EquipmentYou really need a bona fide pump driven espresso machine, not a steam driven one. The pump driven machines will provide a European style espresso with a thick crema. Shop around for a used machine before spending over $100 on a new one. I found a Gaggia Gran model for less than $20 at a second hand store. You can also look online atI do recommend the Italian made machines. Even my old second hand Gaggia (below) has really endured very well.
I also acquired a Quick Mill Vintage Espresso Machine like the one pictured below. It dates from the 1970s, presumably. It weighs a ton.
Great CoffeehousesThe Blackwater Coffee and Tea house offers just about the best espresso (shown below) I have had in North America. They are located in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada.
Getting EspressoThe right blend of espresso is really key to brewing a good cup of it. For ground espresso, you might try Espresso Zone or Gevalia Kaffee. The Raven Coffeehouse in Port Huron, Michigan offers some of the best espresso I have had. It can be purchased at the location but not yet online. I would also recommend Diedrich Coffee. They have one of best espresso blends. I really like the Diedrich Coffee located in Brea, CA at 730 E Imperial Hwy. I think the very best espresso I have had in the states is at Caffe Italia in San Diego (1704 India Street). It was perfectly balanced and equally rich. For the ideal home brewing process, get the Bristot Espresso pods at They come individually wrapped and sealed and make perfect espresso every time. There is no mess to clean up and the price is just over 30 cents a pod - which makes one or two small cups of espresso.
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BrewingIf you are using finely ground espresso, you need to place about two tablespoons (one scoop) into the basket and tamp it down firmly with a tamper. I prefer to use the espresso pods as there is no big mess to clean up. You really need a pump driven machine to get the crema. Pump machines normally have a light that will turn green when the machine is ready to brew. Make sure you have cold, clean water in the reservoir before you start. Make sure the machine parts are clean. Often, grounds are left over in the mount where the basket and portafilter attaches. When the green light goes on, turn the machine on and you should see a trickle of espresso coming out of the portafilter. Let it fill the small cup about two thirds of the way. The end result should look like this:
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You can let it brew longer to get a more mild, larger cup. I do this often as I enjoy the strong but mild less bitter cup. In a humorous way, the following Yahoo video illustrates what good espresso should look like.
You can use a larger cup if you want to run the espresso long. I like to use glass as it enhances the experience. I prefer to slowly sip the espresso, enjoying the essence of it completely.
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