My Bialetti Moka

I don’t quite remember when I started collecting Bialetti Mokas.

My strong attachment to them started from childhood memories where the comforting aroma of the freshly brewed espresso my mamma would make, would be the first thing that would greet me as I awoke.

Designed in 1933, by the Italian engineer, Alfonso Bialetti, this iconic coffee pot has become an incontestable symbol of Italian design and culture . The Bialetti ‘s name “ Moka” comes from the city of Mokha in Yemen, one of the leading production areas of coffee in the world .

Photo: Fun fact : Alfonso Bialetti is also the grandfather of Alberto Alessi of Alessi (the renowned Italian design house).

The logo and mascot of the Bialetti , is a small mustached man with index finger in the air (as if ordering another espresso) and is actually a caricature of Alfonso Bialetti ‘s son , Renato. In Italian he is known as “ l’omino con i baffi”.

With so many modern and automated espresso machines available today , my son Domenico, has often encouraged me to buy one which I have considered but cannot bring myself to do. Rooted in tradition, I love everything about making my coffee with a Moka , on a stove top, in this old-fashioned way.

Photo : On my annual trip to Italy, I purchase a new Bialetti for my collection and one to use throughout the year.

In fact, the morning ritual of making my coffee with one of my beloved Bialetti Moka’s, has become like a sacred ceremony . And very much like my childhood memories , one that brings me comfort and solace and is assuredly my favorite part of the day.

Www.Bialetti.com