Espresso Enthusiasts

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Indeed, a wonderful trip. Many reunions (and some new introductions) with my wife's family, almost universally good coffee, a bit of sightseeing, and three operas.

And, speaking of opera, last night, after a very good Lohengrin at the Teatro Real, we stopped in nearby for some drinks. I spied a genuine, working absinthe fountain.....which I thought might be of interest.

As mentioned...an absinthe fountain is meant to drizzle the ice water over the sugar cube in the spoon resting over the top of the glass. I think the fountain in your picture is just a display for the bottles...unless it has some small spouts not visible in the picture.

I'm jealous nonetheless...

I saw this latte art in my Twitter feed today from the State of Michigan.

https://twitter.com/PureMichigan/status/452075786896289792

Interesting...but the UP looks like an alligator!

 

[Scepticalscribe]

As mentioned...an absinthe fountain is meant to drizzle the ice water over the sugar cube in the spoon resting over the top of the glass. I think the fountain in your picture is just a display for the bottles...unless it has some small spouts not visible in the picture.

Image

I'm jealous nonetheless...





Interesting...but the UP looks like an alligator!

That absinthe fountain is nothing short of a work of art…….I'm impressed. Delightful. Divine. Exquisite. And so, so effortlessly elegant…..

 

[S.B.G]

Hey they remembered the UP! I can't tell you how many times I've seen someone illustrate Michigan and leave out half the state!

Ha! This is the first latte art of any State I've seen before.

Interesting...but the UP looks like an alligator!

An alligator? Did you lose your glasses again?

 

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An alligator? Did you lose your glasses again?

Oh, yeah...I have the right glasses on now.

Clearly it looks like the front half of a brontosaurus!

 

[S.B.G]

Oh, yeah...I have the right glasses on now.

Clearly it looks like the front half of a brontosaurus!

I'm glad you're seeing more clearly now!

 

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I'm glad you're seeing more clearly now!

Well, seems clear to me!

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Well, seems clear to me!

Image

Oh, no. No. No. It seems that we have arrived at the 'this looks like a Brontosaurus' moment, which is the nerd equivalent of the moment in a history discussion (irrespective of the period under discussion) when the inevitable reference is made to the mad Austrian with the Charlie Chaplin moustache whose failed attempt at world domination and industrial annihilation destroyed his country and wrecked much of Europe…….

I love a good big Brontosaurus. I recall admiring the skeleton of one, awestruck and silenced, a few decades ago in the British Museum (along with the menacing skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus Rex; and yes, I will concede here, sotto voce, that this was the fulfilment of a childhood dream). But, my friends, an absinthe fountain does not resemble a Brontosaurus. In fact, even the spout of an absinthe fountain does not in any way, resemble a Brontosaurus…...

 

[Shrink]

Oh, no. No. No. It seems that we have arrived at the 'this looks like a Brontosaurus' moment, which is the nerd equivalent of the moment in a history discussion (irrespective of the period under discussion) when the inevitable reference is made to the mad Austrian with the Charlie Chaplin moustache whose failed attempt at world domination and industrial annihilation destroyed his country and wrecked much of Europe…….

I love a good big Brontosaurus. I recall admiring the skeleton of one, awestruck and silenced, a few decades ago in the British Museum (along with the menacing skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus Rex; and yes, I will concede here, sotto voce, that this was the fulfilment of a childhood dream). But, my friends, an absinthe fountain does not resemble a Brontosaurus. In fact, even the spout of an absinthe fountain does not in any way, resemble a Brontosaurus…...

Actually, the brontosaurus refers to post# 2473...and I said I thought the representation of the Upper Peninsula resembled an alligator. When gently chided by SBG that I was clearly blind...I changed my description to that it resembled the front half of a brontosaurus.

 

[mobilehaathi]

Actually, the brontosaurus refers to post# 2473...and I said I thought the representation of the Upper Peninsula resembled an alligator. When gently chided by SBG that I was clearly blind...I changed my description to that it resembled the front half of a brontosaurus.

I think the important point here is that Brontosauruses are totally awesome.

 

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I think the important point here is that Brontosauruses are totally awesome.

As I didn't know that you were a Brontosaurus (or more correctly...Apatosaurus) fan, I'm even more pleased that I brought it (totally off topic) onto the thread.

And to remain on topic...it's a little known fact that Brontosauri (Brontosauruses?) were prodigious consumers of coffee cherries.






I just made that up to stay on topic!

 

[mobilehaathi]

As I didn't know that you were a Brontosaurus (or more correctly...Apatosaurus) fan, I'm even more pleased that I brought it (totally off topic) onto the thread.

And to remain on topic...it's a little known fact that Brontosauri (Brontosauruses?) were prodigious consumers of coffee cherries.






I just made that up to stay on topic!

Aha! Just like civets...I wonder what that brew tasted like.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I think the important point here is that Brontosauruses are totally awesome.

I agree completely; I have cherished a secret passion for them ever since I was the sort of child who clutched - and read with passionate mesmerised attention - books about dinosaurs.

As I didn't know that you were a Brontosaurus (or more correctly...Apatosaurus) fan, I'm even more pleased that I brought it (totally off topic) onto the thread.

And to remain on topic...it's a little known fact that Brontosauri (Brontosauruses?) were prodigious consumers of coffee cherries.






I just made that up to stay on topic!

Fascinating. I shall cherish and commit to memory this fact, one which as yet has not been heralded in some of those occasionally uninspired and utterly serious tomes dealing with such subjects.

And, as for the renaming, I am sorry. Yes, I know the more modern term, (of course, I do), but to me, a Brontosaurus is a Brontosaurus and will always answer to this name.

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Actually, the brontosaurus refers to post# 2473...and I said I thought the representation of the Upper Peninsula resembled an alligator. When gently chided by SBG that I was clearly blind...I changed my description to that it resembled the front half of a brontosaurus.

The State of Michigan? Ye gods. And how does it resemble - not that I have the remotest idea of what, or where, this is - the front half of a Brontosaurus? (Reminder to self: Consult map………) And maybe, a serious cup of coffee is in order while doing so…...

 

[mobilehaathi]

The State of Michigan? Ye gods. And how does it resemble - not that I have the remotest idea of what, or where, this is - the front half of a Brontosaurus? (Reminder to self: Consult map………) And maybe, a serious cup of coffee is in order while doing so…...

It is a US state situated smack dab in the middle of 20% of the world's surface freshwater!

Ehh, I grew up there; I suppose I'd know.

 

[Kurwenal]

Really cool! Why is it shooting a solid stream though? My limited experience suggests that in preparing absinthe the water is dripped slowly over the sugar cube into the cup of absinthe.

As mentioned...an absinthe fountain is meant to drizzle the ice water over the sugar cube in the spoon resting over the top of the glass. I think the fountain in your picture is just a display for the bottles...unless it has some small spouts not visible in the picture.

My experience with absinthe pretty much begins and ends with that picture. So, I don't know. There really was too much water coming out of it for any drink (other than ice water, I suppose, but....this being Europe and all.....); I assumed they were cleaning it or something. And, I have no clue what the "bath" around the fountain is for. Maybe someone will stumble through here and solve the mystery. I do have one more picture, of some of the bottles on display, but I doubt this shot will help solve the mystery at all:

Bottoms up, indeed.

I love a good big Brontosaurus.

What's that? A really, really, really big and noisy triplo?

 

[S.B.G]

The State of Michigan? Ye gods. And how does it resemble - not that I have the remotest idea of what, or where, this is - the front half of a Brontosaurus? (Reminder to self: Consult map………) And maybe, a serious cup of coffee is in order while doing so…...

It is a US state situated smack dab in the middle of 20% of the world's surface freshwater!

Ehh, I grew up there; I suppose I'd know.

Yep! And that's why it's called the Great Lakes State!

 

[mobilehaathi]

My experience with absinthe pretty much begins and ends with that picture. So, I don't know. There really was too much water coming out of it for any drink (other than ice water, I suppose, but....this being Europe and all.....); I assumed they were cleaning it or something. And, I have no clue what the "bath" around the fountain is for. Maybe someone will stumble through here and solve the mystery. I do have one more picture, of some of the bottles on display, but I doubt this shot will help solve the mystery at all:

Image

Bottoms up, indeed.



What's that? A really, really, really big and noisy triplo?

Curious bottles! I have to admit I do love herbal/bitter liquors/liqueurs, so those absinthes have piqued my interest. You should try some.

Follow it up with a few coffees too, just to stay in topic.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

My experience with absinthe pretty much begins and ends with that picture. So, I don't know. There really was too much water coming out of it for any drink (other than ice water, I suppose, but....this being Europe and all.....); I assumed they were cleaning it or something. And, I have no clue what the "bath" around the fountain is for. Maybe someone will stumble through here and solve the mystery. I do have one more picture, of some of the bottles on display, but I doubt this shot will help solve the mystery at all:

Image

Bottoms up, indeed.



What's that? A really, really, really big and noisy triplo?

Love the absinthe bottles.

Re triplocodcus, whoever not? I was the sort of kid that found these matters fascinating (especially when my mother went to great pains to explain evolution and supply books on such topics); loved them, and longed to see them. Indeed, I ail still read any article that I come across on such topics, and ail happily visit any museum where they are on display…….each to their own….

Yep! And that's why it's called the Great Lakes State!

Nice one.

Curious bottles! I have to admit I do love herbal/bitter liquors/liqueurs, so those absinthes have piqued my interest. You should try some.

Follow it up with a few coffees too, just to stay in topic.

Espressos, to be exact. (And a very interesting contrast it is, too….)

 

[Scepticalscribe]

There is a long and slightly complicated background to this, but the short version is that I have been visiting (an advanced, cultured, wealthy, cosmopolitan) city in the west of the country where I am currently working, in the region of which, can be found many, many Italians, who are also working there, including colleagues of mine, with whom I stayed.

Much (exceptionally good) espresso was consumed, (where there are Italians there is also to be found extremely good food, and exceptional espresso) and I was almost incoherent as joyful whimpers escaped me when drinking the excellent espresso which is their normal fare. They smiled indulgently.

At short notice I was asked to brief them in detail on current affairs and related topical matters - an exercise I regarded as a perfectly fair request, sort of akin to singing for my supper, . They loved my lecture; I loved their espresso. This morning, just before another meeting, their chief presented me with a flourish, a plastic bag, his large dark eyes expressive; inside was a small box, containing a three cup Bialetti moka pot and a packet of LavAzza, which were described as a small token of appreciation……….ah, ah, ah…..

 

[Shrink]

There is a long and slightly complicated background to this, but the short version is that I have been visiting (an advanced, cultured, wealthy, cosmopolitan) city in the west of the country where I am currently working, in the region of which, can be found many, many Italians, who are also working there, including colleagues of mine, with whom I stayed.

Much (exceptionally good) espresso was consumed, (where there are Italians there is also to be found extremely good food, and exceptional espresso) and I was almost incoherent as joyful whimpers escaped me when drinking the excellent espresso which is their normal fare. They smiled indulgently.

At short notice I was asked to brief them in detail on current affairs and related topical matters - an exercise I regarded as a perfectly fair request, sort of akin to singing for my supper, . They loved my lecture; I loved their espresso. This morning, just before another meeting, their chief presented me with a flourish, a plastic bag, his large dark eyes expressive; inside was a small box, containing a three cup Bialetti moka pot and a packet of LavAzza, which were described as a small token of appreciation……….ah, ah, ah…..

Considering your feelings about your old and beloved Bialetti moka pot...there could not be a more lovely gift.

Enjoy using, and consuming the product of, your new pot!

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Considering your feelings about your old and beloved Bialetti moka pot...there could not be a more lovely gift.

Enjoy using, and consuming the product of, your new pot!

Thank you. I agree that there could not be a more lovely gift - ah, Italians. I love them, and their country and their culture. Their chief then proceeded to give me detailed, and earnest advice: "You do know how to make coffee with this, yes?" I do.

He then carried on, with earnest attention to detail, and kind concern for these northern Europeans (like me) who need to be instructed on how best to live life:"But you do know that you must make the first pot with old coffee, which you do not drink; you just throw it out. This is why you make it with old coffee, so that you can just throw out. Now, I know this will be hard, but it is to flavour the pot. Now, I know you will want to drink it. If you drink it, that first pot of old coffee, it will be horrible. You must be patient. Okay, you may want to drink the ****** coffee because you will be impatient, and you will find that it is horrible, but you will then tell yourself that the second cup you make from the pot will be much better. And it will be much, much better. It is up to you."

In an Italian accent, this is was a lecture to savour - simply wonderful….

 

[mobilehaathi]

Thank you. I agree that there could not be a more lovely gift - ah, Italians. I love them, and their country and their culture. Their chief then proceeded to give me detailed, and earnest advice: "You do know how to make coffee with this, yes?" I do.

He then carried on, with earnest attention to detail, and kind concern for these northern Europeans (like me) who need to be instructed on how best to live life:"But you do know that you must make the first pot with old coffee, which you do not drink; you just throw it out. This is why you make it with old coffee, so that you can just throw out. Now, I know this will be hard, but it is to flavour the pot. Now, I know you will want to drink it. If you drink it, that first pot of old coffee, it will be horrible. You must be patient. Okay, you may want to drink the ****** coffee because you will be impatient, and you will find that it is horrible, but you will then tell yourself that the second cup you make from the pot will be much better. And it will be much, much better. It is up to you."

In an Italian accent, this is was a lecture to savour - simply wonderful….

Does he mean that one should always, when setting out to caffeinate oneself with the moka pot, make a first pot of 'bad' coffee to prime the machine, or does he mean just the first ever use of the pot?

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Does he mean that one should always, when setting out to caffeinate oneself with the moka pot, make a first pot of 'bad' coffee to prime the machine, or does he mean just the first ever use of the pot?

The latter, to 'season' the pot, - the first ever time you use it - so that it will then be 'seasoned' in order to make 'proper' coffee.

Similar instructions re 'seasoning' with olive oil are offered (by Italians) when advising about cooking with Italian cookware before using them for the first time.

 

[mobilehaathi]

The latter, to 'season' the pot, - the first ever time you use it - so that it will then be 'seasoned' in order to make 'proper' coffee.

Similar instructions re 'seasoning' with olive oil are offered (by Italians) when advising about cooking with Italian cookware before using them for the first time.

I see. Well I knew about seasoning cast iron pans, but they're actually a bit porous. Hmmmm, well my Moka is ever so long ago broken in.

 

[Shrink]

I see. Well I knew about seasoning cast iron pans, but they're actually a bit porous. Hmmmm, well my Moka is ever so long ago broken in.

Too late for you p), but for anyone with a new moka pot, I found this little bit of information on "seasoning" the pot...

The source also has some information regarding making coffee in a moka pot that might be interesting for any moka newbie. (I have no idea if the information is authoritative...but it's on the internet, so it must be true! ).

Season Your New Moka Pot

The metal and protective factory coating on your new Moka Pot will make the first few cups of coffee taste foul, so if you don’t properly season your new pot before you start drinking the brew you make, you might get the (very wrong!) impression that stovetop espresso is less than beautiful. Seasoning your pot is easy – all you need to do is make a few pots using cheap coffee grounds and throw those first ‘trial run’ pots of coffee away.

First, wash the new pot thoroughly, with hot soapy water, and rinse it out.

Get some cheap espresso-grind ground coffee – you won’t be drinking this, so go for the cheapest you can find, and follow the instructions below to make several pots with this – four or five in succession, throwing the coffee away afterwards, and giving the pot a quick rinse in hot water between each pot.

Only ever rinse your Moka Pot, and use the soft ‘sponge’ side of a dish sponge when you clean it – using the abrasive side will scrub and scrape off your seasoning and you’ll be back to square one! Over time, the inside of the pot will acquire a dark coating of coffee, and this is exactly what you want.

Source

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Too late for you p), but for anyone with a new moka pot, I found this little bit of information on "seasoning" the pot...

The source also has some information regarding making coffee in a moka pot that might be interesting for any moka newbie. (I have no idea if the information is authoritative...but it's on the internet, so it must be true! ).



Source

Aha! Two respected sources in the one day and both are enthusiastic purveyors of much the same information. Thank you very much for contributing to this discussion with this information: I suspect that my Italian benefactor would approve, whole-heartedly….

Okay, so: - This means that the brand new three cup moka pot will have to be seasoned appropriately, then, before use…..

Its older, and more capacious sibling has been the source of many, many much savoured pots of espresso and so is thoroughly well seasoned by time and usage….