Ever looked at a coffee menu and thought, “Wait… what is that?” That was me one day when I stepped into an Italian coffee shop near my home. I scanned the menu and spotted something called “ristretto.” I never heard of it. But hey, I love trying new coffee, so I ordered one. A few…
Ever wondered if you’re drinking espresso the right way? For so many years until I started this blog, Coffee Voilà, I drank espresso in one go. No sipping, no savoring, just a straight caffeine hit to kickstart my day. For me, it wasn’t about the flavors but about getting that quick jolt of energy. But…
Is an espresso machine really worth it, or can a Moka pot do the job just fine? My first coffee brewer was a Moka pot, way before I started this blog (Coffee Voilà). Back then, I had no fancy espresso machine. I used this small stovetop brewer for everything from lattes to cappuccinos and even…
Ever had your espresso suddenly taste… off? I sure have. A few months ago, I noticed my shots from the Breville Barista Express were tasting bitter and uneven. At first, I blamed my grind size or tamping pressure, but no matter what I tweaked, my espresso just wasn’t right. Then it hit me! I had…
Ever wondered if an espresso machine with a built-in grinder is really worth it? Here’s the thing: my trusty espresso machine (a popular Breville model) doesn’t have a built-in grinder. I’ve been using a separate grinder for years, and honestly, I didn’t think I was missing out. But one day, I visited a friend’s house,…
How long does your espresso last? Well, it depends! For instance, I had a Casabrews 3700 Essential espresso machine that I absolutely loved. I mean, it wasn’t fancy, but it got the job done. The problem? I ignored one critical factor: the water I was using. See, hard water caused mineral buildup, and before I…
When I first got into espresso, I started with an automatic machine. It was easy, quick, and got the job done. But as time went on, I found myself wanting more control over my coffee. For instance, tweaking the grind, experimenting with shot times, and perfecting the froth. That’s when I realized I was ready…
Ever wondered how baristas create those beautiful latte art designs that seem almost too perfect to drink? I remember before I started Coffee Voila, I’d visit this local coffee shop where every cup came with stunning latte art. Hearts, rosettas, swans—you name it, they could pour it. I’d sit there, mouth open, in awe of…
Ever tried frothing milk at home and ended up with a mess instead of silky foam? I’ve been there. The first time I tried, I thought, “How hard can it be?” Well, let’s just say I ended up with warm milk full of giant bubbles and zero foam. My latte looked sad, and I had…
Should you replace your espresso machine filters regularly? I’ll be honest—when I first got my espresso machine, I didn’t think much about the filters. I figured they were just there, doing their job, and replacing them wasn’t that big of a deal. Big mistake! Over time, my coffee started tasting off, my machine struggled to…