espresso

How to Make Perfect Espresso at Home

Filed under: Dining

Espresso is so much more than just really strong coffee. It's an elixir, an experience, that takes only a few sips but lingers long after. For true espresso connoisseurs brewing the perfect cup is an art form, and one that takes skill, time, and practice to master.

Start with good coffee and pure, fresh water
As with any recipe the end result will only be as good as the sum of its ingredients. Coffee beans should be as fresh as possible and medium-roasted (not dark) to preserve the delicate flavor nuances. The water should be pure, fresh and odor-free, and neither too hard nor too soft.

Use the right grind
The beans should be ground to a fine powder in order to expose as much surface area as possible to the water, but not so fine they pack too tight for the water to get through. Depending on your machine, coffee, and preference the grind consistency should be somewhere between small sugar granules smooth baking flour. Many experts recommend having your beans ground by a professional in order to get the best results. For more on grinding read How to Grind Coffee Beans Perfectly.

Tamp evenly
Tamping ensures the water to flows smoothly through all the coffee in the basket and doesn't just gush through one or two areas. To tamp put your coffee grounds into the basket and, on a smooth solid surface, use your tamper to press straight down into the basket with 20 - 30lbs of pressure. Practice by pressing on your bathroom scale to see exactly how much that is. Finish with a single firm twist to secure any loose grains and then lift the tamper straight up. The resulting packed grounds should be level and smooth, with no gaps or dimples. Note: The tamper should fit snugly into the basket -- if it's too small the coffee around the edges won't get compressed and the water will rush down the sides instead of dispersing evenly.

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Nespresso for Ferrari Coffee Machine

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets

What do you do when you need a cup of coffee, and need it fast? Start up your Ferrari espresso machine, of course! This machine is the brainchild of designer Ilgar Rustamov, and while it remains a concept at present, knowing Ferrari's penchant for churning out branded...well, everything, it could be only a matter of time before we see it on store shelves.

The design, as you can see, centers around a Prancing Horse-emblazoned carbon-fiber racing helmet. Open the tab to pour in the water, lift the visor to brew your cup of espresso, and pull out the chin to pour out any excess spillage. You'll be buzzing like an F1 engine in no time.

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Tags: capuccino, capuccino machine, espresso, espresso machine, ferrari, ilgar rustamov, nespresso, rustamov

Nespresso goes Single-Malt with the new Pure Origin Grand Cru

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

It looks like Nespresso – the Swiss company that's making a killing off selling individual espresso capsules for their popular machines – is taking a page out of the scotch whisky playbook with its latest release. Called the Pure Origin Grand Cru, the series comprises three special edition coffees, each coming from an individual plantation – not unlike a single-malt scotch – instead of most blends that draw from numerous sources. The idea, beyond providing a unique flavor, is to support the local ecosystems, making this a green initiative as well as a premium one.
The series includes the Indriya which hails from a plantation in India, the Rosabaya from Colombia and the Dulsao from Brazil. Although pricing and availability have yet to be announced, you can expect to pay a special premium for these premium roasts.

[Source: Sybarites]

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Tags: beverage, beverages, cappucino, coffee, espresso, grand cru, GrandCru, nespresso, nespresso grand cru, nespresso pure origin, NespressoGrandCru, NespressoPureOrigin

Jura's Exclusive Signature Coffee Machines

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining

Jura is releasing a new set of signature coffee machines this spring that will not only make you a great cup of Cappucino, Latte, Machiatto, or Ristretto at the simple touch of a button, but will also add some serious style to your kitchen in your choice of unique finishes: the Z5 comes in aluminum and rhodium with a Swarovski-encrusted rotary dial, the J5 is your choice of Columbian walnut or northern birch veneer finished in 15 coats of high-gloss lacquer, or the ENA 5 is finished in fine handstitched red or brown leather.

All that style and of course they still promise awesome functionalities like perfect grind, water temperature, and pressure every time plus fun features like a height-adjustable spout and cup illumination. Pricing is yet to be announced but look for these this June exclusively at Harrods.

Via Retro to Go

Gallery: Jura's New Signature Coffee Machines

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Tags: capuccino, coffee, coffee machine, CoffeeMachine, espresso, espresso machine, EspressoMachine, jura, latte

OTTO Stove Top Espresso Maker

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

I can't help it, my first thought whenever I see something so overly shined up like this is ugh, I'm going to get fingerprints all over it. But fingerprints or not, if exterior appearance has anything to do with it the OTTO Stove Top Espresso Maker must make a pretty tasty brew. And if it doesn't well, then at least it looks great sitting in your kitchen.

Made almost entirely of stainless steel, the OTTO comes packaged in a premium travel case complete with two Italian-designed latte glasses, a stainless steel milk jug, and a barista training session on DVD. $420

Gallery: Otto Espresso Machine

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Tags: coffee, coffee maker, CoffeeMaker, espresso, espresso machine, espresso maker, EspressoMachine, EspressoMaker, kitchen, otto

Handpresso, Make Your Own Espresso on the Go

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining, Gadgets

The name might not be particularly sophisticated but the idea is a fun one: portable espresso whenever and wherever you want it. No need to rough it the next time you go camping! Well, not in the hot beverage department anyway.

The Handpresso works by using your own personal manpower to create the necessary pressure by pumping the handle, after which the machine produces one shot of espresso. And according to our sister site Slashfood's product review, the espresso isn't half bad.

For me part of the fun of camping is drinking something different, like coffee made in a steel pan over the fire, and laughing about how bad it is. But then I can't remember the last time I actually went camping so maybe there's something to bringing a little bit of home out with you to the wilds. $155

Via Shiny Shiny

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Tags: camping, coffee, espresso, gadget, gadgets, gift ideas, GiftIdeas, gifts, handpresso, handspresso, travel, travel gadget, travel gadgets, TravelGadget, TravelGadgets

The Ferrari-Inspired Brunopasso PD-1 Espresso Machine

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets

I like sports cars, and I LOVE coffee, but I admit I totally don't get why the two seem to get combined so frequently. First we had this Lamborghini-inspired espresso machine and now, from Brunopasso, the PD-1 machine was created with Italian sports cars in mind. Of course there aren't many ways a coffee machine can look like a Ferrari, except of course a shiny red paint job (among other choices), automobile-inspired gauges that form a little mini-dashboard, and a lever made of beechwood for pressing the coffee. $850

Via Dvice

Gallery: Brunopasso PD-1 Espresso Machine

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Tags: brunopasso, coffee, espresso, ferrari, lamborghini, sweden, swedish

Coffee's Latest Buzz: Illyquore

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits

The maker of Italy's popular aperitif Campari has linked up with Italian coffee company Illy on a new coffee liqueur product called Illyquore. Guaranteed to give the Starbucks coffee liqueur and Kahlua a run for their money, the liqueur is to be launched in Italy in July and in the rest of the world in 2009. The new liqueur has adopted Illy's Arabica coffee taste without any additives. Illy will retain the brand rights and Campari will distribute.

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Tags: campari, coffee, espresso, illy, liqueur

Illy's New Hyper Espresso

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining, Gadgets

Italian coffee company illycaffè has created a new easier way to make your espresso. Their new system is called iperEspresso (hyper espresso) and this month Illy is launching the Francis Francis X7 with iperEspresso, a capsule system that uses a two-phase preparation process to create the perfect shot of espresso. The first step is hyperinfusion, in which the coffee and water come into contact under optimal pressure conditions, followed by the emulsion process, in which the coffee passes through a valve to form a rich and velvety crema (the thin layer of foam at the surface of the espresso). The iperEspresso's crema yields more volume and height than a traditional shot and can last up to fifteen minutes as compared to the average espresso's five minutes. The coffee never comes into direct contact with the machine so cleaning the machine is far easier. IperEspresso has been released commercially and is currently used in restaurants including Le Bernardin and Nobu, as well as at The Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

The new system is available in the popular Francis Francis X7 machine for a special intro price of $395 and the Francis Francis X8 is available for a special rate of $495. The coffee in the iperEspresso capsule is the same used in the cans and in café espresso and is available in two different roasts: medium and dark as well as decaffeinated capsules .A 21-serving container of capsules is $15.95

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Tags: coffee, espresso, espresso machine, illy

Victoria Arduino Venus Century Espresso Machine

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining, Gadgets

If you love both espresso and having something exclusive, then this Victoria Arduino Venus Century Espresso Machine (say that ten times fast!) is worth checking out. Only 100 of them were created, and they're currently selling #34, with the first one having gone to the Pope. The first Victoria Arduino machine was built in 1905, and in the years since their reputation has grown to one symbolizing beauty, elegance, and refinement (among many other things on their list!). This particular espresso machine design was created by Pier Teresio Arduino and can be yours for just a tad under $20,000.

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Tags: coffee, espresso, espresso machine, EspressoMachine, venus century, VenusCentury, victoria arduino, VictoriaArduino

Nespresso Limited Edition Sparkle Pink Essenza

by Sandy Maple (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets

I am not a morning person and sometimes the smell of coffee brewing is the only thing that will lure me out of bed. If I had this blinged-out espresso maker to look forward to, getting up might be a little easier. Covering an espresso machine in Swarovski crystals may seem a bit over the top, but the result is sparkly and fabulous. This Sparkle Pink Essenza espresso machine is a limited edition with only 100 available for purchase. If pink isn't your thing, there is also a Brilliant Black version. Both are available at Nespresso Boutique Bar on Madison Avenue in New York for $1000.

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Tags: brilliant black essenza, BrilliantBlackEssenza, coffee, coffee maker, CoffeeMaker, espresso, essenza, nespresso, sparkle pink essenza, SparklePinkEssenza, swarovski crystal coffee maker, SwarovskiCrystalCoffeeMaker

The La Pavoni Stradivari Coffee Maker

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets

It's probably a good thing I'm not rich and famous, because if I were I'd have to build a separate home just for all the stuff I'd buy. Seriously.

So last week I posted on the Lamborghini Coffee Machine, which I liked, and got a comment from a reader suggesting I take a look at this La Pavoni Stradivari Wood espresso machine, which I now also like. Great, little Mr Coffee is totally feeling inadequate.

Covered in mirrored brass, this machine is inspired by the Italian violinist Stradivari and takes the piston espresso design you expect from Pavoni and adds elegant sealed hardwood knobs for more comfortable use and, of course, style. Full of the usual features, and maybe a few unique ones, it sells for $879.

Thanks jjefferds!

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Tags: coffee, espresso, la pavoni, lamborghini, LaPavoni, pavoni, stadivari, stardivari, stradivari, violin, violinist

Rev Up with the Lamborghini Coffee Machine

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets

I love my little white Mr Coffee -- stains and all he's been a good buddy through many early mornings and late night projects, always making awesome cups of coffee. But, loyal as I am, I can't help but be tempted by what an awesome experience a Tonino Lamborghini coffee machine must make?

But with only 1,000 of the handmade machines out there, not to mention the $1750 price tag (just a little out of my usual coffee budget...) I doubt I'll ever get the chance to find out first hand. I might, however, be indulging in some Lamborghini coffee beans sometime soon (what a treat for Mr Coffee!).

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Tags: cappucino, coffee, espresso, kitchen, lamborghini, latte, limited edition, LimitedEdition

Inventum HK1 Cafe Invento Koffiepad

by Nicole Weston (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining, Gadgets

Anyone with limited counter space should be drooling over the Inventum HK1 Cafe Invento Koffiepad. Designed by studioMOM, the coffee machine has a unique and streamlined, wall-like shape, which means that it doesn't take up much room on the counter while still providing you with excellent coffee. The water reservoir is part of the "wall" and is completely removable. The rest of the machine is made of polymer-coated, fingerprint-resistant steel. It can brew one or two cups at a time and will hold enough water for ten cups before the machine needs to be refilled. The strength of the brew is completely adjustable and there is an automatic shutoff for safety. Price: $150 (€119).

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Tags: cafe, cafe invento, coffee, coffee machine, espresso, inventum

Illy Wants to be the Gucci of Coffee

by Nicole Weston (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining

Francesco Illy, the founder of Illycaffè, invented espresso in the 1930s and the company, now run by Illy's grandson, is looking to make a new name for itself in the global cafe marketplace. The company wants more recognition at the consumer level outside of Italy. It is expanding its Espressamente stores outside of Italy. The cafes are small, but designed by "leading Italian architects" and have cups and saucers that showcase contemporary artists, as well.

There are currently around 140 Espressamentes and Illy hopes to have 500 more within the next five years. The company expects that the consumers' desire for authenticity and quality will support the $4.50 price tag attached to a cappuccino, in the same way that high prices are commanded by luxury fashion brands, like Gucci, Prada and Armani.

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Tags: cafe, coffee, espresso, illy, luxury

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