Something Brewing Downtown

For a number of years now the La Marzocco Linea (like ours) has been the industry standardbearer for quality in espresso brewing equipment. 

A couple of years ago an engineer from La Marzocco split to form his own company, Synesso.  In building the machine, he used a ton of input from top baristas in the Pacific Northwest, most notably David Schomer of Vivace.

The resulting machine has been a hit with "A-list" baristas because of features like independent boiler temperature control, exposed groupheads, a lever for preinfusing the puck, a lever instead of a knob for controlling the insulated steam wands (many of these features are also shared by La Marzocco's new GB5 model).

And now Pennsylvania has its first Synesso Cyncra - in downtown Pittsburgh no less.  It's at the Caffe Intermezzo kiosk in the Frick Building.  Luke and staff are still learning about it, but the shots are already syrupy and delicious.  With one group optimized for Black Cat, we look forward to seeing what Luke has planned for the other group.

Comments

[Tom Moertel]

I'm happy to see that Caffe Intermezzo is using my favorite espresso cups: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tmoertel/370226296/in/set-72157594502093549/

I love those things -- thick, heavy, simple.

[Chris Mayhew]

I have zero connection at all, but you *must* try the Bodum Pavina Glass Cups. I haven't had espresso out of anything else since then. Easily 5-10 degrees warmer with dramatically less cooling. They're a function work of art with a shot of espresso.

[Tom Moertel]

Chris, I have a set of Pavina cups (and also a set of Assam cups), and I agree they are works of art. When I make somebody espresso for the first time, I'll usually use a Pavina to help them better appreciate the crema. See, for example, this photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tmoertel/374829288/

But when I pull shots for myself, I go back to the 60-ml Moka Brown Sorrento cups for two reasons: (1) the heft is just right and complements the "weight" of the drink, and (2) I love the authoritative "clack" the cups make when returned to their saucers.

Cheers! --Tom