Chemex: The Perfect Cup of Coffee?
Just like there’s precision and technique and science involved in making a perfect omlette or pie crust, brewing a magical cup of coffee takes equal amounts of knowledge, ingredient and dedication. Enter Humberto Ricardo, the owner of brand-spanking-new Greenwich Village coffee spot Third Rail Coffee. Armed with skill, passion and top-notch Intelligentsia roasted beans, Ricardo has a secret weapon in his coffee shop: The Chemex brewing system. Wondering what exactly the Chemex is and how it works? Well, lucky you, I’ve got it all on video and photo. Mr. Ricardo was kind enough to let both me and photographer extraordinaire Ben Trivett into his new digs to show off his shop’s coffee chops and what the deal with this whole Chemex thing. It’s geeky, but damn is it good. Check It Out:
Coffee ninja Humberto and his new baby
The Chemex awaits... with Third Rail barista Jessica Blauvelt in back.
Third Rail Coffee owner Humberto Ricardo works his java magic
Chemex blimp-cam ... fab shot by Ben Trivett
One Chemex-brewed cup of perfection coming up
Doing work ... Awesome logo via shadow on my shirt pic
*** A major thank you to Humberto and the Third Rail crew (240 Sullivan Street, for those who are inspired enough to go there) for their time and generosity. It should also be noted that their iced coffee, which is cold-brewed, is kill-me-now good. Also, thanks and shout out to Ben Trivett for his camera magic.
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I’m not sure how much of a secret the Chemex is, it was the coffee maker my dad preferred when I was growing up.
Brian –
Well, it’s not so much a secret in the fact that it hasn’t been around for a long time… just in the fact that they’re the only place I’ve ever seen use it. And they brew/sell coffee per cup with it.
In response to another comment. See in context »Pretty cool. Abraco in the East Village also uses Chemex (not that I knew what chemex was until I read this article). They are amazing as evidenced by their absurdly long lines every weekend.
I’ve yet to make it to Abraco, but I know it’s all the rage these days. If the line’s too long, now you can just go to Third Rail.
For future reference: Is the video too long? Curious to know if people prefer more in-depth or tighter.
In response to another comment. See in context »yeah, 8 minutes might be a bit long. I didn’t watch it all to be honest.
In response to another comment. See in context »Mike — thanks for the post. It prompted a T/S field trip. I am now in Third Rail ice coffee heaven.
(I must note that the only disappointment was that Humberto the hottie barista was not there in person.)
Nice! Bummer that H wasn’t there … totally awesome guy. Perhaps I can put in a good word for you
In response to another comment. See in context »Pretty neat, but I’m wondering how much winnier this is than your standard french press? Pros: less grit and the dregs won’t overbrew, glassware pr0n. Cons: disposable paper filters, delicate and tricky-to-clean decanter.
Matthew –
The decanter is a breeze to clean since there’s no grinds in it… just a quick rinse is plenty. It’s also fairly substantial glass, so it’s not totally fragile.
FYI, I have a french press that I’m totally happy with and use any time I want coffee. This Chemex thing was just interesting to me … not sure I’d go out and buy one unless my press breaks or something.
In response to another comment. See in context »I had a Chemex at one point in time and now I have a french press. Chemex wins, in my book: great tasting coffee and super easy to clean.
In response to another comment. See in context »Mike,
First, the video was a bit too long. But I soldiered through it.
The Chemex sounds pretty cool. However, I now want coffee, and it is 7:40 p.m., and the only coffee maker within 10 minutes is a Mr. Coffee, with Starbucks pre-ground. Sad.
I’ve had my Chemex for 30 years now and love it. My daughter, who’s been a barista in two organic/free trade independent coffee shops now wants a Chemex of her own for her 24th birthday, as she is convinced it makes the best coffee she’s ever had. Easy to use, easy to clean and durable. Low tech wins