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The sprawling Googleplex (on the site of the former SGI complex) offers Google employees plenty of amenities, including free dining, clothes pressing, stationary swimming pools, a T-Rex, and volleyball courts. But of particular interest were the "microkitchens" spaced every many yards from desks, offering coffee breaks with Mazzer Jolly grinders, two-group UNIC Twin Rumba machines, and Barefoot Coffee Roasters coffee. Reviewing employee espresso bars, particularly the self-serve variety, is unusual. But here, given the predigree, it seems appropriate (even if we can debate the barista scores!). The Barefoot beans appear relatively fresh and produce a generally ample medium-brown, swirling, textured crema. Of course, we could tell we tamped our shot harder than most employees - as the shot came to a slower trickle. But it was a very good shot - with a richer body and a full, pungent flavor. They have the equipment and supplies here for the staff to make very good espresso, and the equipment also seems well maintained. If only ceramic cups were an easier affair as a visitor...
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