You see it in most coffee bars, cafe's, restaurants and now, bookshops but, espresso, in puritanical form, has many textures and smells.
The definition of espresso and how we define it here in the United States comes from our experiences in taste, site and sometimes sound but, in raw form, espresso is finely ground coffee brewed from dark roasted coffee beans.
Hot water is pressed through a bed of compacted coffee at a pressure of about nine atmospheres.
The outcome? A pretty heavy, aromatic and bittersweet hot beverage.
Now what? Well, often times, espresso is drunk as it is but most people prefer their espresso with frothy milk (cappuccino) or with extra milk added (latte).
But, the basic element of any coffee drink that has espresso is the precision in the way it's made and the fresh ingredients that are used.
There is very little argument that can be found that doesn't place the Italians in the headwind of technology that is still used today to make a great cup of espresso.
Sure, the first coffeehouses established in Cairo, Egypt were probably serving the first espresso to customers but it is the Italians that took espresso to a new level of passion.
The definition of "espresso" as a word in Italian means, "express" and suggests that the beverage be custom made quickly for anyone who orders.
With that begin said, the first espresso machine was made in France during the 1822 but it was Italian Achilles Gaggia in 1946 who invented the modern day high pressure espresso machine, most of whose technology we see today at most Starbucks coffee houses.
T The coffee houses usually have very high-tech, expensive machines that can quickly make a good cup of espresso in minutes.
The same technology that is used in the larger machines now are available to the wider public in small, kitchen size machines.
No longer does the public have to trail out to the local coffee bar to get a pretty good cup of espresso, they can now just turn on a machine, learn how to make the espresso, and have a good foundation for the drinks they enjoy.
What is so terribly wonderful about a cup of espresso is that it's texture, taste and appeal is defined by the place where it is made and the cuisine it is served with.
Think of espresso like a recipe for cheese cake.
There is the Philadelphia Cream Cheese Cake, The New York Style Cheese Cake, Oreo-Cookie Cheese Cake, Orange Meringe Cheese Cake...
you get the drift? Texture, taste, ingredients, length of cooking and geographical location all have a function of how the product is made.
Espresso is no different.
Enjoying a great cup of espresso is not determined by anyone but your palate.
If you enjoy the espresso made at the local gas station, so be it.
Like any other food, if you like it, it's good.
Far to often, we read about what makes a good dish or beverage...
what determines what is to be enjoyed is determined by our own delights and desires.
A cup of espresso is no different.
So, if you happen to be out at a restaurant and enjoy a cup of espresso, take delight that you too can make a great cup of it at home! Enjoy your espresso!