DeLonghi EC155 Espresso Maker

DELONGHI EC155 Pump-Driven Espresso Maker Mixes steam, air & milk; 2 separate thermostats control water & steam temperatures; Adjustable steam emission; Stainless steel manual pump espresso & boiler; 1 filter for both ground coffee & coffee pods; Metal control panel ; Self-priming system ; Single selector knob for on/off; Transparent water reservoir ; Removable drip-tray; Black & Silver Pump-Driven Espresso Maker

Price: $140.00

Click here to buy from Amazon

A catalog of Espresso Makers to help you find yours

If you are looking for an espresso maker, you will find a comprehensive catalog espresso makers very useful. You can find such catalog easily go online and simply trying to one. Espresso coffee machines are very popular especially in these days when expressed and coffee play big roles in the community.

Once you have a catalog of espresso, you will find that you have a lot of kinds of espresso machine and various models of each type to choose from.You can get quite confusing, but you can start by weighing the capabilities of espresso machines. here's Some basic information about the different types of products most probably you will find on a catalog of espresso coffee machines to help you find the perfect espresso maker.

Espresso Machines: the big three

There are three types that you can choose from choice should depend on your specific needs. You should also consider your convenience when you choose an espresso maker. These "big three" are manual, semiautomatic and automatic espresso makers.

Manual machines require a greater effort from you when produces espresso, while automatic require the least effort possible. This will, ultimately, the espresso machine type that is best for you. But even if you're going to love the espresso hassle-free make automatic espresso machines method, these machines pricier may not fit within your budget.This means that you must also find a car that wouldn't bite through Pocket.

The low down on Manual Espresso Machines

Manual espresso coffee machines are also what we call machines based on the pump. these machines because they work manually, require effort practically any user step by step in order to function. If you are a lover of coffee and considering the decision-making process practically a ritual of coffee, you'll love the extra effort that can be put when you use the manual espresso maker. These machines are quite old fashioned, by the way that work down to their external appeals.

Their best features include strong foam that can produce in espresso.These machines also will give you a lot of time to fuss over your espresso, and if you have a car manual, you will be taken through the whole process of manufacture of espresso.And if you're an aficionado of coffee true-blue, you'll probably also love the vintage, nostalgic touch machine manuals.

Semi-automatic Makers 101

If you are a housewife and you have less time to spare in prepare espresso for your home, a semiautomatic would be the ideal type of espresso maker for you. There are two advantages that are derived from these semi-automatic espresso machines.As a housewife, you probably need to keep within a budget.Those responsible for semi-automatic espresso combines convenience with a method of production of hassle-free espresso that do not require your attention by-the-minute.As a housewife, not only are on a budget but are also flooded with so much to do. that is why the semi-automatic espresso machines will be the smartest choice.

All about espresso Makers

Among all types that you will find on a catalog of espresso coffee machines, espresso makers are automatic machines faster, more convenient when it comes to making espresso. fully automatic machines are best for offices where is no one specific task to make espresso. machinery can actually do all the work, as long as you choose the right model and brand.

These automatic espresso makers are even more impressive and high technology in terms of appearance and behavior. in fact, often have digital control systems very convenient and features like automatic off and programmable timers. Unfortunately, these are even more expensive than the other two types of espresso maker. But if you aren't careful, these automatic espresso makers can give you good value.

You will find further information about Espresso Makers on our site Best Coffee Makers.

Copyright 2008 coffee-maker-guide.com all rights reserved. reprinted with permission.

Mark is the editor of coffee-maker-guide.com you provides the best coffee reviews and evaluations.

5 tips for a perfect espresso Home

As a professional bartender I refer always as I like to show a cup of delicious made perfectly, and absolutely sinful of espresso at home for my guests during the season of heavy visitor after October. Make a home espresso or milk is a fantastic holiday tradition for us.

Talk about a way to wow your friends and family. All (at least everyone I know) loves an espresso made perfectly, narrow, or as a latte or a short moca rich and creamy.

Making espresso at home has the advantage of being cheaper, you can better control the espresso decision-making and you can make a variety of drinks, just like they do in a good coffee, only better.

Just as you do? After you learn the secrets of making espresso at home, it all boils down to practice. Practice that nobody really minds too!

Here are 5 tips that will help you to churn out perfect espresso every time from your home espresso machine.

(1) beginning with * very * good espresso beans.

Is just as good at the bean from which is extracted espresso. There are countless amount of mixtures form a gaggle of roasters. some are very good at what they do, while others have given everything to pursue perfection, good taste and the art of espresso.

That said, don't go cheap for espresso beans, nor should pursue the "great coffee roasters" as the final authority on good espresso, because typically aren't.

Go online and search for some coffee roasters in Portland, San Francisco and Seattle.Search for independent stores that have good reputation on the Forum of coffee or have big chatter about the quality of their coffee on Facebook.contact the roasters and see if they are willing to send a small sample of their espresso. you'll be surprised at how many will say Yes and even more surprised how many different flavors you experience from each roaster.

The price is generally the same across the Board, but expect a variance of about 1-3 dollars per pound.With the exception of Kona coffee, you're willing to pay almost $ 30 a pound.

Freshness is also important.After roasting espresso should sit for a few days to "de-gass." After the period of "freshness" begin. If properly sealed must remain "fresh" for about 4 weeks.After that the taste can begin to move if it cannot be dramatic at first.

(2) High heat to high flavour

Coffee beans are around 12% of oil so a fair amount of heat and pressure are required to extract the delicate flavours of espresso.

Temperatures of espresso extraction should vary from 198 to 201 degrees and use approximately 9 bar pressure (about 130 pounds of pressure) to unlock and otherwise force the flavor from fava. aware that not all home espresso machines can do it correctly or consistently, then follow the rule that "you get what you pay for" when it comes to espresso coffee machines.

(3) Grind End for Maximum Flavour

This gets a little tricky.Espresso requires a grind well so that the water passes through the filter of coffee can take its sweet time to heat the grind enough to extract the taste of most possible.That's all fine and good, but getting the perfect crushing is a trick.

Some have a setting grinders House "espresso", but most are almost not well enough to be called a "espresso espresso grind." when the Earth is not correctly very soft, but its pretty close.It should have still his gritty feeling to it, but not the course as caffè can-purchased.

Most grinding House will struggle to do the job.However, if you buy your beans through a reputable roaster just asked them to grind it for you.They may ask the machine type or purpose of grinding.Having a pro do it for you will guarantee you will have the crushing right for the taste right and that you are maximizing the experience and the cost.

(4) Seek cream

Cream is dissolved solids and oils that are notified when extracting making up delicious espresso sugars and proteins.

Foamy Cream is the goodness at the top of a shot of espresso successfully extracted.Appearance of cream can vary depending on the mix, temperature and pressure of the machine, but generally should appear rich in colour, golden brown color depth, with a look of marbled. Cream should take at least 1/3 to 1/2 glass resumed after the extraction is complete, but will quickly due to effects of air.

Cream is basically the good stuff. keeping it retained is crucial for a good espresso House. accordingly after the extraction is complete, or drink espresso immediately, or do it in heated milk or a syrup to help "Save" the integrity of flavour. after the hit is pulled you have approximately 5 seconds to take the decision or the shooting starts to go wrong-fast!

(5) Mix carefully your tastes for huge taste

If your shot is just like that, then why dump in flavor cheapest you can find on sale at FlavorWorld? is it so important to consider the taste of the drink throughout the construction process. Why spend so much time, making the perfect shot only to cancel its flavour with bad syrup, sauces or poorly heated milk?

If you're a fan of vanilla milk, then buy the syrup vanilla best you can find which is made to espresso. Personally I recommend the line Monin flavours espresso. they really focus on the taste of the final product, and ensure that blends espresso taste. Its a bit more expensive compared to other brands, but not much at all and is worth the extra cost.

Sauces have a little more leeway. I had some very good coffee makers made by some chocolates very cheap markets! good espresso here helps, but again this is a good espresso mixing with other ingredients of quality. choose with care and a tad more spend to make it the best in town (seriously).

Following these ideas you may have espresso House from your machine espresso House every time. be sure to shop carefully for an espresso machine that can withstand high temperature and vapor pressure and one that is built to last. Invest a little more will ensure that you will have the best experience of making it possible to House, espresso.

Home Espresso Latte demonstrates creating espresso, espresso drinks and how to make perfect espresso at home using home espresso machines.

Professional Baristas have helped these 5 tips home espresso and milk enthusiast who wants to make better espresso at home using professional techniques and espresso house equipment.

Espresso Coffee Machines 101

Starbucks didn't invent the espresso, but revolutionized the way that watching it. By Capuchin lattes or only a straight shot of espresso, coffee and coffee drinks have become the drink in the morning. You can find a coffee shop on almost every corner in every city. However, with the rising cost of coffee and the world economy in decline, espresso coffee machines have really boomed in sales.
Buy an espresso machine for your home should be studied before I run the nearest big box store and grab the first one off the shelf. You should decide ahead of time how much are you willing to invest in your espresso machine.They can range in price from under $ 50 for well over $ 1000. all depends on what you are looking for.
There are some questions you can ask yourself to help determine how much are you willing to spend. As a general rule are:
* How often designed using the machine? If you know you're for use on a daily basis that you want to buy a car that is sturdy enough to hold up to repeated use.You should also look into one with a guarantee if it is corrupted.
* Do you want a fully automatic machine that all it does for you?If you want your espresso machine to do everything but drink espresso for you, be prepared to pay a premium price. However, if you do not mind adding coffee machine and other small steps, you can save a lot of money.
* How much room you have for the espresso machine? espresso makers Range in size from models of workplans to those who occupy the space of a small fridge. Keep this in mind as you shop.
Types to choose from
With these basic questions you are now ready to decide which type of espresso machine.There are five basic types of machines to choose from, ranging from the simplest to the most complex and automated.
* Stovetop espresso maker, sometimes called percolators stovetop are great for occasional espresso drinker or for campers who want their shot of caffeine also in the Woods.The disadvantage of flat stovetop espresso is that only makes a Cup at a time.Should cool down between cups and it not be that wonderful cream who love espresso drinkers.
On the bright side, are very cheap. you can climb around $ 20.Are very portable and don't take up space.They can also be used without electricity, for example over a campfire.
* Piston driven espresso maker rely on producers of original espresso from long ago. they are the reason for the wonderful cream that we all come to know and love.The piston driven espresso machine requires more manual work.This is where the term originated "pulling a coup".
* Pump-driven espresso makers are the most popular forms of espresso Maker for commercial use. Offspring of piston driven maker, they are usually plumbed to a source of water and use a timing device to ensure that every shot of espresso pulled is of the same quality.
* Automatic espresso coffee machines and super automatic are latest producers to hit the market. these machines are able to do everything, even grind coffee beans. They are also the most expensive, most complicated repair and usually take up more space.
Automatic espresso Machines to produce a shot more consistency of espresso machines and do not require assistance to do something. Are also more able to adjustments of other machines, allowing to have expressed they way you want every time.
Purchase of an espresso coffee machine for your home can be an investment money saver. your initial purchase may seem expensive, but making sure that you are getting a quality product that will take you years of enjoyment espresso will pay for itself in no time and impress friends and guests with great coffee drinks that prepares for them.







Katya Coen provides information about espresso for Expressed Xpert-your online guide to espresso!

The Beginner Guides for espresso coffee machines

Bartenders are trained in the art to make the perfect espresso. It requires a lot of patience and practice, and it is not easy to master. However, there is an easier way. An espresso machine. They make espresso drink much easier to create by controlling the temperature accurately.
There are different types of machines are available, each operation differently. There are piston-based espresso machines, automatic and semi-automatic machines.
In the Beginning
Espresso is born when the people were looking for a faster then their coffees. in Italy, around 1901, Luigi Bezzera has found a way to make hot pressurized water and steam push through a bed of finely ground coffee.The result was a quick, single highly concentrated coffee mug that has come to be known as the espresso. Bezzera acquired a patent for his machine and in 1903 the first espresso machines were sold in Europe.
These machines were not easy to use.There has been no consistency to the espresso product because the temperature and steam have been controlled by the operator, leaving space for a large amount of diversity resulting in drinks.
In 1935, Illy has invented a coffee machine that compressed air used instead of steam, eliminate the problem of exploding espresso makes. his machine gave a more favourable result, stable.
The action of lever espresso machine was invented by Achilles Gaggia in 1945 and still today bears his name.Gaggia both Illeta espresso machine versions are available on the market today.
Illy has continued to expand and simplify its espresso machine by combining the best parts of other creators.
Various types of espresso coffee machines
Piston-driven machines
Machines based on piston are more authentic than any other machine espresso. is the most primitive machines.Designed in Italy in 1945, this design requires strong arms to make the espresso.
The car driven by piston uses a lever that is pumped by the operator to force the pressure on hot water, you drive through coffee grinds.This is pulling down the handle as the term ' pulling a shot» came into being. piston driven espresso is also as cream joined beverage.
Espresso drinkers who also value authenticity tend to opt for the car driven by piston.Otherwise you can usually find as part of a display. advancements in technology that brought the semi-automatic and automatic machine made obsolete the car driven by piston.
Detector and Automatic Machines
Semi-automatic Machines are hard to find for the popularity advanced fully automatic espresso machines.
Semi-automatic Machines and automatic espresso machines both have hot water delivered using a pump system.However, in a semi-automatic machine the bean of grinding, preparation and putting into machine are all done by hand.
Automatic espresso coffee machines and super automatic require only put the beans. the machine measures the water, temperature and even he grinds beans to make espresso. many true fans believe that quality espresso is lost in automation.
Commercial or Home USE
In addition to the types of espresso machines are the uses for the machine. If the espresso machine is intended for domestic use, then the cost is about to be decreased significantly. for commercial use, costs can skyrocket.
Managers of espresso House should be purchased with longevity in mind. the buyer should have an idea of how often it will be used. If is going to be used much, a creator of low-end commercial might be a better choice. For occasional use, you only need a home maker.
Account manager can be plumbed to a water source or be filled manually-another cost to consider when examining espresso makers. The more automated machine the higher the cost.
Espresso maker come in a variety of types and sizes, all designed to prepare espresso much better possible. when deciding on a machine, you should pay attention to get what best serves the intended purpose.







Katya Coen provides details on espresso machines for Expressed Xpert-your online guide to espresso!

Gaggia Espresso Machines fast becoming America's favorite

What can be more fun than a group of friends chatting with a cup of espresso! But getting the best espresso or coffee isn't about buying any type of espresso machine. Cheapest espresso machines available on the market today do not provide enough pressure to extract the full flavor of coffee. If you are looking for an option of fresh espresso, so there is, but a company that can help you get the best coffee and espresso every time. Welcome to the world of Gaggia, specialists in espresso, making machines.

A connoisseur of coffee cans never ignore the value of the Italian made Gaggia espresso machine. In fact, coffee and espresso decision is incomplete if you don't have an espresso machine by this company.Since 1948, this company was Entertainment best quality coffee makers and espresso in the global marketplace. Their automatic espresso machines and super automatic seeds are particularly suitable for both home and Office.

The problem with other cheaper machines is the quality of beer and taste. But with Gaggia you can get a complete machine that takes care of the needs of all coffee at home or your Office. In 1938, Gaggia has filed a patent for a new type of machine that don't use virtually no steam but ran on piston and leverage that forcing hot water through the coffee grounds.From 1977 until today, the company's modern espresso machines for your home-popular Models include Baby Twin and the Classic Espresso Machine. Both are considered consumer favorites.

Gaggia emphasizes high-quality, superior design, great looks and attention to detail. Even if they have a rich tradition of coffee and espresso making, they use the latest technology in their espresso machines. The various features of Gaggia espresso machines are pre-coffee infusion, frothing wands, operating in hot water and even integrated coffee bean grinders.The line Platinum Swing espresso makers is without doubt the best super automatic espresso machine on the market. Baby the espresso machine is a special machine looks and functionality, but have a very low price point.   Super automatic espresso machines are pump Wizard and create the perfect shot of espresso for you or your guests.With a semi automatic Gaggia espresso maker, only two other things; a good electric coffee grinder type bava and coffee beans Gaggia high quality.

Gaggia also manufactures a full line of gourmet coffees.This rich Italian coffee is more than store bought brands because of the beans. Gaggia travels the world to select only the finest beans. Try a cup of Arabica or Intense and the feeling of the best coffee in the world.

Finally, some of the most popular models of from Gaggia espresso machine include the dose of espresso, Platinum Swing Platinum Swing up and the Gaggia Baby Twin. With superior quality, innovation and design, Gaggia makes the right coffee and espresso machine to make your coffee drinking experience second to none.

Markus Yannies is the author of this article on Gaggia espresso machines.

Find more information about Gaggia espresso coffee machine here.

Espresso Machines-the best thing since sliced bread

Although coffee and bread may not have much to do with one another, the invention of espresso has revolutionized the ability of beer espresso at home for coffee lovers around the world. The very first espresso machines were used in homes at the beginning of the 20th century. The first espresso machines patented by Luigi Bezzera of Milan, in 1901, were the variety of piston lever, which was powered solely by the vapour pressure.

These simple espresso machines have no moving parts.Sit on your stovetop and water at the bottom of the machine where the steam forces the water up in the middle section of the machine where the espresso is actually produced. Although there have been advances in technology since the invention of espresso machine of Luigi Bezzera stovetop, these varieties are still very popular today and can be found in the kitchens of the calibre of Italy, France, Portugal and Spain.

Most modern machines delivered since then have been developed and are used throughout North America, from House to House coffee. There are two kinds of espresso machines, automatic and semi-automatic, the main difference is that with the semi-automatic machine expressed the operator can control the amount of water used. Where, as the automatic espresso machines have a system of a single button.

If you're new to the world of espresso may have recognized the classic shot to your home local coffee.The typical espresso is served in a small bowl, and although the amount may seem lower than average Cup of coffee, espresso contains about two or three times the amount of caffeine. For this reason alone, the espresso is the basis for other beverages, such as lattes and Cappuccinos. Note that espresso beans not specific or roast level, but rather is simply the method of how to BREW coffee.So, in other words, any kind of coffee, whether light or dark roast roasted, can be used to make an espresso.

If you want to do a expressed precisely should be aware that you cannot use the regular coffeepot. the only way to ferment properly is an espresso with espresso coffee machines, both with the variety stovetop espresso machines or automatic or semi-automatic more elaborate.The reason being is that an espresso requires a process of fermentation pressurized, allowing a very concentrated coffee cup.

Different than the amount of concentrate of coffee that is produced by this method of brewing, one of the other main characteristics of an espresso done properly is the cream that is produced. Cream is reddish-brown foam that floats on top of the surface of the drink and is the signature of all cast.

Since the creators of espresso time of Luigi Bezzera, espresso House have increased in popularity. Today, finds a wide range of machines for espresso House, from version stovetop to versions, everywhere, from cooking and appliance stores, online merchants and even department stores.

If you want to enjoy your espresso at home, start looking and compare espresso makers that are available for you to choose from. it is important to choose the right version for your coffee drink requirements.

With a great selection of espresso, check out Morning Coffee Shop site, morningcoffeeshop.com.

How to Open a Financially Successful Coffee, Espresso & Tea Shop: With Companion CD-ROM

The explosive growth of the coffee shops across the country has been phenomenal. Few people realize coffee is now the largest food import to the United States. There is money to be made on those beans. Here is the manual you need to cash in on this highly profitable segment of the food service industry. This new book is a comprehensive and detailed study of the business side of the specialty coffee and beverage shop. This superb manual should be studied by anyone investigating the opportunities of opening a coffee cafe, tea shop or coffee kiosk. If you enjoy meeting people and love coffee, this may be the perfect business for you, but keep in mind Specialty coffee retail looks easy, but as with any business, looks can be deceiving. This complete manual will arm you with everything you need including sample business forms, leases, and contracts; worksheets and checklists for planning, opening, and running day-to-day operations; sample menus; coffee drink recipes; inventory lists; plans and layouts; and dozens of other valuable, time-saving tools of the trade that no coffee entrepreneur should be without.

While providing detailed instruction and examples, the author leads you through finding a location that will bring success, learn how to draw up a winning business plan (The Companion CD-ROM has the actual business plan you can use in MS Word TM), how to buy and sell a coffee shop, basic cost control systems, profitable menu planning, sample floor plans & diagrams, successful kitchen management, equipment layout and planning, food safety & HACCP, successful beverage management, legal concerns, sales and marketing techniques, pricing formulas, learn how to set up computer systems to save time and money, learn how to hire & keep a qualified professional staff, brand new IRS tip reporting requirements, managing and training employees, generate high profile public relations and publicity, learn low cost internal marketing ideas, low and no cost ways to satisfy customers and build sales, learn how to keep bringing customers back, accounting & bookkeeping procedures, auditing, successful budgeting and profit planning development, as well as thousands of great tips and useful guidelines.

The manual delivers literally hundreds of innovative ways demonstrated to streamline your business. Learn new ways to make your operation run smoother and increase performance. Shut down waste, reduce costs, and increase profits. In addition operators will appreciate this valuable resource and reference in their daily activities and as a source of ready-to-use forms, web sites, operating and cost cutting ideas, and mathematical formulas that can be easily applied to their operations. The Companion CD-ROM contains all the forms in the book as well as a sample business plan you can adapt for your own use.

Price: $39.95

Click here to buy from Amazon

Espresso in Cape Town, South Africa

Quick!: name a city that’s surrounded by the exquisite natural beauty of mountains and seas, with brightly painted houses that decorate quaint neighborhoods, with great food everywhere you turn, with a nearby wine country consisting of hundreds of vineyards and many nationally renowned restaurants, with hipsters who frequent farmers’ markets in transitional neighborhoods, with a diverse racial mix from black to white to Indian to Southeast Asian, with the nation’s most vibrant gay population, with a touristy waterfront featuring seals on piers and a ferry that takes you to a famous prison island, and with a whole lot of really good coffee.
Why, it could only be Cape Town, South Africa.
Alright, that was a trick question: San Francisco’s Pier 39 has sea lions, not seals per se. But the point being that for anyone from our fair city, many aspects of Cape Town will seem very familiar. But there are also significant differences.


If you’re talking liberal laws, it’s probably not a major surprise that gay marriage is legal in South Africa. What may be more of a surprise is that, for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the South African constitution had to be temporarily suspended around the soccer stadiums for FIFA security purposes. (We can’t say enough good things for how festive the South Africans were as hosts to the World Cup, btw.) Years of abuses under Apartheid made many personal searches — ones we’re quite accustomed to in the U.S. — illegal. The 14-year-old South African constitution is one of the most liberal in the world.
On the other hand, there’s the old local joke that rock and roll never dies, it just tours South Africa. (“Hey, was that really Bryan Adams I just saw in town the other day?”) And given the nation’s history of economic disparity and its 25% unemployment rate, there are the major issues of poverty and security.


Some expected us to witness crushing poverty and aggressive homelessness in Cape Town, but it’s hard to say that it is any worse than SF. In the month we spent around Cape Town’s central business district (CBD) — a.k.a. the City Bowl — we were approached by all of one person for money. Yet security is a big concern among the locals and it’s an even bigger industry.
Even with all the truly great options in town to satisfy any SF food snob, food is handled a bit differently here. Some of the best sushi in town can be found in Italian restaurants — sushi being a decidedly California thing in Cape Town, and less of a Japanese thing. Which also explains why the grocery stores sell flour tortillas under the name “California wraps”. (To make matters worse, in turn, one of the more famous Italian restaurants in town has a German name.) This theme of playing a bit fast and loose with labels and names will again come up with coffee later in this post.


Speaking of coffee, like Italy or Australia or New Zealand, the baseline quality standards in South Africa are clearly better than in the U.S. You can walk into just about any random store and trust that you’ll get a rather acceptable espresso, whereas this practice is still ill-advised even in San Francisco. But, as in places such as Italy, examples of very good espresso are a rarer find — even in the biggest cosmopolitan cities. But with a little research and a few contacts, we were able to identify some of the best places in Cape Town.
A few things come to mind specifically about the espresso here. WEGA machines are ubiquitous. The coffees tend to emphasize more rich-bodied flavor than the wilder, bright coffees you may come to expect from Africa, but there are exceptions. And the cappuccino here almost always comes with a very Portuguese dusting of cocoa powder; you quite literally ask to have for one without it.
And somewhat contrary to an earlier post of ours, you can find the cappuccino quite often on café menus — even perhaps moreso than flat whites, and especially at the cafés that are a little less obsessed about their coffee. However, most places do treat the cappuccino and flat white interchangeably. Which leads us to our next topic of discussion…


After spending a month in South Africa, it made sense that this is the nation that gave us “red espresso” — or Roobios tea. Even if you like the tea, as we do, the term “red espresso” comes off as unnecessarily deceptive and has never sat well with us. Just because you can stick something into an espresso machine does not make it espresso. Which reminds us a little of eggspresso — or should that be “yellow espresso”? And yet “Red Cappuccino” is also a registered trademark.
Now if you thought coffee’s wine analogy was a bit over the top, over the past several years South Africa has developed something of a niche market for coffee-flavored wine. They’ve been growing wine grapes around Cape Town since 1655, but it wasn’t until 1925 that a Stellenbosch professor crossed the fragile pinot noir grape with the heartier cinsault (known locally as hermitage) to create a local cultivar called pinotage.
In 2001, noted pinotage maker Diemersfontein Wines came out with the original “coffee chocolate pinotage”, and they’ve popularly released one every year since. Meanwhile, imitators came to the fore in the form of Cappupinoccinotage from Boland Cellars, Café Culture from KWV, the Vrede en Lust Mocholate (a malbec), etc. The original Diemersfontein coffee pinotage wine maker, Bertus Fourie — literally nicknamed “Starbucks” for that reason — has moved on to Café Culture and now Barista Wine (we are not making this up), where he holds the title of “Head Barista” and their Web site offers a Nespresso Le Cube D180 sweepstakes.

Coffee pinotage is sometimes called the red wine for coffee addicts, and it certainly doesn’t come without some controversy from the purists, but it’s really more the red wine for coffee drinkers who don’t like red wine. That said, there’s room for everybody’s tastes. We’ve long stated that Starbucks’ stroke of genius was in convincing millions of customers who don’t like the taste of coffee that they actually do. While coffee pinotage doesn’t use any actual coffee for flavoring, the taste aims for the consumer are the same.
Now despite all the wine-growing activity around Cape Town and a number of its very good wines, many South African wines are still (IMO) global underachievers and/or acquired tastes. Having tried a 2007 Diemersfontein coffee pinotage and a 2009 Barista pinotage, we were reminded of all the beer + coffee combinations that have failed over the years … the “coffee stouts” where the results were second-rate as a beer and second-rate as coffee, rather than something better than the sum of its parts.
Of course, we live in a diverse, global culture that sometimes wants their wine (or beer) to taste like coffee, their coffee to taste like chocolate and hazelnuts, and their chocolate to taste like bacon. So why not skip the middleman and market bacon wine? Sure, it might be a curious novelty to hear Céline Dion perform an album of songs by fellow Canadians Death from Above 1979, but it’s no stretch to presume that it will optimally satisfy neither fans of Céline nor Death from Above 1979.
As Oscar Wilde famously once said, “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” This South African dimension to the coffee-wine analogy largely fails coming from a different angle.
A little more towards the authentic in the African continent, in the category of “now why don’t we do that in America?”, we did enjoy the occasional Ethiopian coffee ceremony — even if it originates on the continent’s opposite side of the equator. At a restaurant such as Cape Town’s Addis in Cape, we enjoyed an odd mix of Frankincense, popcorn (?!), and coffee served from a Jabena pot.
While the coffee undergoes some of the oldest and crudest handling and brewing known to man, the resulting cup is quite flavorful. Perhaps more importantly, the ceremony uniquely resonates with coffee culture, capturing much of the wonder that’s truly native to coffee without the creatively lazy marketing contortionists who squeeze coffee’s square peg into wine tasting’s round hole through the mutant coffee cupping fad in America. But alas, Californication applies to coffee cupping here just as it does to sushi and flour tortillas in South Africa.
At the coffee chain level, Vida e Caffè serves as an example of how Starbucks and even Peet’s fall short. Even Woolworths W Café serves both espresso and cappuccino in a paper cup that run circles around Starbucks.
While at the “artisan” end, there are places like TRUTH. that seem to go through the Third Wave motions, but with much success. And then there are places like Origin Coffee Roasting, who not only broke quality coffee ground in Africa in 2006, but they established a roasting and training operation that most American coffee entrepreneurs have only talked about. And then there’s Espresso Lab Microroasters, who show some of the most cohesive and comprehensive vision for what a quality coffee operation could be — while making espresso as good as anything in SF.
The wine may have room for improvement compared to what San Franciscans are used to, but everything else about Cape Town makes it a fantastic and compelling place to be — including the coffee.



Shop 10a, Gardens Shopping Centre, Mill St. Shop 11, Gardens Shopping Centre, Mill St. Shop 5, Buitenkloof Studios, 8 Kloof St. Shop number F&B1, Cape Town International Airport Shop No. 6160, Lower Level, Victoria Wharf Shop 6195, Lower Level, Victoria Wharf Shop 1, Perspectives Building, 37 Roeland St. Shop 4, Quay 5, Victoria Wharf, V&A Waterfront Shop 1, Mooikloof, 34 Kloof St.
Tags: cafe_reviews, cape_town_cafes, cappuccino, coffee_cupping, ethiopian_coffee, flat_white, flavored_coffees, origin_coffee_roasting, peets_coffee, quality_standards, south_africa_coffee, Starbucks, WEGA, wine_analogy, world_cup
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This informative DVD covers: A Brief History of Coffee, Coffee Bean Roasting and Blending, Espresso Equipment, Extracting Perfect Espresso, The Art of Steaming and Foaming Milk, How to Prepare Espresso Bar Drinks, Fundamentals of Brewed Coffee Preparation, Cleaning, Safety and Maintenance.

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Espresso drinks – the classic category

The focus here is to look at the various espresso based drinks that therefore provide a complete list of the "Classic" espresso drinks made up of classic Italian and Italian American drinks.

Espresso is an Italian term that refers to a specific type of brewing method. Here some very hot but not boiling, water is forced through freshly ground coffee under a lot of pressure. Espresso has grown immensely popular over the years, that it is more than just a way to make coffee. It is a complete coffee cuisine. And espresso technology that other countries and cultures outside Italy. The basic component of this cuisine is always the coffee brewed the espresso way. Variation is in the other components, which added to the coffee: milk, chocolate and in the United States, always richer syrups and side dishes.

The various espresso cuisine include:

1. Classic northern Italy style;

2. Italian-American style (developed by Italian Americans in the United States);

3. Postmodern style (USA Seattle style cuisine);

4. The Cuban style and

5. other Latin American cuisine

This article is to concentrate espresso-based variations that make up the first two kitchens.These can be described as the classic espresso drinks:

The classic category:

1. - Espresso: just 1 oz as a 'Shot' black coffee and is usually drunk with sugar.

2. Espresso Ristretto (US); short (Pacific) Corto (Italy): æ half a standard espresso shot.Therefore also called "shortened" Espresso. Some like the "small is beautiful" espresso feeling it is more aromatic than the original espresso.

3. Espresso Lungo (Italy, USA), long (Pacific): an extra long pull of about twice the amount of water through 1 standard shot, give a relatively over extracted and weaker tasting drink. This term not often in United States since by Italian standards most American portions are considered long.

4.-Espresso-Romano (US; Italian-American): Standard espresso, but with a slice of lemon on the side of the Cup.

5. Espresso Con Panna (Italy, USA): 1 standard shot, topped with whipped cream and crowned an optional unsweetened chocolate powder.

6. Double (US); Doppio (Italy): 2 espresso shots into a Cup. Also known as double shot.

7. - Cappuccino: 1 standard shot espresso, topped by hot steamed milk and milk froth. A classical Italian cappuccino consists of approx. 1 / 3 espresso, 1 / 3 milk and 1 / 3 pretty stiff foam. In Cappuccino, the hot frothed milk is added directly to the hot espresso coffee. It is usually drunk with sugar.

8. Café latte (USA): 1-2 shots of espresso and 3 times as much hot milk. Latte has a high ratio of milk to coffee than a Cappuccino does. A Latte is made by pouring the coffee and the milk at the same time from both sides of the cup.

9. Espresso macchiato (Italy, USA): 1 standard shot but crowned with a small amount of steam milk foam.

10. Latte macchiato (Italy: Hot Frothed milk is first in the glass, followed by slow pour of espresso into the cup. The idea is the the coffee 'stains ' the milk. The difference is with a Cappuccino, milk and froth are added to the coffee; with a Latte, the milk and coffee are poured at the same time; a Latte Macchiato, the milk is poured first then the coffee is added. This creates a layered effect you can see through the serving glass.

11. Cafe Mocha (US): in the Italian American cuisine is mixing 2 oz thick strong hot chocolate with 1 standard shot of espresso. This is topped with hot frothed milk. Most of the American cafes are making what they call a Mocha, by adding chocolate fountain syrup to a cafe latte.

Michael Russell

Your independent guide to espresso [http://espresso.tips-and-supplies.com/]