Espresso lovers have a new showroom

Saeco's Steeles centre also offers service and training for barkeepers and consumers

Two things are needed to brew good espresso: excellent raw materials (water and coffee beans) and excellent machinery. If the former depend on where one lives and what one's personal tastes are, for the latter the best thing is to ask the experts. And who's more expert than Saeco, an international group that was founded in Italy in 1981 and is now present on many world markets.
"Anyone can prepare the perfect espresso," says Saeco Canada general manager Tony Meschino. "A great many Anglo-Saxons are discovering the world of espresso, becoming real experts and often purchasing more than one espresso machine: one for the home, the other for the cottage or office."
This 'espresso fever' led the company ("The only manufacturer of espresso machines that is present in Canada not through distributors but with its own offices.") to the decision of opening a new showroom at 5171 Steeles Avenue West: a whole building devoted to presentations of the products, service and training of affiliated vendors as well as consumers wishing to learn the secrets of the perfect espresso.
"A part of the showroom is devoted to training both the sales force and anyone else who might want to know how they can use their Saeco to the best," continues Meschino.
"Even fully automatic machines, such as 'Incanto,' where at the push of a button coffee beans are ground, the resulting powder poured into the filter, water percolated at the correct speed and temperature, and waste discarded, allow users to make some adjustments to account for individual taste. For instance, grinding: finer for a stronger espresso, coarser for a lighter brew. Over the years, Saeco has perfected the SBS (Saeco Brewing System): by turning a knob, any kind of coffee can be made with perfect foam."
Alongside 'home' machines, two other lines are prominently displayed in the showroom: one of commercial machines, the other of vending machines.
"Let's talk about the latter first. Thanks to our patents, Saeco's vending machines grind coffee beans every time a drink is purchased. This way, every customer can drink a perfect espresso, as if one was in a bar. Moreover, the same machine can offer cold drinks and snacks. A complete refreshment point."
Full automatization is also a strong plus for the 'Idea' commercial line. "It's a modular system that can dispense up to 150 cups of espresso per hour, perfect for banquet halls where even non-specialized staff can prepare excellent espressos."
Automatic machines are almost a trademark of Saeco. In 1985, in fact, thanks to the development of a removable brewing unit, Saeco technicians perfected the first machine that 'did it all alone.' With the advent of electronics came the first digital display (1998) and in 2004 the 'Sirius' model of the 'Incanto' line with its wide touch-screen that controls all functions.
Celebrations for the new showroom will continue until November 29. "Everybody is invited to see our lines of products," concludes Meschino, "and by filling a ballot there's a chance to win many prizes. Of course, there will also be espresso and biscotti."

Publication Date: 2005-11-27
Story Location: http://tandemnews.com/viewstory.php?storyid=5759