The Stumpjack la Pavoni Bar S model

This is our La Pavoni. We've received a lot of compliments, oohs & aahs on the look of this machine. We wanted something that had a retro look to it, yet didn't look "vintage" like the eagle-domed copper/brass Gensaco or Elektra (as gorgeous as those machines are...I'd love to eventually acquire an Elektra Belle Epoque...unbelievably beautiful).

Plus, it was important to us to have a semi-automatic levered machine, that reinforced the attitude we wanted to present of hand crafted drinks and greater involvement and skill from the barista.

Thus far, I've been pretty pleased with the performance of the machine, although there are one or two design alterations I would make if I could. One, I'd make the steam wands an inch or two longer and/or have a greater joint distance at the elbow. There's not as much clearance and room to adjust a pitcher when steaming as I'd like.

I'd also add an inch to an inch & a half to the depth of the cup warmer holding tray on top. To be able to have one more row of cups up there would be much appreciated, and that extra depth shouldn't detract from the the design or practicality of the machine, I wouldn't think.


I'm going to replace the PF handles, steam knobs and levers with turned wood ones, either cherry (red) or black walnut (dark brown). Any problems or challenges we've dealt with with this machine are, I feel, compensated for by the "wow" factor and numerous compliments it gets from people. What people see and perceive can't be discounted where it concerns their overall experience in the shop.

Still just a puppy...

I was intending to open the shop today (we could use the money) but have decided against it as there is still so much to do here, so many little odds & ends, and I need a day of doing things at my own pace and without interruption. I've been meaning to get this blog going for months now, along with our web site, but have just not been willing to make it the priority it needs to be, what with so many other tasks that still need attention. But today I'm just saying "screw it" to fretting over everything else...today I'm going to lie on the couch in back, in the semi-darkness and just relax for a few hours, drink some Guatemalan, get the blog set up and maybe put together my book outline. These 17-hour workdays are starting to take their toll on my mental and physical health, and Tuesdays are, afterall, "Open By Chance" days. Might even take a short nap...

Today is Kim's and my anniversary. She's at a food manager's course right now and I'm here at the Stump, ostensibly working. We'll get away for a day and night next week. Maybe take a night at the Blacksmith Inn up in Baileys Harbor, where we spent our second honeymoon (or the first, depending on how you look at it...long story). A modest getaway but relaxing, picturesque and much appreciated. And tomorrow's my birthday, which is a full workday besides. No complaints...long hours and little time off come with the commitment of starting any business seriously, and I'll get into that more thoroughly in succeeding entries.

But for now, I'm horizontal, listening to the King Dexter All-Stars, drinking good coffee with a warm laptop on my belly...and am actually getting something done. Let's see how this initial effort appears on the screen...

Thank you!

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