The Vancouver Indy Coffee Scene

Cappuccino is a drink prepared with espresso, heated milk, and steamed-milk foam. A traditional cappuccino differs from a latte in that it is prepared with much less steamed or textured milk than a latte. A cappuccino is traditionally served in a porcelain cup, which has far better heat-retention characteristics than glass or paper. The foam on top of the cappuccino acts as an insulator and helps retain the heat of the espresso.

A wet cappuccino has more textured milk and less foam, while a dry cappuccino should have stiff foam.

Author’s note:
This is my interpretation of a cappuccino, there are many varieties to a traditional cappuccino.

A traditional cappuccino

Cafe au Lait is French for coffee with milk. Similar to a latte, but made with brewed coffee instead of espresso. To make a simple Cafe au Lait, mix equal portions of brewed coffee and heated or steamed milk.

Author’s note:
It is not a misto, which a few chains claim it to be.

Krups has listed their 2009 finalist for the Kup of Excellence and their are a few usual suspects on the list and a number of cafes I have yet to go to. (Have a full time job is such a pain some times)

You can have your say too vote online

And you can help to, by voting for you favorite online and then tell why you like them so much:

• 49th Parallel
• AGRO Cafe
• Brazza
• Bump and Grind
• Gene
• Médina
• Prado
• Elysian Room
• Thomas Haas
• Wicked Cafe

Can wait to see who wins this, the competition will be steep.

A burr grinder uses rotating conical metal disks with sharp ridges, or burrs, to evenly grind the coffee beans. A burr grinder is typically adjustable from very fine to coarse and produces a consistent particle size compared to the blade grinder. Burr grinders can range widely in price and is the choice of coffee professionals for its proven consistency and fast production of grinds.

Author’s note:
Consistency in grind is one of the most important parts of the coffee making process.

A salty taste caused by continuously heating coffee after brewing is complete.

Author’s note:
For example brewed coffee sitting on a burner overnight is likely to taste briny.