For a coffee person, a day is not complete without a cup or two of good brew. It signals a fresh new morning, provides a jolt of energy at midday, or lets one have a nightcap after a long day.
The Nescafé Dolce Gusto, a compact coffee machine, is a godsend to such people. The machine, around the size of a usual coffee maker, comes in two sleek models that would fit any kitchen.
“Smart capsules” are used instead of traditional grounds in making coffee. These capsules contain premium Arabica grounds and come in Caffè Lungo (classic bold); Cappuccino (frothy, with milk); Vanilla Latte Macchiato (sweet and creamy); Mocha (choco-coffee); and Chococcino (chocolate) flavors. A drink requires one or two capsules.
Pop-lock-drop system
Making coffee is simple through the pop-lock-drop system. Pop a capsule in the machine, lock the handle down (a needle punches through the capsule), choose red for hot coffee or blue for cold, and watch the coffee drop. Pretty easy, and it gives one the same coffee quality offered by a coffee shop in roughly a minute.
The machine utilizes a “15-bar system” which gives strong pressure similar to coffeehouse machines. This pressure forces the water into the capsule, and gives the coffee a frothy finish, with full body and flavor.
To manually stop the coffee flow, move the control lever back to the center and wait for the power button light to stop blinking. Then, lift the handle and dispose of the capsule.
Nescafé Dolce Gusto is available in two models, the smaller Piccolo (P3,999), which comes in red and white, and the new Circolo (P6,999), available in anthracite and cool gray. The capsules are sold per variant in a 16-piece box (P400).
Jiggy Cruz, Nescafé Dolce Gusto consumer marketing manager, said the machine is for those who enjoy having flavorful coffee at home. It is also a great way of quickly serving coffee to guests.
Coffee pairing
Dolce Gusto coffee flavors were recently paired with modern Spanish cuisine at Beso Cucina Vinoteka restaurant in Bonifacio High Street Central, Taguig.
Chef Carlo Miguel prepared a special menu meant to complement the coffee flavors. For starters, we had feta flat bread with spinach and mushroom; croquetas filled with jamon, chicken and Manchego cheese; Bellota Grade and jamon Serrano ham slices. The salty, crunchy appetizers were paired with the strong Lungo coffee.
For mains, Cappuccino was served with a meat plate consisting of thinly sliced chorizo on a bed of mini toast with chocolate spread; skewered chicken and beef pintxos; lamb kofta pintxos medallions; tender pork belly with crispy skin with a siding of prunes in Caffè Lungo. The sweetness of the Cappuccino balanced the savory entrée.
Dessert was rich Spanish rice pudding with vanilla and almond slivers, and freshly fried churros with thick choco dip paired with Chococcino. The hot choco drink matched well with the slightly sweet pudding and crunchy churros.
Chef Miguel also suggested eating adobo with strong coffee like Dolce Gusto Lungo at home.
Nescafé Dolce Gusto is available in SM Makati, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall A and B, SM North Edsa-The Block, SM Pasig-Tiendesitas. Visit www.dolce-gusto.com.ph.
