CHICAGO — I read with interest the article by Florence Fabricant on espresso ("Espresso explained," Good Eating, Dec. 11). It is true, espresso is almost never made well in this country. But the thought of computerized espresso is even more blood-curdling.
Espresso is not just something you drink, it is a way of life. Prendere un caffe is a way of socializing, the Italian national pastime. It is a comma in the day.
The fact that each espresso is different is essential to its enjoyment. A good espresso is a topic for conversation and an excuse to have another, better one somewhere else.
I agree, something must be done about the current espresso situation in the United States. I would personally, however, rather have nine cups of dishwater and one sublime espresso than 10 cups of mediocrity.
Ms. Fabricant compared espresso to a chocolate truffle, which I suppose is the best example she could cite for a family-oriented newspaper. In any case, no matter which of life's exquisite pleasures you compare it to, the beauty of espresso lies in its uniqueness.