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For those of you true coffee lovers who couldn't imagine starting your day or ending a meal without a shot of espresso or frothy cappuccino, Jackie suggests becoming your own "Barista" (skilled espresso machine operator) and investing in a quality espresso/cappuccino machine.
"We carry four of the best names from Italy - the Gaggia machines that started it all, Elektra, Pasquini and Saeco." Jackie explains that each brand has different qualities and characteristics, each with their own very specific appeal. "For example, Gaggia offers many different models at a wide range of price points. Elektra makes a highly aesthetic machine that focuses on design as much as quality. Pasquini appeals to those who enjoy the act of preparing the coffee as much as drinking it. And Saeco makes machines that are fully automated and work at the press of a button."
Whichever you choose, every machine makes a great shot of espresso and perfectly steamed milk, from which you can create any variety of coffee beverage - cappuccino, latté, macchiato,
Americano, etc. Prices begin at $400 for a small basic machine and go all the way up to $2000 for a real showpiece.
We were wondering exactly what was the difference between these imported machines and the more common department store type espresso makers. Jackie tells us that each of their four distinct lines are meant to give the home user a professional, authentically Italian espresso. And because these Italian manufacturers produce both domestic and commercial machines, the ones for home use have many commercial features, are more durable, have fewer service problems and make a hotter, smoother product with more "crema".
To go with their top-quality espresso machines, Zuccarini Importing sells their own signature espresso - Zuccarini's Barista Blend. They purchase this custom blend of beans from a local roaster and sell it either in whole bean form or ground. "What is most important and what so many people don't realize is that coffee beans must be fresh. Once ground, coffee only has 2 or 3 days before it gets stale," says Jackie. They give samples of their signature blend to customers who purchase one of their machines so that they can make a great cup of espresso as soon as they get home.
One of the only non-Italian products they sell is DaVinci Gourmet Syrups ($10.75 - $11.95 per bottle). Many of you may be familiar with this North American trend from seeing these delicious syrups in your local chain coffee shop. They are a great addition to a cappuccino, latté, hot chocolate, steamed milk or club soda and come in an unbelievable variety of flavours such as Amaretto, Butter Rum, Coconut, Tiramisu and Key Lime Pie just to name a few. A favourite at the store is a shot of DaVinci's Sugar-Free French Vanilla added to a creamy cappuccino - Yum!
We asked Jackie what she predicts will be the newest trend for coffee lovers. "There's a trend coming out of Seattle right now called Coffee
Art and I think you'll be seeing it in a few of the upscale cafés and restaurants in Toronto soon. It's a very special technique of pouring perfectly foamed milk over the coffee in such a way that it causes a design - a heart or a tree let's say - to float to the top. It's really amazing!"
Whichever trends come and go, Zuccarini Importing Company Ltd. wants to help you make the perfect espresso-based beverage in your own home. Why not drop by their store and find out how easy it is to become your own Barista.
Zuccarini Importing Company Ltd.
1335 Davenport Road, Toronto
Phone: 416.537.3439
Website: www.zuccariniltd.com |
