What is it about an Espresso maker that makes them soooo complicated! Can’t someone design an Espresso/Coffeemaker that has a water reservoir that is EASY to access without almost dropping the whole machine off the counter onto the floor and all the stuff one has to clean up after brewing one of these desirable beverages? First you have to pull the whole contraption out from underneath you upper cupboards, far enough to be able to open the water reservoir lid high enough to be able to pour water into it… then you grind the French Roast, get the doohickey clicked in securely and wait for the Espresso to brew… while watching the coffee pour into the little cup you hopefully pay close enough attention to catch a bit of water left in the tank so you can steam your milk hot enough to make some foam and not cool down the coffee. Most of the time there seems to be NOT enough steam left and so you have to pull the thing out from under the counter again, careful not to spill the freshly brewed Espresso!!! By the time the water is now hot enough again to be steaming your milk the little cup of Espresso has cooled down to a rather tepid temperature and what now… who wants to ruin this by nuking the espresso to heat it….sigh…add some flavoring into this whole equation and it is still harder to keep warm… I think I will stick to making a pot of strong, fresh coffee and then just steam and froth the milk on the side…or else wait until Jessanna comes to visit. She may have enough patience and skill to actually make a latté or cappuccino properly…
Four years later, here is the next chapter of the story: Well, shortly after that post Jessanna came over and did just that and I gave her my Espresso Machine which she put to good use! It has now been resting for a few months in storage back East until she moves into her new 'where-ever it will be home' and then I am sure it will be put to great use once again.
Since then, last summer, I have had the wonderful blessing of some very dear friends giving me an amazing gift: A 'Saeco Vienna Plus' Coffee Machine!!!!
