Over 100 marvellous antique bar coffee machines have been saved and brought back in a special exhibition. part of which regularly travels the world. It is a journey across the history of the coffee industry and those 'glittering 'silver clad ladies' or espresso coffee machines. We are talking strictly about Espresso made in Italy.

The exhibition presents important and precious coffee machine models produced from 1901 to present day. Some are real rarities. After 16 years of diligent work, Mr. Maltoni's enthusiasm, culture, curiosity and creativity have given birth to a unique exhibition, celebrating one of the most traditional Italian habits.

Our friends at Urban Italy recently sent us the following about 'La macchinetta Napoletana.

This “Little Neapolitan Machine” is used to make true expresso coffee. The slow way, using gravity, not pressure. While most coffee drinkers around the world are using pads, bags, instant powders and Starbucks to keep up with daily life, Neapoletans just keep at what they have been doing for hundreds of years. All around Italy the Slow movement has become a necesary answer for a fast life, to Neapolitans its just common sense.

• STEP 1: My good friend Carla scoops some coarse ground espresso in the machine and compresses it manually;
• STEP 2: with a firm grip she closes the capsule;
• STEP 3: the procedure is taken very seriously around these parts;
• STEP 4: she adds boiling water;
• STEP 5: no pressure, just let the hot water do the job;
• STEP 6: fold a little paper hat form the daily Il Mattino;
• STEP 7: and some protection. Don’t let the aroma escape!
• STEP 8: serve in design espresso cups;
• STEP 9: enjoy it with the tough guys. This is no coffee for whimps.

FURTHER READING

More information about coffee history and the Collezione Enrico Maltoni, Via Oberdan 13, Forlimpopoli
Forlimpopoli, near Ravenna, in the website www.espressomadeinitaly.com.