French Press

I've never made coffee in my life, but on Sunday I decided to start. I bought a Bodum French Press from Kean Coffee (Costa Mesa, CA). It's beautiful. And it's a process. I want to love this.

But I'm failing repeatedly.

After a tutorial from the thorough and passionate merchandise expert at Keane, a coaching phone call with my grandmother who has worked at a coffee roaster (Omar Coffee in Hartford, CT) for the last twenty years, my own research online, and even an attempt with my mom (who never fails in the kitchen), every batch is weak. I add a scoop of instant coffee to make it even drinkable.

I've tried different water temperatures, various brewing times, stirring and not stirring. I think next Sunday I'll be picking out my Nespresso* on eBay.

*Unless anyone has one collecting dust they want me to take off their hands. Old model and/or used - as longs as it works. It will be loved.

Cafe Americain

I did not see ONE Starbucks in Nice/Cote D'Azur. Not during our cameos in Northern Italy or the Swiss Alps either. I loved this but can understand that some of my friends would be disappointed. Here's what I recommend to those who travel to Europe and are longing for 16 oz. of coffee:

1) Manage your expectations. Accept going in that coffee (and really everything) is not consumed in mass quantities.

2) Order a coffee called a cafe americain. It's a double shot of expresso served with a side of hot water. Barely bitter with rich cocoa notes. I know it doesn't seem like "much", but after you add a little water and cream/sugar, to your liking, I can almost guarantee you will enjoy the flavor and feel content with this size serving. (I was taken by surprise too as my usual order at Rose's Bakery is a medium Hawaiian Hazelnut coffee with two shots of espresso.)