Let me explain a little bit more as to why this is so exciting. If you walk into a self-proclaimed coffee shop and order a latte, you expect to get a latte, right? For the last 4 months we have had to answer that question with 'I'm sorry, all we have is filtered coffee'. In defense of our coffee supplier, the filtered coffee is of the highest standard as it comes from Ethical Addictions, but it still was not an espresso, cappuccino, or a latte. So for the last 4 months I have been frustrated and discouraged on many occasions thinking that the machine had been fixed only to find another problem dragging it back down to a broken state. But, and I say but Tuesday 18th January saw a new day dawn at The Press Coffee Shop. A coffee trainer from a local company here in Northern Ireland came and trained us on our newly fixed machine on the art of making espresso. Karen Chambers and I had the opportunity of being trained up and it was an incredible experience. I love learning from people who are passionate about their craft and this woman was! I think a bit of her passion leaked into us through the many espresso shots we taste tested throughout the afternoon and I'm still on that high.
Today we were open as normal for our Friday business but this day was different. It was the first day in our history to make coffee using a real, proper, authentic espresso machine and you could truly taste the difference. Plus, the satisfaction I get from seeing the crema pushed to the side of the coffee mug after pouring nearly perfect steamed milk into the mug is amazing! The pride I feel in serving a cappuccino with Ethical Addictions strong, not bitter, espresso shots and lovely, sweet foam is incredible!
Friday 21st January is truly a day to remember in the history of The Press Coffee Shop! Thought for the day: don't get distressed by the frustrations of life because when things do change, you truly appreciate the smallest fortunes for what they are...blessings!
