Prelude

Moka Pot, Dreamy Espresso for the Real World

2011-08-20T12:43:00.003-04:00

So there is the coffee machine and then there is the french press. The french press is slower, sure, but not only does it make a better, more full body cup of coffee, you feel so much cooler and in touch with your ancestors while you make it. So what if you're an espresso fiend?

Well you can certainly buy a completely manual pump/pull espresso machine, but that requires a paycheck or two or three and a month long training course with uncle Sergio. For about %3 of the cost you can alternatively invest in a Moka Pot. This upside marvel looks like an hour glass for the Tin Man and makes a wonderful batch of espresso for a few people. The water starts in the bottom, then once you put it on your heat source the steam will produce pressure and push the hot water through the coffee filter in the middle, pushing the brown deliciousness into the top half. It's a great cheap hit of espresso and you get to spend some time with uncle Sergio, win win!

Strong Coffee = Weak Coffee

2011-04-06T11:58:00.003-04:00

Are you a java junkie, king coffee crusader amongst your friends? Do you scoff at any coffee drink that doesn't have "double" or "triple" somewhere in the title? Do you demand your caffeine copilot as dark as can be and loaded with stimulant. Well if you have, it's possible you've done along with a common misconception that many people have; the darker the coffee the more caffeine you get injected into your nervous system. Actually, it's only part misconception.

You see, in actuality the darker beans are roasted longer and actually contain LESS caffeine than their lightly toasted siblings. The roasting process extracts the oils in the beans and actually reduces acidity and the caffeine level. So why does everyone 'claim' to get a buzz off of espresso which is as dark as it gets? The brewing process that pops out a shot of expresso actually uses much more coffee per unit of water, so while the beans contain less caffeine, more of that caffeine is extracted for the amount of liquid you are drinking. So yes, that lightly roasted cup of coffee very well might contain more caffeine than that shot of espresso your local self-proclaimed-rock-star coffee addict thought was making him or her 'lord of the edge'.

Crema - The stamp of quality

2011-02-19T11:28:00.002-05:00

In espresso making, actually in coffee making in general, it can become one of those subjects where it can be hard to tell if and what good coffee is. Espresso, however, has something that your eyes can take notice of in order to make a judgement, "is this espresso or espresso-tastic?" Say hello to crema.

Crema simply observed is the lighter colored foam that naturally appears on top of the espresso (no to be confused with the milk foam that is poured in for a latte). It's the carbon dioxide and other bits of coffee science that come together to form a Guiness like head on the espresso, not too dark, not too light, it is the sign of a great shot of espresso. Now I know in the US most people don't drink it straight, but if you get a good one...well, lets just say it's the ultimate pure coffee experience.

click here for more detailed info

Tasty Paint: Steamed Milk on Espresso

2010-11-22T14:37:00.004-05:00

When you drink your coffee and adding creamer odds are you are not thinking about to best use those two contrasting tones to make a composition. Well, some baristas do when pouring a latte, and I wish i knew a place around here that did that. However, since we have an espresso machine I hope we can inspire a few artists this season. Take a look at an example of how to take the simple contrast of espresso and steamed milk in order to paint right onto your latte.

The Hearts Interview

2010-10-01T21:34:00.001-04:00

Sorapot Teapot

2010-09-21T23:02:00.001-04:00

If you have expensive taste, like tasteful products and love the taste of tea, then this teapot is the perfect thing for you. It's a beautiful way to watch your hot tea steep, but it will cost you a cool $250. Check it out here.

Rob Vaughn Interview

2010-09-07T08:38:00.001-04:00

What's the proper way to brew tea?

2010-09-06T10:39:00.001-04:00

How hot should the water be when I steep green tea? For how long should I steep Pu-erh? How many teaspoons/tablespoons per serving for black tea? If you've ever had any questions about the proper way to brew tea, head on over to this link to find out.

Brian Campbell Interview

2010-09-06T10:07:00.002-04:00

Cory Interview

2010-08-30T20:13:00.005-04:00

Udu Drum Demonstration

2010-08-23T08:17:00.003-04:00

Ken Moore was interviewed after the Doerr & Drumm concert and explained some of the drums he was using. (Available in HD if you click through to the Youtube page).

Moroccan Tea Culture

2010-08-11T23:32:00.000-04:00

Check out this video on making Moroccan Tea. It makes me want to go boil some hot water right now.

Sensory Overload! ...could you pass the cream?

2010-05-08T11:01:00.003-04:00

"So what is that place like?", "You know, I've always wanted to try that place but never have". Perhaps you've found yourself in this conversation, embarrassed to admit that you never tried that restaurant that looks so interesting but you just never got around to it. Just down the street from us, on the corner of State Rd. is a place that certainly has caught your eye but perhaps you never managed to make it past "I should try that place out." Well, let me tell you, stop making that mistake and enter The Chowder House. It's just as much of a sight on the inside as it is on the exterior, and the food is equally memorable. Go for lunch and their chowder will have you saying "yes, it is that good", or try their Sunday brunch and you'll wonder if you'll ever be able to eat french toast again that isn't stuffed with mascarpone, made with brioche, topped with strawberries and served with sage sausage or applewood bacon. It's like a diner, but it's like... gourmet... and an art gallery.

Check out their site.

Café Misión

2010-03-15T08:49:00.005-04:00

Ever wondered where we get the coffee you drink at Prelude? It is a Single Source Honduran coffee. Check out this website that explains where it comes from. You can buy a fresh bag (whole bean or we'll grind it for you) at Prelude. Proceeds go to fund missions in Honduras.

"Top of the Mountain's premium coffee, Café Misión, is fresh! Our coffee beans are grown at high altitudes where climate and soil conditions are optimum. Our beans are roasted to perfection..."

Tea Infusion Guide

2010-03-07T22:08:00.007-05:00

Ever wonder about the best way to make tea? The important factors are "quality tea, quality water, appropriate vessel, water temperature, and infusion time." Follow the link for a Tea Infusion Guide.

Art & Hope

2009-12-14T11:39:00.004-05:00

So the Christmas season is upon, and the annual dilemma of deciding what gift to get and give is upon us as well. On top of that, so is that struggle between the 'true meaning of christmas' and the presence of the 'consumerism monster'. Well at Prelude we have possibly made that choice a little easier. We have installed a number of sculptures that are hand made by christian family groups in the holy land. They look quite striking and beautiful in the space but you are able to buy any one that you'd like to have or give to someone else. Perhaps the best part of all is that the money you spend on this art work all goes back to the hard working people of faith who made them and are in strong need of the support. It's a gift of creativity and craftsmanship, and it's a gift of hope to those who carved them. Come and ask if you'd like details.

すし

2009-11-06T11:11:00.004-05:00

すし　が　すき　です！ That's right, I love sushi. It seems to have gone from gross oriental thing to chic-increasingly-popular-foodie-delight. Smart on the part of americans since A) Japan rules and so does it's food B) Japanese have the world's longest life span C) For some reason almost every sushi place has a half off day. In order to help clarify the differences between the different types of sushi, here is a list to help break down the words.

Sashimi - Just cut pieces of fish, typically more expensive (more popular in japan)

Nigiri - A larger piece of fish on top of rice (more popular in japan)

Maki - sushi in a roll in such forms using nori (dried seaweed sheet)

Futomaki - Larger roll with nori wrapped on the outside, multiple fillings

Hosomaki - Like the Futomaki but smaller with one filling

Temaki - (hand roll) rolled with nori into a cone shape

Uramaki - Like Futomaki but rice is on the Outside (popular in US, not Japan)

There are a number of other kinds but if you ever find out about those, you probably don't need this list anymore.

また　ね！ - mata ne! - see you!

Go Backerei

2009-10-01T22:09:00.004-04:00

It was July of this past year, I was in a church in Belgium, waking up every morning to the same routine. Jog, shower, then walk 4 min to a bakery (or 5 or 6 min depending on which I you wanted to go to) to buy bread and pastries for the day. This is something I REALLY wish I did most days here. Sadly I live in suburbia central and I can't walk to anything. A wonderful work around is this gem of a bakery in Kent called 'The Backerei' (it's a real bakery). Between my classes it's the perfect spot to get affordable, well made, euro-influenced and super yummy treats from ciabatta to russian tea biscuits (oh man... I just drooled) to smoked gouda and prosciutto pretzels... and they serve apfelschorle, I mean come on! So this is where I beg you to do everyone a favor and go there. Its supports a local business, tastes soooo good, and will make you feel cool when you get to say to people "you haven't been there yet?! Oh, you have to go."

Skip Panera,

Go Backerei!

Update: The Backerei is temporarily (I pray) closed. Excuse me while I cry.

120 S. Water St.

Kent, OH 44240

Ca phe sua da

2009-08-19T12:01:00.002-04:00

Or in other words, VIETNAMESE COFFEE. This stuff is intense and not to be missed as it is an amazing Vietnamese adoption of a French import. We start with some sweetened condensed milk (something that was much easier to get ahold of in Vietnam than fresh milk and way more badness than boring milk and sugar) and then slowly drip French roast (dark roast) on top of it using a cute little filter that sits atop the glass. You can make a big batch of it and drink it hot or pour it over ice. Either way you'll question if you can ever drink coffee to old way again.

Gelato (Italian for 'that's cold and yummy')

2009-06-16T11:30:00.004-04:00

So perhaps you've heard of it but what is it and why is it just not ice cream. Well to be honest its similar, the difference being its bigger in Europe, contains less fat (%5ish vs ice creams %10), and also contains less air based on its slower churn. So in the end you get something that is more dense and rich and smooth and just lovely. It tends to have a lot of fresh fruit flavors along with more typical chocolate, coffee, pistachio etc. It also tends to be served at a slightly warmer temperature than ice cream and should be consumed whenever spotted. note* normally I hate blog snobbery but for the recored, Rita's (who yes I adore and enjoy their stuff) does NOT sell gelato, they Gelati which is what they call their italian ice/frozen custard parfait type thing... okay, I feel better now.

Now go find some gelato and enjoy, the summer is upon us! (locally, Rico Latte (who sells fair trade coffee, nice transition eh) and Giant Eagle sell it)

2009-05-01T14:30:00.002-04:00

Trading can be fun and who doesn't want everything to be fair, but since when did these concepts have a logo? Well, 'FairTrade' is a global marketing and cultural effort to make sure that those who harvest/create goods (such as coffee, yum), often from marginalized countries are treated fairly. This means fair payment, creating safe environments and helping everyone along the way create a world where they can sustain themselves and their families. I suppose the basic idea is doing things right, and treating people accordingly.

How do you know? Here is an explanation of some labels you commonly.

How to Make an Herbal Tea Garden

2009-04-10T14:54:00.003-04:00

Sure, 'herbal tea' is not actually tea, but if you like it, you could grow your own herb garden.

"A tea garden is a delightful hobby that can complement the rest of your herb garden and will provide you with the joy of fresh herbal teas, more properly known as herbal infusions or tisanes, at a moment's notice. Creating a tea garden in a container can also make a perfect gift for somebody."

Music? Just Look Around You

2009-03-10T11:39:00.005-04:00

Music - what is it and where does it come from? Above is a british educational program that takes a look at these questions and others you may or may not have wished were in the previous sentence question (an example of this would be "How does a computer make a song" or, "I don't much care to know 'where' music comes from".

Coffee: A Pressing French Issue

2009-02-03T10:06:00.003-05:00

Parlez-vous coffee? French Press, Press Pot, Plunger Java Tube Piston...whatever you call it this device which originated around 1850 (yes, in France) probably is the best coffee machine you could own. Not too expensive, certainly not fast and maintenance-less, but oh so dreamy tasty good. Grounds (chunky grind) are dumped into the pot, chased by nearly boiling water and then just left to get to know one another until a special bond is formed. Then the plunger is depressed oh so slowly until all that silky goodness gets separated from the rather unpleasant-to-consume grounds. Full of more flavor and essential oils than a drip machine could ever dream of producing, this device has the added bonus of not looking like cylindrical toaster. You go France!

Theremin... therewhat?

2008-11-22T14:51:00.005-05:00

Imagine an instrument that you could play without touching and would emit a sound that was straight out of a science fiction movie....pretty futuristic huh? Yeah, well that's what they thought in 1919 when lev Sergeivich Termen (also known as Leon Theremin) invented the Theremin in Russia. The rising vertical metal rod controls pitch (right hand) and a curved rod controls volume (left hand). It's pretty much responsible for the sound you think of when you imagine a flying saucer. Oh yeah baby, this thing eats wii music for breakfast.

YiXing Teapots

2008-11-02T01:08:00.003-04:00

If you're a tea lover, you might find this interesting:

"To own a quality YiXing teapot is to own a piece of history, a work of art and a valuable tea brewing vessel. Many tea connoisseurs would say that the YiXing teapot is an indispensable tool for a tea enthusiast's collection. The qualities that make them truly special are directly linked to the zisha clay, found only in the Jiangsu province of China, and the highly skilled craftspeople commissioned to create the pots." (Read More)

2008-10-27T15:35:00.002-04:00

Wish you could just chill out at that swank Prelude for more than just that 7-8 hour? Then be our guests. You are welcome up there before and well after the 'show' so bring a book or homework or a movie or 'Guitar Hero' or knitting supplies or what have you.

Quickie Cafe list

2008-10-15T18:10:00.004-04:00

Okay....without going into much history, here is the quick lowdown. (note, these are all the english / american definitions of these terms). An official Prelude PSA :)

Cafe au lait - Coffee and milk

Espresso - (not EXspresso) finely ground strong coffee

(Cafe) Latte - Espresso with steamed milk

Cappuccino - Espresso with steamed milk topped with foam

(Cafe) Mocha - A Latte with chocolate

Americano - Espresso with water added

Modularity

2008-10-09T13:35:00.003-04:00

You may have noticed the modular potential of the Prelude space when you were up there. All those couches reforming now and again and chairs that...well, they're basically big cushy blocks. Perhaps this idea has caught your fancy and you've thought to yourself, why not apply this to my bathroom.. GENIUS. Well, here ya go. Behold a shower (two actually), toilet, sink, and storage system all neatly stacked in a rotating vertebrae of shinning brushed metal. Now, you can just blame the wet toilet seat on the shower.

Site

Anatomy of a Song: Part 2

2008-09-20T12:43:00.008-04:00

First off, if you don't know about the Pandora website, please check it out. Based off of the Music Genome Project, you create radio stations according to your likes (try this one out). Type in the name of an artist or band and then a station, based off of that choice, is created. As each song plays, you can give it a thumbs up or thumbs down and the radio station will continue to be honed to your liking. There is a mix of popular and indie stuff, so it's a great way to discover new music.

Now, the point of this post:
Pandora has a podcast designed to share some of what makes music, well...music.

From the website: "Ever wonder how a band creates its unique "sound," or what makes a particular song so distinctive?

As we spend our days dissecting tracks for the Music Genome Project, it occurs to us that most people don't get to hear songs before they're finished. We thought it might be interesting for folks to learn more about what goes into songwriting. This show is our attempt to give you an inside look at the techniques musicians use to put their signature on the music they write and perform."

You can subscribe to the podcast through iTunes.

Matcha - oh la la (since when is powdered tea the good stuff)

2008-09-10T00:48:00.005-04:00

You know how some tea companies say they're all this and that and better than them because they fresh brew and don't use the (gasp!) powder...well, time to KOROSU conventions. Made from ground up (specially) green tea leaves and invented by the chinese (seriously, what didn't they invent), this tea is very much a part of the traditional japanese tea ceremony. Today though, the convenience and chic nature of this high quality powdered tea has allowed it to be used in ice cream, baked goods, lattes...you name it. So go grab a bamboo whisk and froth yourself up some of this magic (it seriously has about 10x the antioxidant levels of normal green tea) green goodness...

For Your Health!

Folger's Crystal Skull Island

2008-08-18T14:51:00.003-04:00

Oh yes behold the sacred crystal of Mount St. Folger, the taste is unmatched in all the lands. The Folger empire actually imports nearlly nine-twenty-million burlap bags full of coffee crystals into their manufacturing plants which is currently controlled by the power hungry Ohio based megalomaniacs known commonly and deceptively as 'The Smuckers Family". These enchanted crystals contain the power to deceive anyone into thinking they are drinking plain old coffee, boringly fresh ground and brewed. This is done by each crystal actually containing its own dissolvable microscopic coffee maker. Yes, truly a marvel of this world.

Okay, its just freeze dried coffee.

Siete, seiben, sept, sette, sedem, sju, SEVEN

2008-06-20T22:32:00.007-04:00

Starting tomorrow, Saturday June 21, Prelude will start at 7:00 PM. (It's a holy number!) This way you'll be able to optimize your DPT (Daylight Playing Time). Tell your friends! And don't forget! See you at 7:00!

Seeking Live Sound Engineer (or wannabe)

2008-06-20T21:59:00.006-04:00

We at Prelude are looking for a competent live sound engineer (or someone willing to be trained as such) to start filling in on an as-needed basis. At first he/she will be needed occasionally to act as a substitute for our one and only sound engineer, Sean, who REALLY needs a break. Sean has been doing such a great job, but he's only one guy, and one guy can do only so much. Here's a brief description of what we'd like for this person to know how to do or be trained to do:

The live sound engineer controls the mix for the audience, and operates from the middle of our coffeehouse from an equipment cabinet that includes a mixing board and drive rack. He or she constantly listens to the overall blend of the performers in order to make decisions about adjusting the volume of each instrument or voice on stage as well as the relative levels and blends of effects applied.

Other responsibilities include:

• Stage prep & tear down (mics, chords, etc.)
• Mixing the sound check before the performance
• Mixing during rehearsals of the Prelude House Band

All interested parties should contact Sean by sending an email with the subject heading "ATTN: Sean - sound engineer" to fallsprelude@gmail.com.

Parlez-vous coffee?

2008-06-17T21:58:00.004-04:00

I think it was a ketchup manufacturer who had some slogan about waiting and then good things subsequently happening. Personally, I don't think ketchup tastes better the longer it takes to come out. Coffee, however, may beg to differ. Many coffee-ites would argue that the best cup of coffee comes from a french press which is an elbow grease method of finessing coffee through a hand press/sieve. That elegant container, smooth curves and shiny glass with that piston of patience. Ready to go french(?)...here is how it's done.

Anatomy of a Song: Part 1

2008-06-08T23:07:00.004-04:00

I found this fun little gift a few years ago. It's a page on Erasure's web site where you can create your own mix of a particular song. What I like is how you can break down the song by each part (e.g. words, rhythm, ambient noises, etc.). There are instructions before you enter the application, so I won't go into that. The cool part is, when you find a mix you like, you can download an mp3 of the whole song with your mix.

(link)

2008-05-23T21:13:00.004-04:00

Dear God is an idea so simple, so astounding, you’d think someone would have thought of it before. Yes there are confessional sites and there is the famous Post Secret, but this site is a masterstroke, combining great design with both comedy and tragedy. Check it out, but be warned: it's raw honesty.

Bubble Tea

2008-05-12T22:27:00.002-04:00

Thats right, thick, viscous bubbles sitting at the bottom of your glass. The name actually derives from the appearance of bubbles in tea that actually contained small 'pearls' of tapioca when the drink was shaken up. Leave it up to the asians to invent..well just about everything. Although americans over the age of 12 aren't as keen to the 'gummy' food texture that the eastern half seems to like, this typically sweet concoction is a dynamic beverage not to be missed.

www.bubbletea.com

Cult of Coffee

2008-05-04T14:03:00.007-04:00

From the New York Times, Sept 2006:

"Most espresso drinks in this country are made with over-roasted blends on "super automatic" machines that leave little control to the person operating them and turn out anonymous brews.

At cafes that are part of what some call the artisanal coffee movement the drinks reflect an obsession with each detail of the journey from farm to cup and an almost cultish pride in the results." [video]

[continue reading - NY Times]

The 'beauty(?)' Inside

2008-04-19T15:55:00.004-04:00

It doesn't matter what you look like on the outside, what matters is what you look like on the inside. Hmm... perhaps that's not what toy makers tell there children as they know that the little furry cuddle buddy they have lying next to them every night actually looks more like a bad bad robot from 'Lost in Space'. Or perhaps the toys are a metaphor for how we all try to hide the darkness we fear may be within us with purple dinosaur fur. A reflection on the dichotomy of humans? Regardless, you have to look at what is actually inside stuffed animals.

Biomimetics - Using God's Creativity

2008-04-07T20:43:00.014-04:00

I read an article in the latest National Geographic that said something to me about God's creativity. The article was about Biomimetics - an entire field of science focused on finding ways to mimic things in nature in new products. Applications are endless (e.g. using structure found in a bug's eye to make computer screens with less glare, more efficient windmills based off of the bumps on a whale's fins, aerodynamic cars based off of the shape of a fish, and graffiti-proof paint based off of beetles).

What this said to me was that if there is a 'most efficient way' to do something, God figured it out long ago. The more humans use their creativity by taking design cues from the Maker of all things, the better the things are that get created. This may seem like a no-brainer to someone connected to God. The article discussed things from an evolutionary standpoint, but God's creativity stuck out all through the article. It's worth a read.

New Twist on the Hot Steaming Cup

2008-03-31T11:59:00.004-04:00

Okay. I know that a lot of people all over the world love coffee. And we've all had the same kinds of coffee. French Vanilla coffee. Mocha Latte. Cafe Latte. Cafe Americano. Blah, blah, blah. And most of us are satisfied with this relatively limited number of offerings. There are some, however, who will not rest until they have found the next evolution of coffee-induced bliss. Anyway, for those of you who MUST be on the cutting edge and won't be satiated by the simple options of 1. good coffee and 2. crappy coffee, the Philippine coffee industry offers the world its crappiest coffee. Literally. Not only that, but they want you to pay extra for the coffee brewed from beans that have "passed" through a Civet. Not a sieve. A civet. The rodent related to the mongoose. Why can't they just leave well enough alone!?!? Article

All kinds of Insanity

2008-03-26T12:33:00.003-04:00

Second time out, all kinds of energy and quite friendly. I'm not sure if the crowd or the band was more hyped but Sanctified Insanity certainly mixed up a positive vibe last saturday as they played their set. It was probably loudest sing-a-long crowd activity I've heard since we opened which was a blast... was this really their second only show ever?

Akron...the Hollywood of the Midwest

2008-03-21T11:31:00.003-04:00

The other week the Akron Beacon Journal's front page's main article was about Akron: Potential film making town. It dealt with a group planning on shooting a feature film in NE Ohio. Yesterday, I met 2 film makers in Akron, April 3-6 is the Akron Independent Film Festival (5th annual). I guess now is a good time to be a film maker in Akron, to say "I remember when..." after things blow up. This town could use it... here's to mini-hollywood.

Andy Dolson

2008-03-07T12:00:00.003-05:00

Last saturday was the first performance of Andy Dolson at Prelude. Also the time Prelude had an opening act and the quintessential solicitation of said artist's merch (this is short for merchandise for all you non-scenesters). I'll just say this is the first time Prelude felt like a club/rock show and it was a joy to be a part of. Original music filled the night from these two talented artists who we can't wait to have back.

Americano...meaning what exactly?

2008-02-26T20:29:00.005-05:00

Walk into any Starbucks and you'll no doubt see 'Americano' up on the menu. Seeing it may instill a sense of patriotism, imagining a bald eagle ghost by the window with B. Franklin riding on its back. This is of course a ridiculous image because old Ben wanted the turkey to be the national bird. Then the cold realization pops into your head that Americano is perhaps a derogatory title given to US travelers who preferred their espresso watered down to mimic a cup o' joe. So we're left with the question...what is harder to swallow: Pride or Straight Espresso?