Is ‘Italian” synonymous with “design”? Perhaps my husband could help answer that question. A proud European to the core, he practically shuddered with delight when a Bialetti Moka Express arrived in our home. Was I excited too? Yes, I adore coffee, especially any with a European preparation involved, but for my husband it meant a glimpse of home. He even researched the little unit and discovered the Bialetti is a 70-year-old Italian design icon, found in most Italian kitchens. And a big hurrah was let out from the man who yearns for something more lasting (and more Old World) these days.
So what is this Bialetti? Envision a simple coffee pot that brews espressos and prepares unbelievable coffee-house style coffee on your stovetop, without electricity, loud whirring noises, or attitudinal, heavily-pierced baristas rolling their eyes at you. If you wanted an espresso machine but didn’t want to cough up hundreds of dollars for the countertop hogging unit of your dreams, this darling Bialetti takes up no more than a few inches of space and starts at only $19.95, well worth every dime. Mine stays on the stove because it’s just that darned charming looking! And the coffee? Let’s put it this way: Since the Bialetti Moka Express’s arrival, my cappuccino machine has been in storage. The operation is simple. Place water in the bottom portion, fresh ground coffee in the strainer, screw on the top half, and set the unit on low heat until all the water from the bottom has found its way to the top. (I wait for this pleasant little gurgling sound; then I know my coffee is waiting.) The results is smooth, heavenly coffee with no grounds to chew around. I haven’t prepared a bad brew yet! It’s very consistent in its results, with the simplicity of the unit most likely its secret.
And my Euro husband? He used to work for an American movie company overseas and says this: “I did see the Bialetti Moka Express sometime in 1993, and had a taste of the coffee it produced. It was a great starter for a hard working day. And it was three Italians that brought this wonderful coffee maker to the film crew. A lot of us gathered there to jumpstart the day. Gianni was brewing, Aldo would comment and Adolfo would bless it, the rest would drink and wish for more.” I’d say that sums it up nicely! With no Adolfo for the blessing, though, I’ll just have to thank heaven each morning myself.
Want to win your own Bialetti Moka Express? The people of Bialetti are kindly offering one to a lucky carp(e) libris reviews reader!
Multiple Options for Multiple Entries:
1.) Just visit Bialetti and tell me something you liked or learned about the company or their products. (You may enter once a day.) Remember, leave an interesting comment. If I cannot contact the winner, you might be chosen instead based on your comment.
2.) Blog about, Twitter, and/or Subscribe! Get an extra entry for each of these activities. Blog about and/or Twitter this giveaway with a link to the post. Subscribers to carp(e) libris reviews and get an entry too! Just leave a separate comment for each, giving me a link to your blog post, your Twitter name, and/or a note saying you’re a subscriber. SUBSCRIBE HERE!
(Psst! My Twitter name is dkMommy.)
Feel free to do all four to gather multiple entries to win! You have until midnight EST on Tuesday, June 16, 2009, to enter.
I love the little Mukka cappucinno cups! They’re so classy looking.
6/13 entry. Thanks!
The first time I met Bialetti was as a coffee/tea percolator in a Marshall’s store. I liked the style much but didn’t know if it was quality or not.
I like that they do a pink one for breast cancer.
I love their designs, especially the “pink” items. Anytime I can purchase a product that will donate to Breast cancer, Im all for it! I love a company that looks out for others!
I am also a subscriber!
jellibeenz1978@hotmail.com
I like that they are teaming up with the National Breast Cancer Foundation in their pink sets.
The Moka Sound model will play a tune for you when the coffee is ready
Great designs.
happy sunday
I like the Pizza Cutter too. I have a horrible time cutting pizza neatly, and it drives me crazy!
I was surprised by the reasonable prices!
i learned that 90% of Italian homes contain this brand
i love that they support the National Breast Cancer Foundation!!!!
I have prayed to the Randomizer Gods this morning (thought it might give me some sort of advantage; who knows)
Thanks
anne_c_taylor@hotmail.com
(in Canada)
Bialetti Musa is a stainless steel expresso maker. Musa can be used on gas & electric stoves and features a black nylon handle.
daily entry for sun june 14th – thanks!
Bialetti is used in over 90% of Italy’s homes which tells me that it must be a good product.
I would like to have something that would make my inlaws jealous and this definitely would. They love all things Italian and have traveled there several times (but I’m not bitter lol)
i had tooo much coffee today but still want to win daily entry sunday 14th
The company dates back to 1933.
electricisland(at)gmail.com
My fav site!!
6/14 entry. Thanks!
What I asked Santa for in December
and would still love to get in June
or July – an express machine.
Monday’s entry!
I like their color schemes…
I learned that Bialetti makes a self-draining pasta pot. That would be a great thing to have.
They have a really cute cow print Cappuccino maker!
Ilike that the Bialetti takes up no more than a few inches of space ,which is important in my cramped kitchen.
E-mail subscriber. jelly15301@gmail.com
cute cow print Cappuccino maker
mondays entry
Hi there, I was just hoping that this is the way to enter for this contest.
Anita
The cappuccino maker that matches the cups is adorable!
They believe in quality.
The Moka Express is the world’s most recognized coffee maker. Over 120 million cups of this delicious, aromatic coffee, is made internationally every day. The “L’Omino” (the “Little Man”)-who’s figure is on every coffeepot-is the trusted symbol of quality and authenticity.
teaming up with the breast cancer foundation is the greatest thing they could have done.
Such a classic.
I find it interesting and cool that the Moka Express can still be found in nearly 90% of Italian households. Thank you!
I’m following you on Twitter (Tina12312)
I tweeted http://twitter.com/Tina12312/status/2179445221
thank you!
6/15 entry. Thanks!
happy monday
The Pink Dama is so cute!
It is interesting and cool that the Moka Express can still be found in nearly 90% of Italian households. Thank you!
Omgosh I want this SOOOO badly!
Thanks
anne_c_taylor@hotmail.com
(in Canada)
daily entry for mon june 15th. Thank you!
We are just the two of us so mini sz is the right sz.
The Polka Dot fry pans are nice that they are 11″ , good size.
electricisland(at)gmail.com
I learned all non stick is not the same. That you need a high grade to use any utensil.