Archive for March, 2009

When you love coffee, you want nothing more than to achieve the perfect cup. So where do you start? You have the perfect beans. You have clean water. What’s the best way to brew? Coffee lovers: it’s time to try the French Press method to make your morning java for a taste of something better.

French press coffee makers have been growing in popularity amongst coffee lovers for the past few years. Leading coffee maker companies, like Bodum, have innovative the traditional glass design by offering unique, durable products that deliver the superior flavor of the French press only now with added ease of use and improved construction for a coffee maker that lasts a lifetime. The patented glass designs by Bodum are styled to be both elegant and functional, making for a versatile piece that’s perfect for making and displaying your favorite coffee brews.

Whether it’s decadent Kona or classic French roast, the Bodum French Presses from Zaccardis.com are ready to handle your brew. We promise – we’re the coffee experts!

When it comes to finding good coffee, sometimes one must travel the world before he or she can find the perfect cup to meet his or her tastes. To take you to an exotic island paradise, we’ve discovered the perfect recipe for Café Cubano, or Cuban coffee. This delicious blend of good coffee  and sugar is sure to delight even the most discriminating of taste buds.  So, are you ready for the trip?

Café Cubano

Step 1: Pour cold, filtered water into your Stove Top Espresso Maker. Be sure that your espresso maker is free from any deposits or scale, as it may affect the flavor.

Step 2: Fill the espresso maker with Cuban coffee grounds (if available) or your favorite coffee blend. Put espresso maker together and place on a hot burner.

Step 3: In a cup, add two teaspoons of sugar.

Step 4: As the coffee percolates, pour a small amount into the cup with the sugar to moisten. Rapidly mix the moistened sugar and coffee together until it is like paste.

Step 5: Once the coffee is finished brewing, pour it slowly into the cup while gently mixing it with the sugar paste. If done correctly, this will produce a nice froth.  Serve.

If you enjoy milk in your coffee or would like to try another fabulous recipe, you can always make:

Café con Leche

To make this yummy cup, all you have to do is take the coffee you made above and put it in a full cup of hot milk.

Enjoy!

When it comes to coffee, finding the best cup may take you around the world and back again. To simplify the task of finding fabulous coffee while traveling, WorldHum.com has released a story on the best cities in the world to drink coffee. Each of these choices were rated on criteria for environment, coffee quality, price, and several other factors that are sure to delight even the most discriminating java drinkers. Here’s their picks:

Vienna, Austria

The coffee tradition in Austria dates well into the 17^th century. Today, Vienna is known for it’s grand 19^th century cafes. Coffee in Vienna is more than just a drink – it’s an experience and a rite of passage.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Strong espressos and a friendly atmosphere draw millions of visitors to Amsterdam’s cafes and coffee shops each year. Not to mention, it’s very affordable to enjoy a good cup of joe in this exciting city.

Rome, Italy

For the finest espressos in the world, look no further than Rome to find the perfect serving. While tourists may enjoy the outdoor cafes, the real coffee experience lies in a walk-through event in less obvious locations. Just follow the lead of the locals and stand at the bar, order your espresso, and be on your way to enjoy the rest of the city.

Melbourne, Australia

Australia’s coffee capital owes much of its rich brewing tradition to an influx of Italian and Greek immigrants in the wake of World War II, but it wasn’t until the 1980s that Melbourne’s coffee culture really took off. Today, it’s now loud, proud, and incredibly rich in flavor.

Wellington, New Zealand

As the arts and culture capital of New Zealand, Wellington is known best for it’s creative setting – the perfect backdrop to enjoy cups of joe from some of the European-inspired coffee cafes and local roasters. As a matter of fact, Wellington is said to have more cafes per capita than New York City, so it’s easy to find a coffee treat.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

The entire culture of Argentina plays into the way people drink coffee in this beautiful country. Coffee-to-go isn’t the method of choice for most Argentinians, as they prefer to sit back and relax in cafes to drink some of the finest South American coffees.

Seattle, United States

Known best for it’s gray skies and Starbucks, Seattle is one of the finest places in the US to get coffee. However, contrary to popular belief, this fine coffee tradition lies not in the success of Starbucks, but in the spirit of local roaster, independent coffee houses, and a varied selection of beans.

So let us know, where do you find the best cup of coffee? We’d love to hear about it!

What makes coffee houses such appealing spots for people to congregate? For years, I never understood it. Whenever I walked into one, I witnessed hordes of people sitting around, conversing and laughing, some even without cups of coffee in their hands. Was it the atmosphere, the coffee, or a combination of both? I had no idea.

Now, in the past year, I’ve come to love them. I began to meet one of my friends (at his request) at a local coffee house on what eventually turned into a regular basis, and now I realize that there’s simply nothing better than sitting around with some of your best chums while sipping a hot cup of joe.

At Zaccardis.com, we are committed to bringing this warm atmosphere right into your home. Our various coffee makers and espresso machines allow you to brew your own java and enjoy it with the ones you love, all at your own convenience and comfort.

So, if you’ve been bitten by the coffee house bug, what are you waiting for? Pick up one of these fine devices today!