The Way of Espresso

You might as well have a good time while the Empire crumbles. As trivial pursuits go, making real espresso is one of the best. About a month ago my girlfriend helped me get a Starbucks Sirena at a huge discount, thanks to her friendship with a Starbucks manager. After taking off the "training wheels" (the back-pressure adapter & the panarello froth-aider) I started learning real barista skills, and now I'm pulling double shots and making cappuccinos that surpass anything they serve at Starbucks. Here's my detailed review of the Sirena.

Yesterday I snagged the last bag of Blue Bottle's "Retrofit Espresso" beans at the Farmers Market -- roasted just 2 days ago. Today I used it to make a cappuccino and took these pix:

Woof! Look at that crema! That's almost pornographic!

Add the steamed milk, and bingo! As for latte art, that'll come later. Just getting microfoam is enough for now. Yumm!

I'm having a religious experience!