Coffee - Beans or Grind?

If you are looking for a great pot of Joe, how do you buy your beans? Do you go to your local grocer, pick up your favorite can of Folgers, Maxwell House, or __________ ground coffee of your liking? If the answer of this question is no, then you are on the right track. However, even if you a) go to the bulk bean dispenser on the coffee aisle, and b) grind it there to bring home, this isn't doing you any justice either.

For the first part, you never know how long those beans have been sitting on the shelf, and secondly - if you dont use the entire lb or bag quickly - the grinds will become old and stale.

I would recommend that your first purchase isn't a brand or type of roast, but actually this purchase should be in the housewares section of your local department store. Your first purchase should be a Coffee Grinder. Not one of those funky pots that you put the beans in and it grinds and brews all at the same time. I haven't found anyone that hasn't had issues with these breaking down. Remember with electronics, the more bells and whistles, the higher the chance of it breaking. The grinder doesnt have to be that expensive - just the regular grinder will do. If your want to spend the money- then a burr grinder is the way to go, as it has a more consistent grind. But don't fool yourself - its not needed.

After you have the grinder - find a coffee pot that works well. The cheap drips aren't a good fit for making good coffee. But you don't have to spend $300 for a pot either. A good basic Krups or mid-lever pot at Target, or other retailers works just find. Just remember that a good pot of coffee starts with a 1:1 ratio of tbls of ground coffee per cup of water. Here are a few Coffee Products that might be a good fit.

Lastly the beans, whether your love Starbucks, or any local coffee house brew, you normally can buy their coffee in whole bean form. Open your horizons there are so many types, Indonesian, Brazilian, Sumatran, French Roast, Italian Roast, and not to mention the various flavors and blends. Just experiment and find the coffee you like. I always have a few bags of various types in my cupboard to satisfy my ever changing palate. If you aren't sure of what type of coffees you might like and don't want to research where the best coffees are sold in your area, finding a Coffee Home Delivery Service that sends samplers is the way to go.

So get grinding and brew yourself a great cup of Joe!

Financier Patisserie

Obviously being a foodie in New York City has its benefits (to say the least), but sometimes trying to find a great cup of coffee (not a good quick morning cup, but a GOOD cup of coffee) is tough to do. Whether it is the natural ending of a great meal, to warm you up on a cold winter day, or a pick me up in the morning after a long night, a great cup of coffee is almost heavenly. In the world of the trendy cup of bitter Starbucks brew, when you find that place to get a good cup you savor it (no pun intended).

Nestled between 5 Starbucks in Lower Manhattan, Financier Patisserie is THE place to find that great cup of coffee. They start by brewing one of the best Italian brands around, Illy, which creates a wonderfully strong (but NOT bitter) cup of Joe. This little quaint storefront located on the cobblestoned Stone Street is a great place to grab a cup of coffee, but its also known for its pastries. Daily made madeleines, brioches, filled macaroons, cakes, torts, and Italian & French Pastries that are just out of this world.

So if you live in New York City, or are visiting on business or pleasure, come and taste for yourself. With two locations in Lower Manhattan, one on Stone Street, just off of Beaver Street, and one on William Street, between Cedar and Liberty Sts (across from the Chase Building), they are close to the sites and convenient to get to. I guarantee you won't be disappointed.