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Q: Who says you can't sacrifice the moral high ground, Espresso-wise? I had to. I admit that Portsmouth is not exactly the cosmopolitan or cultural centre of the South of England (or even Hampshire for that matter - I think in the US Hampshire would be known as a parking lot - about 60 miles x 60 miles or whatever), but I'd rather you didn't ask me to break down my coffee sales by exact drink type, suffice to say that whenever a customer approaches and orders an Espresso a hushed silence falls on the assembled barista (and -esses), followed by the Halleluja Chorus. "Do you want to do this one Danny - they look like they might know what they want". Espresso? Are you sure you didn't mean Americano (or "normal" coffee to 68.8% of the coffee buying public at this show.) Did I say I wasn't going to serve tea? You misheard me - this IS England I'll have you remember. I have served a few Espressos yesterday and today, with almost a full fanfare (well at least a ceramic cup and free Biscotti), and I'm relieved to say that I've been congratulated on being able to recognise and serve the real McCoy, Espresso-wise by my customers. I've had a few tell me that my coffee is the best they've had (which, remembering I'm using standard Espresso blend beans in 1-way valved bags, is good news.) The trouble is that it's the hottest August Bank holiday weekend here for 20 years or something and people want cold drinks in the morning, coffee at 11:30 then cold drinks, then coffee at 16:30ish. In between, I've thrown away approximately 200 pastries as they've not sold that well (even after I reduced the price to cost plus a bit). I suppose I'm selling 25% cold drinks (water and orange juice only) 20% tea and the rest a mix of latte and cappuccino and Americano, with 1 Macchiato, a sprinkling of Mochas and chocolate, and about 30 straight Espresso - but nearly all the Espresso customers have returned for a second. I visited the competition (across a couple of dry docks) and was relieved that they can't serve an Espresso - I bought one for £1.50 and it was everything people here complain about. I threw it away, even after adding copius amounts of sugar. Yesterday was quiet (only 28,000 visitors), today was about 50% better, and I hope that the next two days are better still. The logistice are massive - I ordered 200 litres of milk the first day, and still have a third or so left (testimony to the Americano), and my supplier left me the worst looking cups ever (I'm going to send back what I don't have to use). My 2 assistants are great - they spent a couple of nights learning frothing technique, and Ken came along this morning and remarked on the quality of the microfoam they are achieving, and their general high production standard. Ken pulled some shots, and took some pics, whilst keeping me company for a while this morning, so I could send the girls off to have a wander before we got too busy. Where I'm located is at the end of the festival which means that it gets quieter earlier than I would like as people drift back to the main concert arena, so I don't do as well as I would like after 6-ish. Well, I'm back on site at 07:00 so it's off to bed for me. Thanks for listening.

A: Have you heard of Ice Blended Mochas? They are the rage in California. Most of the shops have many varieties. Of course our "Pals" at 'Charbucks' have the frapachino which adds along with a great many other products a seaweed extract called carrageenan, which is used as a thickener and emulsifier. (It keeps the butterfat in the shake from separating out.) Carrageenan comes from Irish moss, a red, bushy seaweed that grows on coastal rocks near, among other places, Carragheen, Ireland, whence the name. (You can also find it in Maine, the Canadian maritimes, and various European localities.) Many of my coffee houses actually use a powder mix for their Ice Blended drinks. I was at one place, in Pacific Beach near San Diego that had over 30 kinds of Ice Blended drinks. This place used the ISI Whipped cream maker and added flavor the cream. Such as Chocolate, Cinnamon Vanilla and a great Caramel flavor. I bought one on E-bay last month and have added the flavored whipped cream to my many of the coffee drinks I make for me friends and neighbors. Here are some results of searching the WWW... Here's a couple http://www.copykat.com/asp/copykatrecipe.asp?recipe=16 http://www.copykat.com/asp/copykatrecipe.asp?recipe=38 http://www.topsecretrecipes.com/recipes/frappucc.htm http://www2.topsecretrecipes.com/recipes/frappuc2.htm