by Gouezeri » Wed Jul 06, 2005 8:48 pm
I agree with Steven that showing how coffee is brewed elsewhere is always interesting, but really, what was the point in that journey to find a mythical "mother tree" (cue hackneyed john williams soundtrack)?
They go to the bother of showing the different ways that chicken are reared, and the effect that this has on the meat, but fail completely to discuss the importance of origin, environment, roast or even freshness of coffee beans; all basic but oh so important elements of the whole process. Most of us here know that Jim has worked over at the Fat Duck, but no comment was made of the chemical complexity of coffee or the process of making espresso either; Heston must have been off having a coffee on hiw own during this segment!
The "review" of espresso machines was cursory at best, despite having stated that buying such a machine is an "investment." Their ideal model being the classic Gaggia, which is hardly the be all and end all.
The presenter then states the importance of tell tale "mouse tails," whilst the cameraman zooms in to show pale yellow "coffee" gushing from the pf having had the misfortune to pass through a basket full of poorly ground and tamped coffee. So the advice continues, "crema" is an important sign of a good espresso we are told, the cameraman zooms in again upon a cup where a thin yellow crema covers barely 75 percent of the surface of the coffee. Frankly, there's more crema left on the sides of my cups once I've drunk an espresso than there was on these "freshly" brewed disasters.
Coffee is one of the most important commodities in the world, it is also undergoing something of a renaissance. As part of "Africa Season" (on the BBC) and recent current affairs, one might have hoped at least for a comment on its social relevance and how attempts are being made to improve the livelihoods of those involved.
Instead this was a weak travel feature completely lacking in any expertise, how could they get it soooo wrong!?!
D
This week I are feeling sleepy!