What have you done to me?

Went to keys overnight with the wife.
We stop at our regular coffee shop for some Cuban espresso at Denny's in Key Largo.
First thing wife notices, Rancilio.
Next thing I point out is the Rocky like grinder with doser.
We drank the coffee, and chatted with the folks there as usual.
Their Cuban espresso is so, so good.
However, since I now have a Rancilio Silvia on order, we went on to talk about the coffee itself and grinder.

Well, thanks a whole lot you screwy bastages!!! After our discussion with the folks at the restaurant, now, getting ready to order the Rocky.
Why? Because I came back with a few bags of coffee beans from Pilon Gourmet that I now need to grind.

I hate all of you!!!
Need to log out so I can order my grinder.
I hope you are having a good laugh as you read this.
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You're grinder set for a long long time and will never regret it,
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A..HOLES!!!

Got this message:

Thank you for placing your order.

I HATE YOU ALL!!!:-)

Rocky with doser on it's way from Seattle Coffee Gear.
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Patiently awaiting delivery are these two lonely guys.

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Pilon and cafe Bustello are both not bad and probably dear to your South Florida heart.

Once you run your first grind of fresh roast, there will be no turning back.

I think Norm over at Unclebeanz will be back up and running by the time your grinder arrives.
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You know they say misery loves company. Well people who love great coffee do as well. Welcome to amazing coffee. :-)
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Not sure if I said it already but just in case, let me say it again.

I HATE YOU GUYS!!!:-)
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Pete,
Help me out.

I can understand the need for a top notch espresso machine due to need for heat for brew, etc.
I can understand the need for a quality grinder due to consistency of grind and freshness of ground coffee at moment to be brewed.

That said, when speaking to a guy that is nearly 52 and has been drinking Cuban espresso ever since he can remember his first thought or words, who likes a strong brew (remember, Cubans judge their espresso by the ability of a spoon to stand in the cup), what can I expect from these other coffees you allude to?
Remember, compared to Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, etc, our Cuban coffee is STRONG!

Will these coffees from unclebeanz meet that need we Cubans have? What is so different or wonderful that we can expect? For me, Pilon Gourmet is amazingly good coffee. Can't imagine what others can be like but would hope in the end, we get the flavor that I am accustomed to for nearly 52 years.

I am willing to try something new to see. What do you guys recommend from unclebeanz that would satisfy a life long espresso aficionado like me?

BTW,
In case I forgot, I HATE YOU GUYS!!!
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One word; FRESHNESS.

There was a time that I thought Cafe Bustello out of my Krupps steam driven machine was great Cappucino and Starbucks was worth the money,

Both nearly make me gag now.

Personally, my favorite beans that I didn't roast might be either Stumptown hairbender or Intelligensea Black cat espresso, both of which can be found online.
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Let me know which one you think I should try given you know what I drink.
I just saw unclebeanz will be back up on the 28th.

One thing I don't have any plans of right now is roasting my own.
Maybe some day but not yet.
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http://www.intelligentsiacoffee.com/...k+Cat+Espresso

Black cat espresso is an amazing blend of South and Central America beans.

15 bucks a pound, but so are most good beans.

Once you start roasting, the same beans in green cost a third, you roast em fresh, and pay for the roaster in a short time, but that's another slope to worry about once you get your machine and grinder dialed in.
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Just saw it.
Quite pricey but I will try anything.
Will order some tomorrow.
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Unclebeanz, Killerbeans, and all the online retailers are about that price, give or take a few bucks.

The best thing to do is try to find a local roaster near your house.

Here, there are a few and Whole Foods roasts a few times a day and does a great job and there is no shipping when you pick it up yourself.

CCM coffee in Tampa is also a family owned business and has been for years. I beleive they are from Cuba, were recommended to me by Mr Moo.

I buy lots of green beans from them and they also roast and sell that way.

Great prices and normally the beans arrive the next day from Tampa.

http://www.ccmcoffee.com/

Edit:

Wow, just checked roasted beans and there Colombian Supremo is around 6 bucks a pound! That stuff rocks.
Also, my mistake, they are from Spain.
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Thanks.
Will give CCM a shout tomorrow.

I have a Whole Foods in Boca.
Didn't know they roasted their own.
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Whole Foods by me has a huge roaster and several bins with beans roasted that day. I'd imagine your does too.

The staff is great and will always recommend stuff.

I don't have a Trader Joes here, but hear they do the same.

A quick search revelaed a Cuban Coffe roaster very close to your house....
http://maps.google.com/maps/place?hl...42184011632758
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Wow.
That is literally down the street from my old office location.
Thanks.
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Pete,
That place you found near me is neat.
Just went on their site.
$9 a pound for two of the three espresso blends.
One is a special one at $19 a pound.
Will probably go by there tomorrow to check it out but won't buy any until I get my grinder.
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Pete,
These are nice folks.
Just spoke to them.
The location near me is the main plant but he said to stop by and he will take care of me.
When I introduced myself and notices his accent, we went off in Cuban Spanish.
He told me he will give me samples of all their stuff to try.
Looking to head over there in a while, around lunch time.
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Glad to hear, but not surprised.

Coffee folks seem to be a lot like cigar folks; eager to share and exceedingly kind.:-)
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Well,
Just called Seattle Coffee Gear and changed my order to the sooner shipping option as now can't wait.
Going downhill fast here.
Should be here in 3 to 5 days.

Picked up some coffee from Kana that Pete posted the link to.
Super great folks.
Got a few blends to try out.
As soon as UPS shows up tomorrow with my Silvia, we shall be brewing.
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