Gifts for Dad

!±8± Gifts for Dad

Whether the dad in your life is a rough and tumble kind of guy or prefers Armani suits to t-shirts and jeans, there's a gift out there that will show him how much you appreciate all that he does for you. Whether he'd rather spend the afternoon improving his handicap or playing video games, there's something in this Holiday gift guide for your dad, husband or significant other. We're skipping some of the more obvious big-ticket items like TVs and grills. Instead we're giving you some fresh and creative ideas. And if that special guy isn't a dad, he'll love these items too!

Corporate Dad

He's Polished with a capital P. Down to his shiny Italian leather shoes, the guy in your life wouldn't be seen without a crisp buttondown and a pair of pressed dress pants. Or, maybe he needs a little nudge in the right direction. Either way, he'll appreciate the luxury and quality of these snazzy duds.

The Classic White Shirt

Nothing looks more elegant that a crisp herringbone white buttondown with French cuffs like one from Forzieri.

Ties (guys like them, really!)

Ties get a bad rap as the stand-by gift for men but if your guy works in an office, he wears ties! And any savvy businessman knows that all components of his work ensemble send a message. A luxury silk tie is the only way to go. Trust us, he will love it (and wear it).

The timeless watch

Corporate Dad is a busy guy, so he needs a classy watch to keep him on time. Go for something original that will bring a smile to his face every time he checks the time. The Philip Stein Teslar watch with a black Ostrich strap is elegant and modern at the same time.

Cuff links

The well-heeled dad needs a set of sharp cuff links to hold those French cuffs together. Try Tahitian Pearl Cufflinks (that's right, guys can wear pearls too) from PurePearls.

Watch & Cufflink organizer

Okay, so corporate dad is a high-roller kind of guy but he may need a little help keeping all those pieces organized (watch, cuff links, etc.), so give him a watch & cuff link box-just be sure not to call it a jewelry box, he might get a little touchy.

Luxury Briefcase

To complete Corporate Dad's look he needs a briefcase-but not just any briefcase. While he may not admit it, you'll recognize the twinkle in his eye when he opened a package and smells the smooth calf skin leather of his new luxury briefcase, like the one from Pierre Cardin.

On the go Dad

On the go Dad is always going somewhere, so give him the gift of stylish (and comfortable) travel with these ideas.

Travel bags

If your dad or significant other is always on the go, he doesn't need a gigantic suitcase but he also doesn't want to wind up with wrinkled suits. A fold-up garment bag from Glaser Designs is the perfect solution to short trips.

And no businessman will travel anywhere without his laptop in tow. A designer laptop bag protects Dad's laptop and data in style.

Travel Neckpillow

Traveling can take a toll on the neck and shoulders. Dad will appreciate this simple, yet invaluable, travel neckpillow from Magellans.

Audiobooks

Whether the dad in your life flies a lot or drives cross-country, he'll love this collection of heart-warming stories about fatherhood. The NPR Driveway Moments for Dads is a collection of humorous and touching stories from the National Public Radio archives that capture the essence of fatherhood. They're so good, he may never even leave the driveway!

Enthusiast Dad

Season tickets

Whatever your dad's favorite sporting event-or maybe it's the opera!-season's tickets is the gift that keeps on giving.

Golf clubs

Seasoned golfer or novice, all golfers know The Big Bertha. Get him what he's always wanted but never bought for himself. He's a good dad, he deserves it!

Connoisseur Dad

Wine cork set

Take the headache out of opening wine with a gourmet wine cork set. You can find them virtually anywhere, including Bed, Bath & Beyond, Cost Plus World Market, liquor stores, department stores and online.

Wine Accessories

Stumped for a gift idea? Give Dad a gift basket filled with wine accessories like wine stoppers, wine totes, wine labels and a wine journal. For a truly one-of-a-kind gift, there's the Wine Enhancer, which uses a special technology to make wine smoother and brighter, and improve the drinkability of young wines.

Gourmet Coffee

Lots of guys gotta have their morning cup of Joe. Go beyond the Folgers or Starbucks and get him gourmet coffee beyond his wildest dreams. Coined as the "most expensive coffee in the world" at 8.00, Arabica Kopi Luwak ground coffee is one of the most sought after by coffee connoisseurs globally. This rare coffee is harvested and roasted in the Indonesian Archipelago. Extremely limited, only 700 pounds are produced annually.

Tea maker

Okay, so tea is not usually the first gift idea to come to mind for a lot of dads, but hear me out. The hassle of tea balls and infusers is too much for many guys. Adagio has a solution: the triniTEA, an electric tea maker that simplifies preparation of loose tea. This all-in-one device prepares tea with a flip of a switch. A warming plate beneath the carafe keeps tea hot so it may be enjoyed for hours. They also stock fragrant loose teas and gourmet teabags.

Smoking Jacket (aka Robe)

Give Dad a luxury robe to wear while he sips his favorite beverage, like the Brioni cashmere herringbone robe. Looking for one less expensive? Try a silk robe from Dillards. And what's a robe without slippers?

Gear Daddy

Wireless Weather Forecaster

Dads dislike getting caught in unforeseen weather like the rest of us. They also like to know when the weather is going to be nice so they can fit in a round of golf. Get him the wireless weather station from Brookstone to keep Dad up to date with real-time reports received via radio signals from AccuWeather. No wiring, computer, or TV required!

Portable entertainment

The Sony Play Station Portable (PSP ) is the ultimate portable entertainment device. For tech loving Dad's the PSP can be customized to any personality. The PSP is the perfect mobile entertainment device for gaming, listening to MP3s, watching movies and sporting events, checking RSS feeds, surfing the Net and much more. A recent partnership with T-mobile enables PSP users to take advantage of six months free WiFi at any T-Mobile hotspot found in airports and Starbuck's coffee locations.

Gifts all dads will love

Personalized gifts

Dads love to show off their family, so why not give him something to remind him of what a great family he has with a personalized gift? These days you can get almost anything personalized, from mouse pads to pens and notepads to picture frames and mugs. Vista Print has everything you need for the perfect Holiday gift.

Dad's Own Cookbook

In addition to divorced fathers, there are 15 million dads in families where both parents work and Dad is expected to take his turn making dinner. Never has there been a time when kitchen skills have been so desirable but also so necessary for fathers. So what's a culinary-challenged Dad to do?

Dad's Own Cookbook (Workman, .95) is the one-stop culinary school for the bewildered. It is for every single dad facing new responsibilities in the kitchen, or married dad who has to step up to the plate...and serve it. Filled to the brim with 150 easy and delicious recipes, the book dispenses indispensable tips and techniques, from the basic, such as preheating an oven, to the elaborate, such as creating the perfect birthday party menu for a child.

Digital Photo Frame

For the modern dad, a digital photo frame is the perfect gift. The Pandigital 7" Digital Photo Frame allows Dad to copy your photos, videos and MP3s directly from your memory card, digital camera or PC. Frame easily stores up to 298 two megapixel photos and has two interchangeable frames.

ManGroomer

Giving this gift may be a delicate matter but believe us when we say Dad will thank you (even if it's silent). The grooming of back hair is not only sensitive for men, it's also hard to do! The MANGROOMER is the essential do-it-yourself electric back hair shaver for men. The unique design enables a man to remove unwanted back hair by himself in the privacy of his own home or while traveling. It's quick, easy and painless.

Shave kit

Every man needs a shave kit. Do it up in style with a calfskin shave kit from Cole Haan. If Dad is a friend of the environment, he'll like this Shaving Soap Gift Set from the Napa Soap Company. The long-lasting shaving soap is packed with French clay, aloe vera and soothing oils for a smooth shave. Comes in a reusable, environmentally-friendly antiqued mug with a badger bristle brush. Available in three fresh blends: Lavender Cedar, Cool Mint Rosemary, or Ocean.

What is your perfect Holiday gift for Dad?

Gifts for Dad

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Espresso 101 - The Basics

!±8± Espresso 101 - The Basics

The name espresso is Italian in origin. It was first coined around 1900 and, loosely translated, means a cup of coffee brewed expressly (just) for you. Today, you will often find that people incorrectly pronounce or spell it "expresso."

So, what makes a true espresso?

It's not the bean. It's not the blend. It's not the roast. It's not that it has to be made by a certain kind of machine.

The fact is, you can use any type of bean, blend and roast, it just depends on your personal tastes.

What makes espresso is the way the coffee is prepared. Espresso coffee is a small (1 to 2 oz.) shot of pressure-brewed coffee, using about 1 Tablespoon of finely ground coffee. Brewing takes about 25 to 30 seconds and when done properly, it will feature a layer of rich, dark golden cream, called crema on the surface. This crema is one indicator of a quality espresso. Making a great espresso is truly an art as well as a science.

The Key Words of Espresso

Like any other field, espresso has its own little language that you should know. Below is a small list of key words that you'll often hear when reading about anything espresso.

BAR: Pressure rating used on most pump driven espresso machines. 9 BAR, the typical accepted pressure for brewing espresso is 8.8 atmospheres of pressure or 130 pounds per square inch. Almost every consumer espresso machine is capable of producing this pressure consistently.

Burr Grinder: is the recommended type of grinder for proper espresso making. A burr grinder features two disks, one stationary, one rotating, which slice away portions of a coffee bean into very fine particles.

Crema: is one of the sure signs of a properly brewed shot of espresso (in non crema-enhancing machines) and is created by the dispersion of gases - air and carbon dioxide - in liquid at a high pressure. The liquid contains oils and forms a dark golden brown layer resembling foam on top of an espresso shot.

Demitasse: the cup that holds a traditional shot of espresso is called a demitasse - the fancy word for the small 3 ounce (or smaller) cup. Demitasses can be made of ceramic, stainless steel, or glass, though porcelain is often the preferred material. The thicker the better, as they must retain heat well in that small 1.5 ounce beverage you craft.

Dosage: refers to the amount of ground coffee used to produce a shot of espresso. Usually 7 grams per 1.5 ounce single espresso shots.

Doser: found on many burr grinders, especially those designed to be used with espresso machines. A doser releases a measure of coffee grounds as you pull on a lever that is built into the side of the doser.

Filter Basket: is a metal, flat bottomed "bowl" shaped insert that fits inside a portafilter. The filter basket holds your bed of ground coffee and has a multitude of tiny holes in the bottom to allow the extracted beverage to seep through and pour into a demitasse cup or other receptacle. Most espresso machines include two filter baskets, a single basket and a double basket, though some machines feature convertible baskets that allow either a single or double shot of espresso to be produced from the same basket.

Frothing Tip: refers to the perforated tip on a steaming wand. These can have between one and four holes, and the holes can be either angled to the side or pointing straight down. They allow the steam from the espresso machine to be forced into tiny jets which agitate and heat milk at a great pace and also facilitate proper frothing when used to introduce air into the milk.

Portafilter: (also known as a groupo) the device that holds a filter and finely ground coffee and facilitates quick attachment to an espresso machine. Portafilters almost always feature a handle for easy handling, and spouts underneath to allow your espresso to pour into cups. On better espresso machines, they are made of copper or brass, and are coated with chrome. The handles are usually wood, bakelite, or plastic. On less expensive machines they can be aluminum, steel, or other metals and plastics.

Pull: a term used to describe brewing a shot of espresso. Comes from the action used to prepare espresso in the 1950s, 1960s, and beyond - pulling on a lever to cock a spring in a piston group on an espresso machine. Also Espresso Pull, Pull a Shot.

Steam Wand: is a visible, external pipe found on most espresso machines that is used to froth and steam milk, to provide hot water (on some machines), and heat espresso cups. Some also use the steam wand to heat water. It is controlled by a steam knob that opens and closes the steam valve inside the machine.

Shot: another term to describe a brewed espresso.

Tamp: (also tamping) the act of pressing and compacting a bed of loose, finely ground coffee, in preparation for brewing espresso. Different machines require different tamping methods. Steam powered espresso requires a leveling tamp, where piston lever, spring lever, and pump espresso requires a more compacting action. Some prefer a heavy tamping action (using 25 or more pounds of pressure), others prefer a light tamping action (less than 15 pounds of pressure exerted).

Tamper: the device used to tamp a bed of loose, finely ground coffee in a portafilter, in preparation for brewing espresso. Most espresso machines include a plastic tamper as an accessory, and after market tampers can be bought. They are measured in millimeter sizes, corresponding with the filter basket internal diameter of your espresso machine. Most commercial, prosumer, and high end consumer espresso machines use a 58mm tamper; other common sizes are 49mm, 53mm, and 57mm.

Thermoblock: in some espresso machines, the heating system is shaped similar to that of a car radiator, a series of heated metal coils or channels which water must pass through and become progressively hotter as it reaches the boiler.

The Espresso Machine

Let's start with the machine itself. What it does is force heated water through finely ground, packed (tamped) grounds. There are different types of machines out there, however. There are super-automatic machines, semi-automatics, manuals, pod machines and stovetops. What are they?

Super-Automatic

With just the push of a button, super-automatic espresso machines do everything necessary to brew the perfect shot of espresso, latte or cappuccino. They grind whole beans and deposit grounds into the filter, they tamp them and then brew them. Super-automatics have very powerful conical burr grinders with gear reduction systems and lots of settings to control the strength of your brew. Steaming and frothing milk is very easy with the frothing adaptor.

These machines are the easiest to use on the market, but they are also the most expensive type of machine. Some people say that super-automatic means less control and lower quality brews, however in actual testing, these machines produce a very consistent and quality espresso. You do lose some control over the brew pressure and tamping pressure, but these things are not necessarily bad and they can be compensated for with other features that allow you to adjust the grind settings, doser settings and serving size.

Semi-Automatic

Semi-automatic machines are the most popular style for home use because they produce excellent coffee and are fairly easy to use. The main difference between a super- and semi-automatic machine is that the semi-automatic machine doesn't grind the beans. Some super-automatics also rinse and clean themselves. Semi-automatics must be rinsed and cleaned by you.

Most semi-automatic machines use a boiler to heat water as it passes from a separate water tank, however, some models use a thermoblock system which heats water instantly and reduces wait time. Some have an "On/Off" switch users must push once to start extraction and then must push again to stop extraction. Other semi-automatics only require one push of the button to begin the extraction and then will automatically stop after a pre-programmed time has passed. Frothing with semi-automatics can be simple with some machines but can require some skill with others. This really depends on whether the machine comes with a frothing adaptor or not. The adaptor makes this process simpler for the user while the traditional steam wands that take a little bit of practice to perfect.

Manual

These old-world style machines look great and reflect the original prototypes invented to create a consistent and flavorful cup of espresso. Also called "Piston-Style" machines, they were the first models to use a hand pump capable of generating the 8 to 9 atmospheres of pressure that is necessary to force the water through the condensed grounds--the way to make a proper cup of espresso.

These machines are recommended for true coffee aficionados and those who enjoy the process and effort involved in making a cup of espresso the traditional way. These machines are tough to use and require a higher skill level than the automatic machines. Also, they have a small water tank, making them impractical for large gatherings. The cleaning and maintenance for manuals is fairly straightforward, however the outer finishes, typically brass, chrome or copper, will require special cleaning to remove tarnishing and fingerprints. The milk frothers are standard and powerful enough for home use.

It's also worth noting is that pulling down the handle to force water through the espresso grounds does require a bit of arm strength and the consistency of the pull is critical to the espresso quality.

Pod Machine

Pod espresso machines can be either semi- or super automatic machines. They are called "pod" machines because they use "pods" of prepared grounds that you simply throw away after use. No grinding or tamping. You buy more pods to make more coffee.

Something to note is that using pods means you will not be able to adjust the taste of your coffee through the dosage or the fineness of the grounds. Another drawback is that some machines require that you buy their brand of pod, so if you can't find a pod you love, you're out of luck. Brands like Nespresso and Tassimo will only function with their own brand of espresso pods.

Stovetop

For those on a budget who would still like to enjoy a home-brewed cup of espresso, stovetop espresso makers are a great option. These are very basic devices that are fairly simple to use and care for and require no electricity (this also makes them great for camping!) They also continue to be the most popular method for making espresso in Italy, which must say something for the authenticity of the results they produce.

The Espresso Grinder

The perfect cup of espresso begins with properly ground coffee beans. If you don't have a super-automatic machine and you plan to brew whole-bean espresso (the most flavorful way to brew), you will need to buy a grinder. Espresso beans need to be ground to a much finer consistency than typical coffee beans, so you can't buy just any grinder.

Well, I hope that gets you started with making great espresso. However, to make outstanding espresso, you should learn a little more! Head on our to our website to get a free eBook titled How to Make Espresso So Good You'll Never Waste Money on Starbucks Again!

http://makingespresso.com/

Espresso 101 - The Basics

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Starbucks Italian Roast Extra Bold Ground Coffee - 6 Pack

!±8± Starbucks Italian Roast Extra Bold Ground Coffee - 6 Pack

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SBK11003418 Ready Brew Italian Roast Coffee, 3.3 grams, 200/CT (SBK11003418).

!±8±SBK11003418 Ready Brew Italian Roast Coffee, 3.3 grams, 200/CT (SBK11003418).

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VIA Ready Brew Italian Roast Coffee delivers a bold, full-bodied cup of instant coffee that you can enjoy anywhere. Simply open the single-serve packet, add hot water, let coffee brew for 10 seconds and stir. Proprietary, all-natural process microgrinds the coffee in a way that preserves all of the essential oils and flavor. 100 percent Colombian arabica coffee offers a bold and roasty-sweet Italian Roast flavor. Cannot ship UPS. Also search for: Starbucks Coffee,Break Room Refreshments, Supplies,Breakroom,Beverages,Drinks,Coffees,VIA Ready Brew Italian Roast Coffee Packaged quantity: 1 CARTON (CT).

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Who Needs Starbucks? Gourmet Coffee Makers For The Home

!±8± Who Needs Starbucks? Gourmet Coffee Makers For The Home

Coffee lovers who spend far too much time and money at Starbucks can satisfy their needs for fancy caffeine confections with espresso makers for the home. You can also take all of the time and guesswork out of ordering your coffee (does anyone call it "coffee" anymore?) by making your own beverages and eliminating the need for a French/Spanish/American dictionary.

With all the Caffe' Latte's, Frapuccinos, Dolce and Macchiatos to choose from, it's hard to keep track of what's what. If that's not enough to make your head spin and hands tremble awaiting that ever anticipated caffeine fix that you crave, trying to order your coffee or espresso in the proper size practically requires an interpreter these days. Grande? Vente? What ever happened to small, medium and large? And just when did .95 become a suitable price for a cup of coffee? Unless it's being served by Juan Valdez himself, that's a bit outrageous.

Out-Do Your Barista With An Ordinary Home Espresso Maker

The good news for avid coffee lovers is that with a little creativity and your own coffee maker you can recreate all of your coffee-house favorites in the comfort of your own kitchen, at a fraction of the price. Here are some comparisons;

Starbucks' "Iced Coffee With Milk" - That's pretty much all it is; coffee, ice and milk. And for about 75 cents you can do this at home with an ordinary coffee maker. Joe Demaggio would be proud to know that you just saved .24 and a trip to Starbucks.

Caffe' Misto - At .75 for the smallest cup, the Caffe' Misto served by Starbucks is a hot and creamy coffee lover's favorite without the extra calories of heavy creams and flavorings. With nothing but steamed milk added to the roast, it makes' you wonder what you're paying for. For less than a dollar a cup you can recreate this beverage with a good espresso and cappuccino machine and ½ a cup of 2% milk.

Chocolate Chip Caramel Frappuccino - For the more indulgent caffeine junkies a chocolate chip caramel frappucino may be just the thing to satisfy both your sweet tooth and caffeine cravings. Sadly, it's going to cost you up to .95 if you order a "Grande" with whip cream and all the trimmings. For a fraction of that, you can brew a pot of coffee, add some caramel ice cream topping, toss it in a blender with some ice and whip up an entire pitcher. A little whip cream and chocolate chip garnish and you're good to go!

These days, with the economy suffering as it is, Americans can find many more constructive things to spend their money on than coffee. Especially for beverages that may as well come with financing options. All you need to enjoy coffee house-quality caffeine confections is an coffee maker, a blender and a few common household ingredients.

Who Needs Starbucks? Gourmet Coffee Makers For The Home

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Thrillist - Thinking Cup - Boston, MA

!±8± Thrillist - Thinking Cup - Boston, MA

Billed as the first Hub spot to brew Portland, Oregon's Stumptown Coffee (dubbed an heir apparent to the Starbucks throne), TC's a high-end java house w/ an Old World Euro-vibe that peddles breakfast/lunch eats and baked goods from an in-house pastry chef (formerly of BiNA) in a cozy, darkly wooded space decked out with exposed brick, brown leather seating, historic b/w photos, and wood tables decorated w/ antique newspaper clippings, none of which seem too fond of the Japanese, the Germans, and sometimes the Italians. Midday highlights include hearty soups (shrimp & sausage gumbo, three bean chili) and select sammies like herb mayo'd smoked salmon w/ red onion and cucumber; balsamic-covered peppercorn turkey and mozzarella w/ red pepper; and a caramelized onion-topped roast beef/provolone number with horseradish dressing, which isn't nearly as titillating as it sounds...or is it? To kick start the morning, there're bacon cheddar chive/sour cherry scones, vanilla almond muffins, lemon cream brioche, or, if you prefer to eat like the Irish, a brown-sugared bowl of oatmeal that's been steel-cut, and is now forced to play on breakfast JV. 165 Tremont St, at Avery; Downtown Crossing; 617.482.5555 For the deets: thrl.st

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How To Use A French Coffee Press

!±8± How To Use A French Coffee Press

Auto-drip coffee makers may be more convenient, but the French coffee press is unmatched in flavor and design. The press makes a thicker, stronger coffee than conventional brewers because the coffee's essential oils aren't caught in a filter or lost in the filtration system. Below I will explain how to use a coffee press.

1. You should use coarsely ground roasted coffee beans. A burr mill grinder is recommended because it gives a more consistent grind than blade grinders. The ground coffee should be coarser than that used in an auto-drip machine. If your coffee is too finely ground it won't get caught in the filter and will make it more difficult to depress the plunger.

2. Boil your water before you start grinding the beans. The water will be allowed to cool to the appropriate temperature and won't scald your coffee grounds. The temperature of the water should be 195-205° F. To insure the best tasting results, use filtered water.

3. Place the coffee grounds into the coffee press carafe. You should use 1 to 2 tablespoons of coarsely ground coffee per 8 oz of water. You may have to experiment with the amount of coffee in order to achieve your desired taste.

4. Slowly pour the hot water over the coffee grounds. You may gently stir the water with a plastic or wooden spoon. This will cause most of the floating coffee to sink to the bottom of the coffee press.

5. Replace the lid and plunger unit with the filter raised to the top. Allow the coffee to brew for 3 to 5 minutes. The longer the brewing time, the stronger the coffee.

6. Depress the plunger slowly and gently.

7. Pour the coffee slowly into a coffee cup. Let it set for a minute to allow the sediment to
settle to the bottom.

8. Don't let the coffee sit in the coffee press after it has completed brewing. The coffee will continue to brew, causing it to become bitter. If you are not serving all of it at once, pour the remaining coffee into a thermos.

I hope these instructions on how to use a coffee press have been helpful. Many coffee lovers swear by the superior flavor the coffee press provides. It produces the most rich, full bodied coffee to be tasted. They are affordable and easy to use. The brewing process is a little more involved, but the results are worth it. The intense flavor and smooth taste make the coffee press unbeatable.

How To Use A French Coffee Press

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Presenting - Authentic Austrian Cooking and a European Coffee House Atmosphere at Konditor

!±8± Presenting - Authentic Austrian Cooking and a European Coffee House Atmosphere at Konditor

When you travel to Toronto, this multicultural metropolis, you'll have a chance to sample delicacies from all over the world, but one of the national cuisines is not well represented: Austrian cuisine. Canada experienced a big wave of Austrian immigrants right after World War II and into the 1970s, but since then the number of newcomers from this small European nation has dwindled considerably, resulting in a shortage of Austrian eateries.

As an Austrian immigrant myself, one place caught my eye a while ago: an authentic Austrian café / pastry shop called "Konditor", German for "sugar baker". Over the last few months I have tried several times to drop by and try some Austrian dishes that I had grown up with, but every time I swung by I inadvertently picked a Monday or Tuesday when the establishment is closed.

Well finally, today after doing my interview with Sheila Blinoff and Carole Stimmell from the Beach Metro Community News, I decided to pay another visit to Konditor, and given that it was a Thursday today, I had finally picked the right day of the week. I came in right around noon into a small yet tidy establishment in Toronto's Beach neighbourhood, on Queen Street just west of Woodbine Avenue. This compact café has nine tables and three of them were occupied with enthusiastic patrons. The mood in the place was amazingly cheerful, with patrons chatting back and forth from table to table, and I overheard a conversation between two different groups of customers who both agreed that Konditor has the best apple Strudel and the best coffee.

A group of three local business people sat down at the next table: Ernesto Monte is the owner of Meat on the Beach, known for its high quality meats; Arthur (Arturo) Bossio runs a local pest control company while his brother Tony is a general contractor who does a lot of work in the Beach.

Soon jokes were flying back and forth and Arturo started to inquire about the reason for my visit. He indicated that he is originally from Italy, from the southern region of Calabria, but came to Canada when he was a small child. Then Arturo joked with one of the owners, Benedetta Stellino, who also hails from Italy.

People sometimes say that Toronto residents are rather reserved, and strangers are hesitant to talk to each other. Well, at Konditor, witty comments were flying back and forth, and complete strangers (including myself) were ribbing one another, having a good time.

The real reason I had come here for was to finally sample some Austrian cuisine, some munchies that reminded me of my time growing up in the Austrian Alps. So I ordered my favourite Austrian soup: Fritattensuppe (pancake strip soup) and a gourmet pork roast sandwich. Tasting the food of my birth country again, right here in Toronto, was great and the filling meal definitely hit the spot. The gentlemen beside me were already wondering how I was going to polish away a sizeable bowl of soup plus a nice size sandwich, but no problem here, this girl can eat....

Guests kept streaming in, and Benedetta kept them entertained with her charm and an enviable gift of the gab. She definitely has a great knack for making anyone feel welcome, as if they had been friends for many years. She explained that on weekends this place really starts to hop. Finally, I had a chance to meet her business partner, and the pastry chef herself. Burgi Riegler grew up on a farm in Mürzzuschlag, a town in the beautiful province of Styria, only about 30 km away from my own home town in Austria. We sat down and chatted for a bit in our native German dialects, and then switched to English when the formal interview started.

Growing up on a farm, Burgi was introduced to cooking early on, having to prepare meals for her large family. At nine years of age she had already figured out her ideal job: she wanted to become a chef. She figured she might as well get paid for her favourite activity. After her local apprenticeship she spent some time during the winter tourist season in the Austrian province of Tyrol, working as a chef and skiing to her heart's content. Although she would sometimes work 20 hours a day in the winter she would have the summers off.

But the big city kept calling her: Vienna. She spent several years in the Austrian capital, working in such esteemed establishments as the Hotel Bristol, the Hilton Hotel and Restaurant Corso, one of Vienna's most renowned restaurants. She worked with some of the most well-known European culinary experts. While working in Vienna, she fell in love with pastries (who wouldn't?), and took an evening apprenticeship as a pastry chef. Part of the reason was also to prove one of her previous supervisors wrong who had told her she was a "total loser with cakes". Now Burgi had official credentials as an executive chef as well as a fully qualified pastry chef.

After a few years in Vienna, that Austrian city became too small. The big wide world was calling - Burgi wanted to go to America. But she was unable to obtain a green card and a friend suggested she should go to Canada. Burgi was actually recruited by the Royal York Hotel in Toronto as they were attempting to increase their profile with high end desserts. Burgi was game, and in 1987 she arrived on Canadian soil. I myself had arrived here in 1986, so we realized that both of us have about 20 years of Canadian living under our belt.

Burgi's first impressions were that the country was so big, the city was huge (in comparison to Greater Toronto's 5.3 million people, Vienna, by far Austria's largest city, only has about 1.5 million residents). Just like me, this Austrian transplant fell in love with Toronto. She felt that the people were friendly, and within half a year she had found a Canadian who was so friendly that she decided to marry him. Over the next few years Burgi and her husband started a family in Toronto.

After the Royal York Burgi also spent several years as pastry chef at the prestigious Badminton & Racquet Club until Benedetta came up to her and said she was wasting her talent and should pursue her life-long dream: to open her own coffee-house. Burgi liked the idea, quit her job, and Burgi and Benedetta ended up becoming business partners. The big breakthrough came when Ben was listening to a radio show where Kerry Stratton, conductor at the Toronto Philharmonia Orchestra, commented that he was unable to locate a decent Sacher Torte (a real Viennese specialty) in Toronto.

Benedetta said to Burgi "your Sacher Torte is awesome" and they sent a sample to the conductor. The sweet delicacy went over really well, and Burgi was invited to provide the sweet table for the prestigious Viennese Ball organized by the Toronto Philharmonia. Other highlights in Burgi's career include an appearance on the popular "Christine Cushing Live" cooking television show, work for the Italian consulate, as well as the annual Salute to Vienna Concert at Roy Thompson Hall. People were definitely taking note of this gifted Austrian pastry chef.

Today Konditor and the partnership between Burgi and Benedetta is well established. While Burgi prepares sinful treats in the kitchen, Benedetta handles the customers in the front. Ben is definitely a character; she has a great natural sense of humour, and doesn't shy away from ribbing customers in a good-natured way. While I was there, a regular customer came in and Ben told him off for hanging out too much at Starbucks, her competition. The patron came right back with a quick-witted answer and a little humorous banter was flying back and forth.

Not surprisingly, Benedetta's background is in sales, she spent many years in the headhunting business, saying that she "sold heads for cash", prior to starting a business with Burgi. Although the last three years have been a ton of work, both entrepreneurs agree that their foray into business ownership has been very rewarding.

Their recipe for success consists of providing an authentic Austrian coffee house atmosphere, with high quality meals and desserts. In addition to delicious merchandise, they strive to create an environment that makes people feel comfortable, just as if they were at home. Benedetta has a knack for engaging people in conversation, and patrons chat freely with one another. Ben, an avid poet, said she is keeping track of all the goings on at her establishment, and one day she'll write a book about it where she is going to dish out the goods and share the juicy tidbits that she has witnessed in her café. I joked that I better behave myself so as to prevent any compromising news from leaking out.

Ben adds that Burgi's desserts are second to none, and they taste even better than they look. And people who have traveled to Austria confirm that this place looks like an authentic Austrian pastry shop. As an Austrian myself I can attest to that. For Mozart's 250th birthday celebrations last winter Burgi made a special three tier cake which was enjoyed by a crowd of 200 patrons. The attendees were fortunate that it was one of the warmest days in January with temperatures around +10 degrees Celsius. Patrons were able to hang out on the patio outside.

I inquired as to whether there were any special events at the restaurant. A recent initiative at Konditor consists of regular poetry readings called "Poetic Justice", held every first Thursday of the month. One or two poets present their writings, and audience members have a chance to read their own work at the open mike.

A mouth-watering strawberry Cremeschnitte represented an enjoyable highlight to the end of our conversation; I figured I couldn't leave this place without at least trying one of the sweet treats. Finally I had made it to Konditor, this little Austrian nook that reminded me so much of where I grew up, and you can bet your bottom dollar that I'll be back (using Arnold's famous words), not just for the food, but for the company.

Presenting - Authentic Austrian Cooking and a European Coffee House Atmosphere at Konditor

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Does Italian and American Espresso Taste Different?

!±8± Does Italian and American Espresso Taste Different?

This is a very interesting question, especially if you are an average American who is a lover of espresso. We all know that espresso originated in good old Italy, but has the taste changed since it crossed internationally to the USA? Obviously, Starbucks has worked to commercialize our coffee culture as a nation, so how has that affected the traditional taste of our espresso brew?

In truth, Italians do like a different taste to their espresso that Americans. Overall, the authentic espresso taste that you will find in Italy will have a burnt and ashy taste to the espresso. They want it to be as rich and as dark as possible, and they also serve it with a large amount of sugar. Espresso is seen as a robust and noticeable drink, making it an Italian favorite. In the United States, Americans are more partial toward a sweet and smooth espresso drink that is milder in flavor. They do add a small amount of milk and sugar, but not as much as in Italy. You can truly tell the difference in the espresso product that you get from any commercial coffee chain in America because it is light and pleasant, which is much different from anything that you will find in a café in Italy.

Another main difference that contributes to this is that Italian espresso is made with around 20% Robusta beans. If you are familiar with Robusta, then you will know that they are the cheaper coffee bean choice, and they are often used as a filler. They are seen as much lesser quality than Arabica, but Italians use them to give the burnt and smoky flavor to their espresso that they so love. This is not the way that Americans enjoy their espresso at all, and they normally use 100% Arabica beans because they are milder and smoother in flavor. These are the more expensive variety of beans, but in Italy, you will find them more apt to use the cheaper Robusta beans that give the darker taste to their espresso brew. These Robusta beans come from countries like Vietnam, Brazil, and India because they are grown at a lower altitude, which produces a lower quality coffee crop. For the best tasting coffee, it does need to be grown at a higher altitude in rich and fertile soil. An example of an amazing location for premium coffee growth would be somewhere like Hawaii, where coffee can be grown on rich volcanic areas at high altitudes with humidity to enable the plants to thrive. This is why many of the Arabica espresso beans used in America are from places like Hawaii, Africa, or Indonesia.

Finally, one last thing that does contribute to the difference in espresso taste from Italy to the United States is the roast type. The authentic Italian roasters want a very ashy taste to their coffee, and they will normally roast longer for an ultimately smoky flavor.

Regardless of the differences, I would not say no to an espresso anywhere - Italian or American!

Does Italian and American Espresso Taste Different?

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Roasting with Akarisame and Markoo

!±8± Roasting with Akarisame and Markoo

here's this weeks video about roasting. We both learned so much from last weeks video! This was the best tasting ever! we had so much fun filming and editing the footage. you should see what's on the cutting room floor!!!!

Roasting with Akarisame and Markoo

Exercise Bicycle Get It Now! !8!# Comparison Kraftmaid Cabinets