Months ago I had hastily Googled, our interweb “buddy,” for an espresso machine repair shop near 94703. A shop in Livermore displayed. That seemed way far out so I bagged our decades old Saeco Classico espresso machine in the garage and started using the stove top Bialetti Moka Express rig, that only approximate an espresso-like coffee, and considered buying a new legit espresso machine until the current prices awaken the frugal us into repairing, which also happens to be the groovy thing to do for our planet.

A more diligent “G.T.S.” process revealed a way closer local repair shop, mere 4 minutes drive away vs. 42 minutes: The https://www.kanencoffee.com/

Yay. What a fun and wholesome discovery.

The e-mail and phone call to set up the required service appointment was prompt and easy. Kanen’s located around the corner to a lovely Americana cafe and bakery, the Sweet Adeline, amongst the heart of the historic and eclectic Lorin district of north part of Oakland and south part of Berkeley, fabled by the Shotgun Players theater troupe as America’s first and foremost integrated and diverse neighborhoods: Ohh yeah.

We had fun locating the joint and enjoyed being served attentively by Sam while learning more about espresso machine internals and having unexpectedly stimulating conversations.

Sam pulls mean espressos with triple layers and appetizing espresso crema with satisfying tastes, as good a flavor as any.

I had thought if Sam and his crew could not revive our old faithful espresso machine then one of the shiny new machines being offered for sale, with convincing attributes described by Sam, at the Kanen shop could find a home with us.

We’ll see what the repair estimate portends…