Coffee is electrical!

I have measured out my life with coffee spoons. ~T.S. Eliot



Coffee affects the diaphragm and the plexus of the stomach, from which it reaches the brain by barely perceptible radiations that escape complete analysis; that aside, we may surmise that our primary nervous flux conducts an electricity emitted by coffee when we drink it. Coffee's power changes over time.

Italian composer Gioacchino Rossini has personally experienced some of these effects as, of course, have I.

"Coffee," Rossini says, "is an affair of fifteen or twenty days; just the right amount of time, fortunately, to write an opera." This is true. But the length of time during which one can enjoy the benefits of coffee can be extended.
~ Honore de Balzac From: The Pleasures and Pains of Coffee

THE RITUAL SET UP




The Ritual

Extracting espresso is part "Art" and part "Science". The "Art" is understanding the nuances of your coffee, grinder and espresso machine. The "Science" is applying specific variables to the coffee roast, fineness of grind, tamp pressure, temperature, brew pressure and time. The best method to learn how to make espresso is to begin with the science aspect. Identify the necessary variables and then apply the art aspect to fine tune the extraction (brewing). We break this mystique when we teach people everyday on how to "dial in" or "calibrate" their espresso machines. We begin with the "golden rule" of espresso making:
Taken from here

* I have two espresso machines. The one in the photo above (which makes an excellent espresso) and a Barista. The 'Barista' is used when I'm having a lot of guests. It takes up more counter space so I store it. When I do have guests I have another 4' counter area which serves as the beverage station and one can help themselvs to as much espresso as their heart desires. With that much caffeine who needs anything else!