Headed to see Charles Prince of Oracle and talk about the opportunities in Cloud computing, and found this great coffee shop. I am crazy about coffee and love perfect foam. This place is excellent. Parking is terrible; Atlanta downtown is pretty dodgy with bums and such – but it is worth it.

Best part – everyone is brainstorming and creating – great vibe for thinking through exciting ideas!

If you are in the area check it out.

Octane Coffee Bar & Lounge
www.octanecoffee.com

1009 Marietta St NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 815-9886
Get directions

I received this book as a gift both as a joke and on a serious note.  As any entrepreneur and technologist can relate, I spend an abnormal amount of time away from home and tend to find myself in a Starbucks.  I generally enjoy their drinks, though I enjoyed them more when they had real espresso machines and not the mechanical ones, and love their atmosphere.  To the contrary of some people’s perceptions, I do not only go to Starbucks.  I will enjoy any coffee shop I find, and will certainly seek out authentic / regionally original coffee houses above starbucks any day.  So, I am both practical in that I enjoy Starbucks where ever they may be, but I am also biased towards “other” coffee houses that have real baristas that can pull great shots of espresso and make perfect foam.

So, how does the book fair?  It is a fun read.  Actually the first half is fun and inspiring as an entrepreneur.  The second half is more globalization the fall of culture.  I enjoyed the deep perspective on how they started the business, and how  coffee has become a success.  I would definitely recommend giving this book a read to those looking to fund startups – actually I would advise reading this book over “Founders at Work“.  That book was chock full of people gloating and not giving the meat of the deals and emotions.

For some deeper insight into the book check out – Brand Autopsy’s article.

In the end, if you have a long flight get the book and enjoy.  Otherwise drink that half-calf decaf fat free with whip beverage in eternal bliss.
James

The other day, a special day, I received a cool gift from my sister. A Moka Express – specifically a Bialetti. In case you are unfamiliar with this classic stovetop espresso maker here is a small picture and wiki link.

Despite the lack of instructions my first cafe was excellent with the illy coffee I had lying around the house (never know when you are going to want to make an expresso!). I did find a few good sites that help walk the newbie through brewing this cup of joe.

• Kevin’s I Need Coffee Article (very good plenty of captions to accompany the photos)
• About.com basic slide show (pour, scoop, tighten, boil, drink)

One word of caution – if you drink the whole pot you will be juiced, and will need occupy yourself for several hours (days).

Buon appetito!

James