Every Now And Then – The Martyn House

Every now and then you find something that truly gives meaning to the word ‘special’.

This weekend I found ‘The Martyn House Espresso Bar and Bistro’ in Ellijay, GA.

If I had the ability to pull from my mind all the thoughts, dreams and ideas of what would make my perfect coffee shop, they have been found at the Martyn House.

Often, when one finds a ‘best kept secret’ they want to keep it just that, a secret…something to keep to themselves.  However, this is not in this case.

I want everyone to experience this amazing and unique coffee shop.  I want it to thrive and flourish.  I want it to be tough to find a seat but worth the wait.  I want to run into fellow coffee lovers and it somehow come up in the conversation and I want to get excited when I walk in the door each time I visit.

Most of all, I want it to stay exactly the same.

Visit their website by clicking here

The Martyn House - Outside

The Martyn House - Inside 1

The Martyn House - Inside 2

The Martyn House - Inside 5

The Martyn House - Inside 4

The Martyn House - Inside 3

The Martyn House - Inside 6

The Martyn House - Inside 7

 

 

 

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Automatic Espresso Machines vs. Manual Machines

One of the most awesome things on which you can reflect about modern technology is the automatic advancements that have been made over the course of generations. Just think back to the first automobiles on the road. Did you know that people would have to wind them up manually via a gear box to get them to run? The same thing is true with old clothes dryers. You personally would have to turn the barrel by hand over a heating source. Needless to say, today’s machines are far superior, and the automatic nature of technology certainly helps out with convenience. And you can also find these fully automated machines able to brew your espresso at home. Automated machines are relatively new, but already they’re taking off tremendously.

Of course, automated machines aren’t the only type of machine on the market. You can still find manual espresso machines if you’re inclined in that way. So, which machine is the right type for your personal tastes? Let’s have a look at automated and manual machines to figure things out.

Which Type of Machine Is Right for You?

First up on the list, let’s talk a little bit about manual machines, often called manual level machines. These are machines that don’t do much in the realm of automation. Everything that needs to be done here will essentially need to be done by you personally. You will have to grind your coffee beans separately. Then, after the beans have been ground, you will have to tamp them down into the puck-like shape necessary for brewing espresso. After that, you will have to pull the level to force the steam through the coffee grounds. The harder you pull it, the better the espresso will be. As you might imagine, this is quite a lot of work. And adding to that work is the fact that most manual lever machines have, at best, very basic milk frothers which require a lot of effort. They can still make some of the best coffee you’ve ever had, and they’re certainly a lot more affordable, but the word “manual” is definitely key here.

More expensive than manual models, automated espresso machines can basically do it all. They are often referred to as “bean-to-cup” machines, and that’s because they not only grind the beans for you, but they also tamp the beans down, brew the espresso, and then froth the milk for you. All you need to do, with most models, is make sure the machine has enough water in it. These machines have a lot of moving parts and a lot of power. They can easily tamp down your coffee and force the steam through, and the contained milk frothers do the work in a hands-free fashion that allows you to simply place you cup under the nozzle when you’re ready for the milk.

As you can plainly see, both types of machine produce quality espresso, but one takes your manual labor, while the other is automated. Think about things like your budget and how much time you have to make your coffee. Weigh your decision carefully before deciding which machine type is right for you.

Bio:

Founded in 2002, we are a trusted coffee machine supplier that guarantees satisfaction! Through ease of use, outstanding service and advice, a terrific selection and great values, 1st in Coffee will make your shopping experience the best it can be. Find more about us here!

Mug of the Moment!

We took a long four-day weekend and spent it up on the wonderful north Georgia Mountains.  When I first started traveling on business and decided to collect coffee mugs, the first 24 trips I took were from Atlanta to Los Angeles.  Which resulted in just a couple of mugs.  I really did not think, after that project was complete, I would really be traveling as much but when I did, I would buy a mug representing that city.

This mug is not ‘geo-specific’ so much as it is ‘state-of-mind specific’.

Here is our morning view this past weekend which inspired this particular mug purchase.

Cabin View

Thus, the new ‘Mug of the Moment’!

Cabin Time

See you at ‘Three O’clock’!

Friday In America!

Long Time/No See Coffee Lovers!

This is my favorite time of the year and not just for the wonderful colors, cooler weather but for how coffee seems to taste just a little bit better.  So, that said, how about a new ‘Mug of the Moment’?

Mug

I bought this one on a recent trip to the north Georgia mountains, stopping at one of my favorite places, the outfitters shop Mountain Crossings at Walasi-yi just at the beginning of the Appalachian Trail.

http://www.mountaincrossings.com

Have a great weekend all!

Mug of the Moment!

Ahhh…cooler weather ahead, ‘shorter’ days makes each cup of coffee more enjoyable, at least on this end.

Here is a new ‘Mug of the Moment’.  I found this one, all alone, on a shelf at our local ‘Dollar Store’ and I love it!  It is slender, deep and keeps the coffee hotter, longer.

Mug - Dollar Store

Feel free to submit your favorite mug for the next ‘Mug of the Moment’

Enjoy!

Coffee Recipe – Robert

1. Name: Robert Harrell
2. Location: Manhattan Beach, CA
3. Brand of Coffee: Costco House Brand (Roasted by Starbucks)
4. Delivery Method: Good ole ‘Mr. Coffee’
5. Recipe: Very strong, light and sweet but no sugar.
6. Favorite Container: One of those plastic cups that looks like a Starbucks cup.
7. Promotion: Time For Dervin…I love this guy!  (http://timefordervin.com)

Thanks Robert!  Here’s a lift of the Three O’clock Mug your way.

Coffee Recipe – Kyle

1. Name: Kyle Williams, Director Business Development at Reed Construction Data
2. Location: Atlanta, GA
3. Brand of Coffee: Starbucks, House Blend
4. Delivery Method: Old School machine…10 cups at a time!
5. Recipe: 2 prime cut Rib-eye steaks with coffee rub (2 parts coffee, 1 part salt, 2 parts pepper)
6. Favorite Container: small mugs, refill frequently to keep coffee hot
7. Promotion: Reed Construction Data – leading information provider to the construction industry.  (www.reedconstructiondata.com)

Thanks Kyle!  Here’s a lift of the Three O’clock Mug your way.

Coffee Recipe – Nat

I think it is way appropriate for the first ‘non-me’ recipe to come from Nat.  She worked with me at the place where the ‘Three O’clock Pot’ all began.

  1. Name: Natalie, Nat, Natahala, Nat-Nat, Nit-Nat  (whatever!)
  2. Location: Cumming, GA
  3. Brand of Coffee: Starbucks Veranda or Espresso (depends on the amount of lube I need!)
  4. Delivery Method: Verisimo
  5. Recipe: 1 steamed milk pack, 1 coffee pack, 2 splenda’s
  6. Favorite Container: My favorite coffee cup is a clear one.  I don’t know why, but it
    makes me feel high class, and you gotta feel it to believe it!
  7. Promotion:  Cake Envy, home of high-end custom wedding cakes!       http://www.cakeenvyonline.com/