coffee).  But I felt as though I was just discovering what coffee is supposed to taste like!

It was not acidic or bitter... just smooth and delicious.  I couldn't believe it!

They were also so nice and helpful, because my friend was late to meet me and I was overwhelmed by the choices!  I thought I'd be reading a menu of lattes, cappuccinos, and the like.  But Philz specializes in wonderful custom roasts that they prepare by using a pour-through system.  (The photo below is a bit blurry as I was taking it before my first cup this morning and also trying to not seem like a weirdo taking pictures of my coffee brewing...haha...but I think you get the idea. The barista pours the hot water through the filter as seen below, which holds the beans, and the cup is below the counter.)

I immediately began taking notes and making mental preparations.  I knew after my first sip that as soon as I finished the beans that I had at home, I was going to have to buy some Philz beans so I could duplicate this experience at home!

So, not knowing where else to begin, I hopped on Amazon.com and began browsing!  And I settled on this little baby...

 

(Best part? Costs about $5 with free shipping!)  Now, after my second time at Philz I was hooked (I am told that they do something to their cream and I think what they must do is add *crack* because this stuff is so addicting!).  But as it happened, I was told that another place, Barefoot Coffee, was also very good and prepared their coffee the same way.  Well, Steve had been given a bag of Barefoot beans for his birthday by a couple at church!  So I brought the beans in to the store in Campbell, CA to have them grind it for me and I learned even more from the very helpful baristas as I sampled their brew.  

Tip 1: How much coffee? 4 tablespoons of ground coffee per 12 oz or 3 tablespoons of whole beans. (24 g / 12 oz)

Tip 2: How fine do I grind the beans?  Similar to any conical coffee contraption, it should be about the consistency of salt.

Tip 3: How should I store my coffee?  NOT in the fridge or freezer, but at room temperature in a dark, air-tight container.

Wow.  As I type this, I am enjoying my first cup of Barefoot Coffee prepared in my new Melitta pour-over coffee brewer.  Ahhh....  

Note to self: Either that scoop you used is more than a tablespoon or you don't need 4 tablespoons per 12 oz of water, because this is Sta-rooong!

Note to Philz: I'll see you Saturday and I still love you more than Barefoot because you were my first!  And because of the "crack" in the creamer! ;)

There you have it... I'll keep you posted on anything new I learn as I go.  Also, isn't my new favorite mug so adorable?  It was a gift from a very dear friend and travel buddy!