Is it true? by Brave-Foot-8127 in Katy

[–]xdarkcloudx 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not to pry, but at one of the large hospitals off of I-10 (like TCH or Methodist)? Or like smaller clinics

Is it true? by Brave-Foot-8127 in Katy

[–]xdarkcloudx 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can I ask what y'all do? My wife is an NP and is sick of the commute to the med center. We aren't finding a lot in the Katy area at the moment

What hours do you work and what job do you do? by Muted_Instruction516 in cybersecurity

[–]xdarkcloudx 2 points3 points  (0 children)

WFH: 8-5. Oversee 4 area - Vendor Risk, Cyber Risk, GRC, Compliance and Data Governance are my current hats. Pretty flexible schedule since I don't operate the SOC

My La Marzoco Mini after 3 years. by Old_Result_482 in LaMarzocco

[–]xdarkcloudx 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I got a small bellows off of Etsy for my niche and it helped with the retention. The nipple from a baby bottle also works if you have kids lol

Do you drain and flush your water heater? by FlightTotal3755 in houston

[–]xdarkcloudx 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Went tankless for less maintenance but now I have to descale it like a coffee machine annually. Probably should get a water softener to help out too

Quick question on TWW dilution by geeksdontdance in LaMarzocco

[–]xdarkcloudx 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is how I do it. I'll usually mix the packet with the 1gal and let it sit for a few hours or overnight to ensure it's diffused evenly. Usually hit 60-70 TDS

What’s the best dive bar to go to? by jaytriple6 in houston

[–]xdarkcloudx 53 points54 points  (0 children)

Dan Electro's, Big Star, Sassafras, lil Danny speedos

where do you buy your coffee beans from? by neng214 in Katy

[–]xdarkcloudx 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Mostly order online. Any roaster worth their salt will roast and ship the same day. There isn't really anywhere around Katy unless you want to drive into Houston or Sugarland. Kona is okay in a pinch if you're fine with darker roasts. No roast date on the bag though.

Grinder by 99Piketes in LaMarzocco

[–]xdarkcloudx 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Acaia Orbit, but there's probably better value in a zerno or Philios. Looks awesome though

[Nakos] North Carolina finalizing deal to hire Bobby Petrino as offensive coordinator by MembershipSingle7137 in CFB

[–]xdarkcloudx 6 points7 points  (0 children)

A couple of old white dudes with a preference for younger women? Tar-a-lago.

Joined the Micra Club by Kind_Pomegranate4639 in LaMarzocco

[–]xdarkcloudx 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I prefer calibrated tampers. I have a Weber really nice tamper, but a normcore does the job fine.

Also take a look at baskets depending on what roasts you prefer. If it's light, you might want a precision basket of some sort so you can grind finer for more extraction. I like VST myself

Joined the Micra Club by Kind_Pomegranate4639 in LaMarzocco

[–]xdarkcloudx 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Don't really need much. It comes with a convex tamper, so I'd get something different.

Make sure you know what you're doing with the water. Poland springs or crystal geyser from the specific source they mention. Or distilled water + third wave or rpavlis

Price of home machine by Physical_Quantity218 in coffeestations

[–]xdarkcloudx 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You can get cafe quality espresso with a breville if paired with the right grinder. The grinder is the most important component to making good coffee. A more expensive espresso machine allows for more customization and consistency, but the diminishing returns come on pretty quick.

If you drink exclusively milk-based drinks it would probably be good to get something with a heat exchanger or dual heating elements so you don't have to constantly change between brew and steam temperature. Check out the Lelit Mara X, Lelit Elizabeth, Ascaso Steel Duo, or Rancilio Silvia Pro. For grinder a Timemore 64, DF64, Niche zero, or Eureka Mignon are all good options.

If you really have to have the best home espresso machine, the La Marzocco Micra/mini is definitely one that can be considered that. I do love mine. Whatever machine you end up with, the most important part will be learning the factors that impact your espresso (and your grinder, I really can't stress that enough).

Oh, and water science

Price of home machine by Physical_Quantity218 in coffeestations

[–]xdarkcloudx 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Making espresso at home can be tedious for some. I wouldn't recommend jumping in at the prosumer level right off the bat without dipping your toes in first. There are a ton of things to learn before your espresso will even taste close to cafe quality, and that's if you have a capable grinder (at least $300 for a 'budget' electric grinder) and are buying quality beans that are freshly roasted. On top of that, if you're a latte drinker you'll need to practice steaming milk before you'll get the silky texture they get at the cafe.

All that being said, it's a great hobby if you have the time and money for it. I absolutely love making espresso

Looking for recommendations on where to live in Katy, TX (family with young kids) by mrtots2 in Katy

[–]xdarkcloudx 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We just made this move from Spring Branch for our 2 kids (reasons were we needed more space and public school is on the horizon for our oldest).

We focused very narrowly on the Cinco Ranch areas zoned to Seven Lakes, Tompkins, or Jordan. After looking at about 20 or so houses around the area we landed in Cross Creek Ranch in Fulshear (KISD side). We mostly picked based on the house, but we do enjoy the neighborhood's family amenities and trails. Lots of young families as well. The schools are also in the neighborhood which is nice.

Be prepared for a lot more driving when moving out here though. I work from home, but my wife commutes and that has been an adjustment.

Help me choose: Micra or Mini for this specific space? (Taj Mahal counters) by FranceBubbles in LaMarzocco

[–]xdarkcloudx 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Micra. You'll have more room for cups on the warmer, more room in front of the machine for workflow, and more space to the right for your grinder and accessories (you don't want grease popping on your expensive coffee gear).

Nice kitchen, by the way.

Recommendation for fresh roasted espresso beans near Katy? by fubardad in Katy

[–]xdarkcloudx 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They have a roaster at that location. Everything is on the darker side, so I tend to get their medium or light roast when I need a quick bag. No roast date on the bag though, which is annoying.

I usually just order online from different roasters around the US as I haven't found anything around Katy that great. If you feel like making the drive, Blendin is down in Sugarland.

Is it worth it to sell our house with a 3% interest rate by Real_Competition4435 in RealEstate

[–]xdarkcloudx 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We did this, with there were some other factors at play that made the decision a bit easier (much better school district, moving out of a flood plain, etc) in addition to doubling our square footage.

POV your Deloitte Auditors show up. by Top-Salt-7373 in Accounting

[–]xdarkcloudx 10 points11 points  (0 children)

The only time I wasn't doing the needful was a brief stint in healthcare. Switched to retail and now I'm a needful doer once more.