A nice artful thing...

...but what IS it exactly. It's kinda leaf-like but also rather featherish. I do think I'm starting to get used to the whole pour technique thingy. It's almost like you have to kinda pour around the cup to "slip" the milk through the crema leaving it rather undisturbed. Then at the end the foam begins to settle along the top and you begin to shake to form the art.

My problem is that I can only practice 3 times a week or so which makes it hard to remember what techniques work and which don't. But I suppose this is the nature of the home barista vs the full-time barista.

And so I trudge onward. Seeking a perfect pour to one day impress my big brother.

Till next time,
-Naug

Last best attempt

So it seems this may be my last attempt with my old Saeco Classico machine. I have had many great drinks from its innards but its eminent retirement is nigh. Also, I just missed the UPS truck (I was upstairs with my sleeping newborn when it came). Fortunately, they are going to redeliver my Silvia as I write this.

I'm not sure exactly what you'd call this design... a leaf-heart? I like the way it looks, but it's so frustrating that I only get usually one chance per day to practice this challenging art form. A true barista (coffee person) can make several 100 lattes a week - talk about time to practice!

But I plug away and hope that someday I'll perfect this fun but frustrating art form. After all, shouldn't coffee be enjoyed in all its various dimensions?

-Naug

As a side note, the amazingly talented Katie Reider passed away today. She will be dearly missed and I am fortunate to say that I knew her and was able to enjoy the voice that blessed many an ear. What a loss.