Coffee Magic in the Making

So, I am not a big coffee fan. In fact, though my husband fuels himself every morning, I typically only enjoy a coffee when on vacation: in Mexico, it's cafe con leche and in Europe, a Cappuccino. Regardless, I secretly dream of a beautifully designed, compact espresso maker glistening on my kitchen counter! Just think, how convenient to whip up a fantastic cappuccino on demand.

On a recent weekend getaway to the Napa Valley, we stayed in a modern Italian-owned hotel, The Hotel Luca. Every room had a coffeemaker, but not just a drip, a Nespresso. Next to the stylish machine was a beautiful box that had several variety sample "pods" of different coffee to try! I am very sceptical of the whole "coffee pod" industry - when I want coffee, I want good, fresh coffee. But much to my delight, it was superb! We had three to chose from: a dark espresso roast, a mid-intensity lungo (cappuccino or latte worthy) and a decaf.

Of course, on arrival home I was on the computer searching for these incredible mini-machines. I found several different varieties that you can purchase at Home Outfitters here in Edmonton but with one catch - the pods have to be ordered on-line! You can buy the machines and accessories at your local store, but not the coffee!

Nespresso is after world domination of the classic-home-coffee-maker-space, and in doing so, has celebrities like George Clooney in their advertisement, a very user-friendly website explaining all that is coffee, amazingly fast shipping of products and customer service in line with good old Restoration Hardware! Impressive. It's a winning combination. Now, the machine itself will set you back anywhere from $299-600, but considering that huge coffee gap between the typical $50-100 drip machines to the $1000+ espresso makers, it's a wise marketing move.

As for the pods, when you purchase a machine, you get a sample of each coffee in their line: 16 in total, a combination of Espressos, Lungos, Pure Origins and Decafs, as well as a binder that explains the regions, mix and notes in each coffee - think wine appreciation for the caffeine addict! My husband and I tried each pod and ranked our favorite. I was quick to make note of any bitter coffee and banished it forever, opting for a mix of dark coffees, two favorite lungos and a decaf for those guests who enjoy a coffee after dinner.

I was pleasantly surprised at the ease of ordering the pods. A quick sign up and selection and presto chango, pods in the mailbox within three days! Reasonable priced (from 40-68 cents each) they come in sleeves of ten and every few months, the standard 16 varieties to choose from increases with "limited releases". Trust me, they are limited - once they are gone, they are gone forever (I was quickly informed by other Nespresso owners).

As for the actual technology: Nespresso's hermetically sealed capsules are made of aluminium foil. When the capsule is inserted into the machine, the top of the capsule is pierced (some machines make a single large hole, and others make a number of smaller ones). When the machine is activated, the machine pumps in hot water under high pressure. This causes the base of the capsule to bow out, as it is made of thinner foil than the rest of the capsule. The base of the capsule holder (on which the capsule sits) has a number of raised squares, which causes the foil to rupture at these points, and the brewed coffee then exits the capsule, and flows into the cup. (There is a pressure release valve inside the brewing chamber, which prevents an explosion occurring if the small holes in the base of the holder become blocked.) Depending on the particular machine being used, the spent capsule may then be ejected into a holding chamber within the machine. This ejection process is automated on certain higher-end machines.

The power of Nespresso has spread internationally, to offer specialty stores in prime locations around the world where you can enjoy tastings and purchase products. Unfortunately, this boutique has not made it to Edmonton just yet! I believe sometime in 2011 we should expect a Nespresso Boutique to pop up somewhere in town. Before the craze takes over our fine city, take a look and a taste in Home Outfitters or on their website for further enlightenment!

http://www.nespresso.com/

K