Developing Situation

Which is a better system for developing film? Coffee or Beer? Well, we don't know of a beer solution.. but a photographer friend informed us of a method for using the morning blend to create some prints...cafenol.


Here is the story in Wired.

And a photo from that story.

Brewmaster Tips for Home Brewers

[The staff has been occupied developing the Coffee or Beer Tendency Exam (COBTE) and will next turn to revising a profile about the partners behind The Bronx Brewery. Here is a bonus section from that article, in which brewmaster Damian Brown gives...]

FIVE TIPS TO HOME BREWERS
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1. Brew what you like to drink.  This is the best way to stay motivated to make more.

2.  Don't worry so much about style guidelines.  Be creative and make a beer that's truly your own.

3.  Start simple and add complexity as you gain more experience.  Starting with simple recipes and processes will allow you to better grasp the principles of brewing without being overwhelmed.

4.  Share what you make.

5.  Invite people to brew with you.  

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As told to Matt Hanley by Damian Brown, Brewmaster, The Bronx Brewery 

Stay tuned for an upcoming profile about the brains behind The Bronx Brewery. 

Starting With What the Day Holds

Chris S., a Queens school teacher, has a way of deciding what to have on a weekend morning / early afternoon--a hair of the dog, or a coffee.

It depends on what the plan is for the remainder of the day. If the day will involve drinking, then he will have a beer. If the day involves work or other non-alcohol activities, then he will drink coffee.

What's in the Tummy?

Lawrence, a Brooklyn chef and artist, has a food-based framework for deciding whether to drink beer or coffee.

He pictures what the beverage would look like in his stomach alongside what he's been eating. If it jibes well, he'll drink that.

The Ferrari of Coffee Machines

Making espresso can be a high art. We believe that, and that is why we take an interest in the people and technology that push the limits of what is possible.

Yesterday early evening, this writer was introduced to the Stratta E.P., a precision-engineered machine built in Florence, Italy by La Marzocco. I was at the Sweet Leaf cafe in Long Island City. Christian, a barista and manager there, offered to let me take photos from behind the counter, and then demonstrated to me the store's pride and joy.

The machine, built in Florence, Italy, has a very responsive engine.

This is the premier model from La Marzocco. One indicator is its translucency. You can view the gears inside. 

Christian at work.

Thank you for the tour, Christian. We will provide more details about the Stratta in a revised post.

Natural Born Chiller

Nikita (sic), a barista at a Long Island City coffee shop, said she never has to decide between coffee or beer. The answer will always be beer.

"I'm naturally a chiller, not a tweaker," she said. "I don't ever want to get amped up."

and then...

"Beer is like a meal. It's liquid bread."

Okay we see where you're coming from!

Give it to Me!