We all know that for most of us who like coffee, it plays a huge part in a developer’s life. For me, it started with the fact that when working for Vitria Technology back in the day, we had a commercial espresso machine in our cafeteria. This is where I learned what espresso is, and what good coffee really is. From then on, I have become a coffee enthusiast and want to have fun and pass coffee information along in this blog when I have some good things to share. There is a difference between so-so coffee and very GOOD coffee. But if you have never really looked into it, you may not know about it. Hopefully I can help make your coffee experience more fun while you code. I’m starting with just a post with some very good links below.
Equipment & Supplies
I purchased my first Super Automatic Espresso machine here (Gaggia Titanium). They have excellent phone support and can literally walk you through how to do anything on any machine you buy from them. Not only do they have a great selection on their site, but their customer service is just amazing.
Great Coffee Shops
These are all coffee shops I frequent often and in my opinion have some of the best coffee out there.
Local to Chicago Only
click on the images below to go to the site
| Shop | Location | Info |
|  | Chicago Only | · The best in my opinion in Chicago · Coffee Roastery & Distributor · Roastery Tours Available in Chicago · They do have a couple shops where you can get their coffee · Very old Italy feel inside their shops, very authentic |
| 
| Chicago Only | · They have excellent coffee here besides just tea because they use use Illy Italian beans They do have a couple shops where you can get their coffee · Very nice atmosphere. Very hip and modern feel inside |
| 
| Chicago Only | · Very good coffee here. Tastes very close to Italy in some ways · More commercial feel, but still a feel of modern Italy here |
Nationwide or in Several States
| Shop | Location | Info |
|  | Located in several states | · Much, much better than Starbucks by far |
|  | Chicago, CA, and WA | · One of my favorite coffee shops when I was in CA and there is one in Chicago as well |
| 
| Walnut Creek, CA | · One of the best local micro roaster shops in California · Great music while you sip coffee · Can order their beans online |
Good Coffee – Purchase Online!
| Shop | Location | Info |
|  | Located in Arizona | · Very authentic coffee, all sorts of exotic types · Featured in Sunset, Gourmet, and AAA magazines · I usually order a couple of these ever few months for my super automatic espresso machine · Order beans online
(free shipping with order of 2 lbs) |
Good Coffee Recipes
My personal all-time favorite drink. The ONLY drink I approve of by Starbucks besides their Pumpkin Latte. Personally I think Starbucks sucks otherwise and they over roast their beans but this drink rocks
Starbucks Marble Mocha Macchiato
from http://www.recipezaar.com/165958
Ingredients
Directions
- Steam milk until it reaches 145 degrees F
- Pour white chocolate syrup into bottom of a coffee mug, followed by freshly brewed espresso
- Pour in steamed milk
- Top with Hershey's syrup
- Top with whip cream
Recommended Coffee Syrups for Home
Monin Syrups I feel are the best syrups hands down. Also, if you see them being used in a coffee shop you are guarantee a good drink if they use these.
You can buy them online or at Beaners coffee stores. I don’t particularly like Beaners coffee, in fact I hate their coffee, but I do buy Monin syrup there for around $10 a bottle. You can also purchase these syrups surprisingly on-site at any Fry’s Electronics for even cheaper.
Cool Coffee Gadgets
FridgePins coffee bean magnets
I have these on my fridge and they can hold up just about anything, they are amazing. They look small but trust me, they hold A LOT.
