Although Leslie Ruth begs to differ, Karl insists he is NOT obsessed with coffee. He does, however, admit to a (perfectly healthy) love of the beverage. At home he makes espresso for himself and caffé latte for Leslie Ruth on his shiny Expobar machine each morning, carefully weighing out 17 grams of freshly ground coffee for each shot from beans roasted and blended in Seattle. He knows this is not an obsession – he doesn’t weigh the water, like his son, Edward does!
One of Karl’s favorite things about Italy is that pretty much anywhere he goes, he can pop into a bar and have a quick shot of espresso.
On the one hand, there is no real need to search out the best coffee in Rome; it is all good to outstanding. On the other hand, Italians have opinions on everything, and love to argue about where the best coffee can be found. In Rome, one place frequently mentioned in such arguments is Caffé Sant Eustachio.
This trip, as always, Karl made a pilgrimage there. The coffee was great
but he was disappointed that even Caffé Sant Eustachio has succumbed to modern trends. The coffee they serve is the same wonderful extraction it has always been, but they now sell the dreaded capsules!
What will be next, Karl asks? Instant Sant Eustachio? Where will it all end?
ITALY, GERMANY, AND MORE! 
I count myself among those privileged to have benefited from Karl’s non-obsession with making perfect caffe lattes. (Sorry, I can’t find my accent mark.)
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