Figure 1 – Reproduction Bezzera Eagle. (c) DE Wolf 2016.

I’d like to follow-up on my recent post about gumball machines. There is something aesthetically wonderful about shiny machines, especially when, like gumball dispensers, they yield up a delicious treat. What is a greater treat than a diminutive shot of espresso? It is the distillation of wonderfulness, the nectar and ambrosia of modern times.  The other evening I was leaving a favorite bakery, when I found discarded on the floor this wonderful antique looking espresso maker. I have done some research on it and I believe that it is, in fact, a reproduction – still available – of the Bezzera Eagle Dome. It is a faithful replica of machines produced by Bezzera during the “belle epoch,” although it does not have an eagle on top. My espresso tastes better already with such a pedigree.

The modern espresso machine appears to have been invented by Italian Angelo Moriondo, who in 1884 patented a steam-driven “instantaneous” coffee beverage making device, In 1901 Luigi Bezzera patented an improved espresso machine. This machine was exhibit at the 1906 Milan International Fair, and Bezzera has proudly and passionately pursued the ideal brew for 115 years. As I am very fond of saying: “Un doppio espresso, per favore!“

Canon T2i with EF70-200mm f/4L USM lens at 91 mm, ISO 800, Aperture Priority AE Mode, 1/50th sec. at f/5.6 with no esposure compensation.