CoffeeGeek - Is This the End of the Barista?
I just read this article and I must say that it distressed me a little. The labour and commitment it takes to produce great espresso will soon be nothing more than a laughable sidenote when fully automated systems start to improve. Read this article and pray with me, dear reader. Armageddeon is coming.

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The tamper handles we use here at Mercury are called the Radical Pro. They do look a little strange at first but after a little adjusting, I'm thanking the stars (or whomever decided to order them for us). They encourage proper technique and let me tell you, after pouring 100 or so espresso a day, I need all the help I can get. It simply does not allow shortcuts because of the way it's designed. You could try to fit your palm over it in a pinch but you'll find very quickly that it's really not worth it to cheat. Any barista complaining about carpal tunnel syndrome (or whatever you want to call it) will want one of these. While it doesn't cure anything, it certainly is great preventive measure. No offense to the traditional Reg Barber designs of course.

I would also like to take the time to welcome our newest barista-in-training, Reza. From what I can tell Reza is an eccentric character with an innate ability to pour good espresso. Either that, or I'm a good teacher. I'm inclined to believe the former. ;)

love,
alex

So I come into work today in the morning an I find the Yemen Mocha Matari on this week's feature menu. Coffees from Ethiopia tend to, as the name suggests, have a chocolatey, cocoa-y aroma. This one is certianly no different. There's a wonderful, lingering aftertaste that fills the mouth with a hug. Not just any hug. A hug from our very own Alice. Yes, that's what this coffee tastes like. It doesn't make a great espresso (as most single origins usually don't) but the low notes really combine well with milk. Coming from a non-milk drinker that's saying a lot.

happy Christmas hang-over people

love,

alex

Twas the day before Christmas, all the creatures were stirring, and no barista, not even a customer could figure out why. "The goats, the goats!" they kept shouting, "Look into the sky." A whole herd of them could be seen from the patio, bleating through the sun drenched horizon.
Eight goats will be purchased thanks to everyone's contribution. You guys truly went above and beyond the call. It's heartwarming to know that so many people care! If that isn't what this season is about then I don't want to know. Cheers all!

-The A-Team

Bam! So I haven't been writing about coffee much lately so that's what I'll do today instead of the usual random rants.

We just all had a cup of the Mexican Chiapas made with our French Press and I must say it's a decent cup. It's kinda smokey, and has a syrup-y aftertaste. It's not that great as an espresso, but then again, I'm discovering that most single origin beans don't make great espressos.

We're also now using new tampers that are better for avoiding carpal-tunnel. They're gonna take some getting used to but it won't be that hard considering the amount of practise we get in a day.


Well, that's about it I guess. Oh, one more thing: we have a new chocolate espresso cake. It's so far untouched. Will you be the first?

Cameron is going to be playing very soon, come down for a piece of chocolate espresso cake, a cup of Mexican Chaipas and let Cameron entertain you tonight!

love,

alex

p.s. Alice is the undefeated chess champion of Mercury. Someone PLEASE come down and shut her up. please. pretty please. (she still talking)

Hey champ!

If you missed live music this sunday you might want to hang your head in shame (for shame!). Cam the man and friends (including our Mercurer Adrian) rocked the place! Cam played me my favourite song -twice- and the group of them were awesome together (like fish and chips). So be sure to come out next sunday and see it all go down first hand. It's always a good time at the Merc.
In other news...
New week = New feature Latte
My advice for this week is to try something new.... like, maybe the latte (hint hint)
or if you are feeling really out there check out espressoporn.com - it's hot!

That''s how i roll...
-Alice "honey cat" Berg

WORD ON THE STREET
-This weekend we have a super swell feature latte- the Papua New Guinea!
So if you are in the mood for a treat, this is it.
-Just a reminder that Friday and Saturday nights are Rock 'N Roll Vinyl Nights. Now thanks to a freaking awesome donation they are better than ever. Vinyl Lives at Mercury.
-Barons and Lenghty (Adrian's band) are playing a show this Saturday (Dec 2) at the Savannah Room (294 College St.- just west of Spadina). It is a Fundraiser for Issue (Alex's zine)and is a Pay What You Can event. All the cool kids are going so you should too!
-Sunday is live music night. It should get going around 8pm and end around 9:30pm. So come out, grab a coffee, and listen to some cool tunes.