Coffee in the Morning [Afternoon and Night]

We are huge fans of the Italian Bialetti Moka espressomaker and frother. We spent months and months looking for the perfect espresso machine for our home in Saint Paul, and we kept landing on this simple, $40 solution.

It's our preferred espresso-making method in Petrognano, too.

So, be prepared. Don't expect to find an Italian-styled Mr. Coffee when you arrive at Our House in Petrognano. The closest we get is a french press coffeemaker from Starbuck's that we got for free in our goodie bag at the Minnesota AIDS Project's annual Oscar Night bash [our apologies to the Italian coffee industry for bringing Starbuck's into the country, but at least it was free and it's not like we are converting the little bar in Petrognano into a Starbuck's outpost -- though we have considered the fact that it would probably make a killing]. However, you probably will find some fine Italian coffeee, "caf and decaf" and already ground finely for espresso in the cupboards at La Casa Maria. If not, certainly some beans and a really nice hand grinder to get them into shape.

Back to the matter at hand, which is basically to advise you that to prepare for your stay at La Casa Maria, you should probably bone-up on your stovetop espresso-making skills or at least learn the finer points of using a french press coffeemaker. If you need a home practice kit, check out the link. We thought the price offered by La Prima Shops for the Bialetti espressomaker and frother was hard to beat. As for the free Starbuck's french press, we offer no advice so as not to be considered an accomplice to any crimes.

Here are a few pointers in the coffee-making and drinking department:

- Your morning espresso or cappucinno are to be enjoyed sitting down or standing in one place. In fact, that can be said for every cup of coffee you have in Italy. Coffee, as with most food, is to be enjoyed. It's not an "on-the-run" beverage as it is in the U.S. and other places. Also, don't pass up the opportunity for fresh bread from the Petrognano alimentari a few doors down from La Case Maria's doorstep. In the cooler months, a fire in the kitchen makes the espresso even better!

- When you use the stovetop frother, keep the flame very low. Otherwise you burn scalded milk to the bottom of the pot and it's a bear to clean off.

- Espresso-only after noon -- well, at least in public. For some reason, that coffee with milk thing is looked down upon during the afternoon or evening. Now, coffee with a liquour, that's another thing.

- You don't have to go to "fine coffee shops" to get fine and finely ground coffee in Italy. You'll be able to buy it in vacuum sealed packs by the pounds and for cheap in any grocery store or supermarket. It will probably end up being one of those treats you stuff into your bag in order to savour your Petrognano holiday for a few more weeks after you return home.

[Bob]