u/pvtfumble

Ok, I wasn't going to use this "souvenir" until I got home from Italy but my current AirBnb situation has a single cup (tiny) induction Moka pot. Not going to work for two people.

So I picked up some new gaskets, as I didn't want to use the 25+ year old gasket currently in the machine. The Bialetti 3/4  gaskets are an exact match. Also got an induction plate.  Made my first and second pots this morning.

Coffee used.  What they had in the AirBnb, Illy Classico.

First try. I used my usual process of boiling the water and then adding it to the pot.  Before the coffee started coming I had leaks.  The problem was the pot is so round and smooth that it is hard to grip, and having to use a towel (because of adding boiling water) I didn't get a tight seal.  Was only able to get half way before for angry sputtering started.  Result, bitter fail.

Second try.  This time I used room temperature water and was able to grip it better and tighten it completely.  Flow was slow, but no leaks. Full pot with a tiny bit of sputtering at the end. Not bad considering I am not familiar with using an induction hob (I have a gas stove at home).  Result this time? Amazing. With my Bialetti at home I always have to do 2/3 coffee 1/3 hot water and add just a bit of cream since I can never completely eliminate the harsh edge. This result completely lacked bitterness and didn't need any cutting with water. 

If I can achieve this second result consistently, La Signora will replace Mr. Bialetti as my daily driver. 

While wandering the streets of Turin between museum visits, I came across this special edition in a shop window display...

How rare is this one?

Translation of the tag description:

​OPINEL N.10 SHIORI LIMITED EDITION

​is an elegant union

between a French knife

and the manufacturing skill of Japanese blades

​VG7 steel and maple handle

​. € 360.00

I continued my Moka pot hunt after arriving in Turin (in between the usual museum, church, etc visits).

Other than finding my favorite coffee, I was getting a bit disappointed. After speaking with one shop owner I learned made in Italy Moka pots are becoming a rare thing.

Found another Bialetti store, visited the Lavazza museum for inspiration, saw lots of Alessi models in Rinascente, and checked out a few kitchenware stores. Unfortunately most brands (with the exception of a few Bialetti models) are now made outside of Italy.

Then after visiting La Venaria Reale, while walking the main street I saw a small shop with Moka pots in the window. Why not? Ah, closed until 3 pm. Okay, first a bite to eat and an espresso!

Back to the shop...and I found it, made in Italy. Only one of these in the store. My decision is made!

Currently in northern Italy on vacation. Just after arriving in Milan I found the Bialetti store next to the Duomo, just a few of my pics here.

The next day while in a department store I came across the "Turbo Moka". Then I few aisles over I found all this coffee. I need a bigger suitcase!!

...and in a few days I will visit the Lavazza Museum in Turin.

Any suggestions? Venice and Verona follow Turin.