Back to the grind: Coffee talk with Alfredo Espresso

I was born in the U.S. to American parents, but I have Aussie in my blood. My family’s greats hail from down under-that’s where the name Breville comes from. All through growing up, though, I wanted to be like the Italian machines. My features became my mode of expression. I would imagine saying something singsongy in Italian as I waved my steamer. Anyways, short answer is I’m an Australian-American, wannabe Italian. So, when you named me Alfredo, I was beside myself! I tried to keep it together because I was worried about making a good first impression, but there were definitely happy tears in that first espresso shot.

What’s it like to have someone push your buttons all the time?

Well, that’s the price you pay for being an espresso machine. Someone is always pushing your buttons, but you must maintain composure since it’s your job to produce excellence from the moment that little bugger-the on button-is pushed. You’ll notice I grumble a bit when that happens. Don’t take it personally, I’m just waking up! Then it’s a series of button pressing…needless to say, it’s a very emotional experience every time I make your coffee. Grinding the beans helps-it gives me something to seek my teeth into. And of course, my steamer lets me blow off some steam. That’s a win-win situation-I get to scream a little bit and you get some fancy, frothy milk. Don’t worry, I don’t spit in it.

What’s that little bucket sitting next to you?