Originally Posted by
gfunkdave
How about just getting a pound from your local Starbucks? That's what I do. Nothing fancy, but it's fine. I like their darker roasts.
Just noticed you're in Chicago. Ignore my Starbucks thought and run, do not walk, to either Intelligentsia (on Broadway at about Wellington, downtown, or in the Merchandise Mart) or Metropolis (on I think Granville by Sheridan). Metropolis roasts its beans on site, and Intelligentsia is similarly awesome. Another excellent option is Peet's Coffee on North and Sheffield (in the strip mall). Peets has a good selection and they will make you a taste of any kind you want.
All three are exclusively fair trade (or more).
http://www.intelligentsiacoffee.com/
http://www.metropoliscoffee.com/
http://www.peets.com
Starbucks is burned, sorry. Peets however is a good choice, but I may do mail order since I'll kill myself if I need to go anywhere near North/ Sheffield.
I use to roast green beans and blend my own for my Gaggia. I'm now an unapologetic fan of Nespresso. It is 90% as good as of the best I ever achieved .......
I guess you missed my line about "I don't want to talk about Nespresso..."
Originally Posted by
aindfan
I more than second Metropolis and Intelligentsia, as well as Gaslight and Buzz Killer.
Thanks for all the ideas - Intelligentsia is also a good option.
I think a taste test is in order.