10 second rule
13 seconds? Are you kidding? Even 17 seconds is quick. I try to keep it close to 21-22 seconds. I do agree that the "Latte Artists" take too long before they add the milk. That is the trade off, you can get a "pretty latte" or a latte that tastes good. :?
Crema color.
It is a temp issue. I know that machine and I'm am not too fond of it.
Question, is the portafilter hot? Are you keeping it in the group after extraction, with the puck in or out? Are you running hot water over the portafilter after you knockthe puck out. I've seen some places use...
Bitter Coffee
In my experience it's usually grind and preparation. Don't get me wrong the type of coffee is important, but bitterness usually signals either too fine a grind which leads to longer contact with water. (The longer the contact the more bitter the coffee.) or dose; an incorrect...
Turkish Coffee
Here is a url for you Turksh coffee lovers and Turkish coffee curious...
http://www.pacificocoffee.com/turkish_coffee.asp
&
http://www.pacificocoffee.com/coffee_comics.asp?page=1
Swift Grinder
I think they are good for restaurants because the espresso drinks one encouters there is usually very bad and knowlege of the proper grinding protocols and tamping techniques are usually nonexistant. That being said, I dont think that they are the way to go for a specialty coffee...
2 2 groups
That is a very good point. It will be more expensive, but you will have many more options and you will be more productive during peek times. When it slows down just turn one off. Now just concider this... When "heaven forbid" you have a break down or major servicing, you still will...
Vesuviana Brevettata
Yes, I had one of those. Well as far as I know they were manufatured starting in the 50's. I bought one "new" in the late 80's. Same design,
I don't know if they still make them. But they look really cool. :-)
Free Coffee info?
Since you are being alturistic... and you don't want to spend $7 a month for (the cost of a server) ,to spead the good " coffee" word. Try "My Space" or some other type free "peer to peer", "networking"services". Those are free then you wont have to resort to "adsense".
But...
:) I know both companies well. I had shops in Israel and they were my competition. (Not sbux, they bailed and lost their shirt. Sbux had their''s handed to them.)
I my opinion Both Lavazza and Segafreddo are good coffees and well
known in Europa. So that being said, go with who ever is going...