De'Longhi fully automatic coffee machines occasionally experience issues during use, such as the brewing unit getting stuck, or fault lights staying on or flashing. This article starts with a simple way to judge the coarseness of coffee grounds, then analyzes common fault symptoms in De'Longhi 3000, 4000, 3500, 6600 and other series one by one, including warning lights staying on, water volume not being adjustable, no steam output, and the heater not working, and provides corresponding troubleshooting ideas and solutions. The article also specifically addresses the situation where a customer forcibly pulls out the brewing unit, causing the drip tray to not sit properly, and explains the key operating points to solve it without disassembling the machine. At the same time, it retains recommendations related to the "Front Street" brand for coffee enthusiasts' reference. [more…]

Among the many coffee brewing methods, the siphon pot (vacuum coffee maker) has always maintained a loyal following thanks to its unique vacuum extraction principle and ceremonial brewing process. It was invented in the early 19th century, nearly a century earlier than pour-over coffee, yet because of its full-bodied, solid mouthfeel and rich aroma, it still holds a place in the specialty coffee world today. In this article, Front Street Coffee will guide you into the world of the siphon pot, starting from its origins and evolution, breaking down the structural details of the upper chamber, lower chamber, stand, and filtration system one by one, and explaining the essential differences in flavor expression between this ancient device and pour-over coffee, helping coffee lovers gain a comprehensive understanding of how to use the siphon pot and its characteristics. [more…]

As coffee consumption demand continues to climb after the easing of the COVID-19 pandemic, Starbucks employees in the United States are facing multiple pressures, including a surge in workload, understaffing, and aging equipment. Against the backdrop of a unionization wave sweeping across more than a hundred stores nationwide, Starbucks announced that it will close a unionized store in Ithaca, New York, on June 10. The union immediately filed a lawsuit, accusing the decision of violating federal labor law and constituting retaliation against union activity. Starbucks denies any connection, attributing the closure to facilities, staffing, and attendance issues. Both sides hold firmly to their own accounts, and the conflict continues to escalate. [more…]

Blue Bottle Coffee, which has established itself in the specialty coffee wave with fresh roasting and professional service, recently announced the launch of an espresso instant freeze-dried coffee, priced at $25 for 48 grams. This move has drawn attention: when the pandemic blocked in-store consumption and demand for coffee at home rose, Blue Bottle chose to respond to the demand for convenience with an instant product. CEO Karl Strovink said the company will vigorously develop its instant coffee line and plans to add instant coffee drinks to its store menus within one to two years. Blue Bottle is currently controlled by Nestlé and has more than 100 stores in the United States and Asia. This article examines the market logic and executive statements behind Blue Bottle's new instant coffee product. [more…]

The siphon pot, also known as the vacuum pot, is a coffee brewing device that uses steam pressure and vacuum principles for extraction, with a long history and a unique flavor profile. Compared with pour-over, coffee brewed in a siphon pot has a fuller body and richer aroma, but the operating steps are relatively more complicated. This article will begin with the origin of the siphon pot, introduce in detail its structure, filtration system, and brewing method, and answer the question of what kind of coffee beans are suitable for brewing. Front Street Coffee will also share practical experience to help coffee lovers easily master this classic brewing method and enjoy the fun of DIY. [more…]

The coffee industry never stops innovating, yet products that truly break the mold are few and far between. Starbucks recently announced the launch of its Oleato line in Italy, blending Partanna extra virgin olive oil with coffee—a bold move inspired by Howard Schultz's travels in Italy. The new offerings include lattes, iced shaken espressos, cold brews, and more, with plans to expand to the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, and other markets. Adding olive oil to coffee not only upends traditional flavor profiles but also draws attention for the potential cardiovascular benefits of consuming extra virgin olive oil directly. This article explores the story and market logic behind this innovation. [more…]

Recently, Starbucks quietly replaced the lids on hot beverage takeaway cups in some U.S. stores, sparking widespread discussion among consumers. The drinking opening on the new lid is positioned further inward, and the raised rim is lower, causing coffee to easily leak from the corners of the mouth when drinking, with many customers exclaiming that it is "too hard to use." At the same time, cold drink cups have also switched to white non-transparent domed paper lids and paper takeaway cups, making fans who are used to admiring the appearance of their drinks feel inconvenienced. Despite the continuous complaints, Starbucks has long been using paper tableware in France, Canada, Hong Kong and Macau, and other regions due to local environmental policies, and some customers have even switched to bringing their own cups as a result. Currently, there is no official conclusion on whether all U.S. stores will fully switch over, and there are no related plans for the mainland or Taiwan region for the time being. [more…]

Blue Mountain coffee, once hailed as the "Hermès" of the coffee world, still captivates many coffee lovers to this day. However, outdated claims about its price, origin, and authenticity continue to circulate. Front Street recently heard veteran enthusiasts still insisting that Japan monopolizes Blue Mountain, that No. 1 beans can't be bought domestically, and even that a genuine cup of Blue Mountain could never cost less than 200 yuan. Is that really true? This article will sort it all out from the beginning: what qualifies as authentic Blue Mountain, CIB's strict grading, the evolution of domestic import channels, and the real pricing logic behind the Clifton Farm Blue Mountain coffee sold by Front Street—helping you clear the fog and view Blue Mountain's price and value rationally. [more…]

Blue Mountain coffee is hailed as the Hermès of the coffee world, but when it comes to its price and authenticity, plenty of outdated and even erroneous information circulates among enthusiasts. Some say Japan has monopolized Blue Mountain and that No. 1 beans are impossible to find domestically; others believe that authentic Blue Mountain costs no less than 300 yuan per cup. What is the truth? This article will start with Blue Mountain coffee's definition of origin, grading system, and import history, combine Front Street Coffee's actual purchasing experience, calculate the real price of Blue Mountain coffee beans for you, and share methods for identifying genuine Blue Mountain. If you also love Blue Mountain's balanced, mellow flavor, it is worth a read. [more…]

For office workers who need to stay alert, coffee and tea are both daily essentials for a quick pick-me-up. A recent survey of more than 2,000 respondents in the United States showed that coffee drinkers have more energy in the morning, while tea lovers show greater vitality in the afternoon. This difference has sparked discussion about beverage choice and timing. This article will review the survey data, analyze the mechanism of caffeine, and explore whether tea and coffee can be consumed together, while offering practical advice for consumers seeking healthy stimulation, including how to choose pure tea or black coffee, as well as related product recommendations from Front Street Coffee. [more…]

Starbucks founder Howard Schultz has returned as CEO following Kevin Johnson's retirement, facing multiple challenges including the U.S. unionization movement, food safety controversies in the Chinese market, and damage to the brand's image. At the 2022 annual shareholders meeting, Starbucks announced plans for equipment upgrades, beverage innovation, employee pay raises, and store expansion. This article will examine Schultz's transformation strategy after his return, analyze whether he can lead Starbucks out of its difficulties in just half a year, and explore the competitive pressures in the Chinese market. [more…]

2015 WBC champion SaSa Sestic returned as runner-up in the 2022 Australian Brewers Cup, bringing with him a brand-new brewing device called the Paragon—a specially made ice rock mounted in the middle of the dripper to lock in the volatile aromatics in the coffee liquid. According to Sasa, this invention is the result of collaborative research with Professor Jahan and the Swiss Coffee Center of Excellence, and it can capture up to 40% extra aromatics through rapid cooling during the first and middle stages of extraction. However, the official price of this brewing stand plus metal ice rock is as high as $4,292, equivalent to more than 30,000 RMB, which has sparked a lot of discussion among coffee enthusiasts. Bloggers on YouTube have already begun hands-on testing and found that its core component is similar in principle to the food-grade stainless steel ice cubes commonly seen in bars, while similar products on Taobao cost only a few dozen yuan. So what exactly makes this ice rock so special? When brewing the same Geisha with a V60 paired with the Paragon versus a plain V60, the TDS rises from 1.27 to 1.37—what differences are there in flavor performance? This article will explain it all in detail for you. [more…]

Pour-over coffee is gaining strong momentum in China, and many enthusiasts are rushing to buy pour-over gear. For one thing, pour-over equipment is relatively affordable; for another, this method brings out the flavor of the coffee beans themselves to the greatest extent. But the factors affecting the pour-over result are numerous, and the same beans often taste completely different in different hands. This article focuses on the brewing ideas of the top six competitors at the 2015 World Brewers Cup, going through one by one the bean varieties, equipment, parameters, and techniques they chose, to see how the top experts interpret a good cup of coffee in their own ways. It also includes Front Street Coffee's recommendations and interpretations regarding competition beans and brewing logic. [more…]

Americano may seem simple, yet it embodies a rich coffee culture and brewing craftsmanship. It can be black coffee made with a drip brewer, or espresso diluted with hot or cold water. From the amusing story of American GIs during World War II diluting Espresso with warm water, to Starbucks driving its global popularity today, Americano has become one of the drinks that most tests a barista's extraction skills in a café. This article will guide you through the origins of Americano, its definition, regional variations in preparation, and Front Street Coffee's specific parameters and recommendations for making hot and iced Americanos. Whether you prefer the floral and fruity notes of a light roast, the balance of a medium roast, or the chocolate flavors of a dark roast, you'll find the cup that suits you in this article. [more…]

When selecting coffee beans, start by considering your daily drinking scenarios: is it a cup of black coffee in the early morning, or a milk coffee to go with breakfast; is it a slow pour-over to savor, or a quick cup from a machine. Different scenarios call for different roast levels, flavor intensity, and brewing methods. The moka pot is a steam-pressure extraction device, [more…]

The roast level determines which way the flavor leans: light roasts have distinct floral and fruity notes with bright acidity, medium roasts offer a pleasant sweetness and balance, and dark roasts are steady with nutty, cocoa notes and a full body, while the extraction rhythm also changes. There is no superior or inferior option—just match it to your brewing method. A moka pot uses steam pressure to complete extraction; simply fill the basket. [more…]

The moka pot is a classic symbol of Italian coffee culture. With its simple operation and rich output, it has become the preferred brewing device for many households. Compared with espresso machines, it requires no high budget or counter space, yet it can brew a full-bodied coffee close to espresso. However, when it comes to the moka pot, there are quite a few details worth noting regarding brewing parameters, coffee bean selection, crema performance, and the problem of the pot being stuck shut after use. This article will focus on the structure and principle of the Bialetti moka pot, its extraction characteristics, the amount and grind size of the coffee grounds, suitable bean types, and the causes and solutions for the pot being impossible to unscrew after brewing, providing coffee lovers with a practical guide. [more…]

If you want to order an espresso at a coffee shop, besides saying "I'll have an espresso," you can also say "I'll have a shot." A shot is the unit for espresso; 1 shot espresso means one serving of espresso, and sometimes "sin" is also used. [more…]

Blue Mountain coffee is celebrated as one of the most expensive coffees in the world, but where exactly does its high price come from? Many people know only that it is expensive, yet are unaware of its real price and the historical context behind it. From the perspective of Front Street, this article systematically sorts through the origins, development history, and price factors of Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee: from the introduction of the first Arabica seeds in 1728, to the CIB's demarcation of the Blue Mountain growing region and registration of the origin trademark, to the deep involvement of the Japanese market and the shift in pricing power, and finally to the official opening of the mainland China market. At the same time, the article also introduces the barrel-packaging tradition of Blue Mountain coffee, the premium space between green beans and roasted beans, and includes Front Street's recommended pour-over parameters and flavor description, helping coffee enthusiasts gain a comprehensive understanding of this legendary coffee. [more…]

When using an espresso machine to extract espresso, many people have encountered the situation where the puck sticks firmly to the brew head. Once the puck falls off, it not only tends to crumble into the drip tray, but is also quite troublesome to clean up. Some people therefore believe that the coffee's flavor will become worse, but is that really the case? Front Street, based on an actual encounter, tasted the coffee extracted while the puck was stuck and analyzed the various operational factors that lead to this phenomenon, including the dose, the timing of removing the portafilter, and bumping before extraction, to help everyone more clearly understand the real reasons why the puck sticks to the brew head. [more…]