I see coffee as an everyday luxury, fresh roasted coffee brewed the way you like it either at home or at your local shop. But what to do when you move to a new neighborhood or travel abroad?

Unfortunately odds are stacked against you stumbling upon a great spot and unfortunately if on vacation you probably won’t get much help from your concierge — I am always stunned how little concierges know about specialty coffee and can understand the frustration of hotel guests communicating their desire for an independent coffee shop, only to be directed to the nearest chain.

You need to do your homework or at least have a trained eye for what to look for to avoid being disappointed. Paying good money for bad coffee can quickly get very irritating.

“You may have noticed that the better shops invest in great equipment. Espresso machine manufacturers such as La Marzocco…”