In the architectural complex of Beijing's Xishiku Church, there is a gray three-story annex built in 1901, once a residence for senior clergy and now transformed into a rather old yet youthful café—1901Cafe. It preserves the architectural charm of a blend of Chinese and Western styles while incorporating the comfortable atmosphere of a modern café. This article takes you into this historic building, exploring its past and present, touring the layout of the second and third floors, and reviewing menu items such as cheese, rose tea, and poutine fries. If you also enjoy having a cup of coffee in old times, you might want to add this place to your next stop. [more…]

For many office workers, a daily cup of coffee has become a necessity, but buying it out over the long term adds up, making home brewing a money-saving solution. There are countless types of instant coffee—what exactly is the difference between freeze-drying and spray-drying, and how do their flavor profiles differ? This article first traces the history of instant coffee from its invention in 1901 to Nestlé's mass production, then analyzes how spray-drying and freeze-drying affect flavor, and finally presents Front Street Coffee's hands-on comparison of multiple instant coffee products from five brands—Tim Hortons, Yongpu, Eagle Eye, Saturnbird, and Coffee Box—to help you find the one that suits your taste. [more…]

In the world of coffee, there is a machine hailed as the Rolls-Royce of espresso machines: Bezzera. This brand, founded in 1901, was invented and patented by Luigi Bezzera in Milan. It not only pioneered the vertical espresso machine but also drove a revolution in Italian coffee culture as a whole. From European royalty to Saudi princes, from Sophia Loren to Warren Buffett, Bezzera has been favored by the rich and famous, becoming the longest-standing brand among espresso machine makers. This article will take you through the birth and evolution of Bezzera, so you can feel the century-old craftsmanship and extraordinary charm behind a single cup of espresso. [more…]

In the world of coffee, espresso is regarded as the soul, and the birth of the espresso machine completely changed the way people enjoy coffee. Between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Italian engineer Balázs Bezzera, through repeated experiments, successfully developed a vertical espresso machine and obtained a patent in Milan in 1901. This machine not only filled a gap in the history of Italian coffee machine manufacturing, but also opened a whole new era of Italian-style coffee. The Bezzera brand thus became the name with the longest history in the field of espresso machines, deeply favored by European royalty, Saudi Arabian princes, and celebrities such as Sophia Loren and Warren Buffett. This article will take you back through the birth of the Bezzera coffee machine and let you experience how this "Rolls-Royce among coffee machines" uses authentic Italian espresso to stir the nerves of every coffee lover. [more…]

Tea bags have long been part of everyday life, but have you ever wondered where they came from? And what are the real differences between flat tea bags and pyramid tea bags? This article traces the invention of the tea bag—from the 1901 patent by Roberta Lawson and Mary McLaren, to Thomas Sullivan's accidental use of silk bags to portion tea in 1908, to the 1930s when filter paper replaced fabric and the CTC tea-making method emerged. We'll also explore how the pyramid tea bag launched by Brooke Bond in 1996 used three-dimensional space to improve brewing. Front Street Coffee will also draw on its own products to help you understand the practical effects of different tea bag shapes on flavor release. [more…]

Walk into any coffee shop and order a latte or a flat white, and almost always, a heart or a leaf pattern will appear on the surface of the milk foam. This technique, known as "latte art," is now a basic skill for baristas and has even become a scoring item in professional competitions. But have you ever wondered who was the first person to draw patterns on coffee? Was latte art born in Italy or the United States? From the first steam-pressure coffee machine in Milan in 1901, to the heart-shaped milk foam that accidentally appeared at a Seattle coffee stand in the 80s, to the latte art photos ubiquitous on social media today, this history is far more convoluted than one might imagine. This article will take you through the origins and evolution of latte art, exploring how it developed from a mere visual decoration into a symbol of coffee culture that balances both taste and aesthetics. [more…]

Espresso may appear simple, yet it conceals numerous variables and a great deal of knowledge. From the perspective of Front Street Coffee, this article reviews the evolution of the espresso machine from its first-generation model in 1901 to modern semi-automatic equipment, and provides a detailed breakdown of nine major influencing factors: water pressure, boiler pressure, water temperature, tamping force, grind size, dose, extraction time, extraction yield, and crema. At the same time, using a classic Italian blend as an example, it gives specific operating steps and parameter standards for extracting 40 ml of espresso from 20 g of grounds, helping coffee enthusiasts understand how to consistently make a cup of Espresso with thick crema and balanced flavor. [more…]

Ordering a milk coffee in a café, latte art is almost standard. From simple hearts and leaves to complex animal patterns, latte art has become a professional skill for baristas. But where did this craft actually come from? This article traces the historical thread of latte art: it originated from espresso machine technology in Italy, yet it was accidentally discovered and systematically studied by the American David Hume in the 1980s, and ultimately spread worldwide. Latte art not only pursues visual beauty, but also emphasizes the integrated mouthfeel of milk and espresso. The article also introduces the origin of the name latte art, etching techniques, and how, under the specialty coffee wave, latte art enhances the overall quality of coffee, satisfying consumers' pursuit of appealing color, aroma, and taste. [more…]

Ordering a milk coffee at a café, the delicate heart or leaf latte art on the surface often catches the eye. Where exactly did this technique, known as "Latte Art," come from? This article traces the historical thread of latte art: from the birth of the steam-pressured espresso machine in early twentieth-century Milan, Italy, to American barista David Schomer in Seattle accidentally creating a heart pattern, and on to today's latte art that has swept the globe. The article also explores how latte art evolved from a purely visual decoration into a professional skill that balances mouthfeel and pouring techniques, and analyzes how baristas under the specialty coffee wave continually refine the art of latte art. Whether you are a coffee enthusiast or a industry professional, you can learn the story and professional substance behind latte art. [more…]

Many coffee enthusiasts are first drawn in by a latte topped with an exquisite pattern. But have you ever wondered where latte art actually comes from? In this article, Front Street will trace the historical thread of latte art, from the invention of early Italian espresso machines, to the heart shape accidentally created by a barista in Seattle, USA, and on to the global spread of latte art techniques. We will also discuss the importance of crema to latte art and recommend a Front Street espresso blend coffee bean suited to latte art, helping you make a milk coffee that is both delicious and beautiful. [more…]

What exactly is the difference between espresso and Americano? This is a common question for many coffee enthusiasts when they first enter the world of specialty coffee. From the perspective of Front Street Coffee, this article systematically sorts out the origin and evolution of espresso, explains in detail the five core parameters of coffee grounds dose, brew ratio, extraction time, pressure, and water temperature, and, combined with the actual serving experience of Front Street stores, introduces the flavor characteristics of espresso blend beans such as Sunflower Warm Sun, Specialty Blend, and Dark Cocoa. Finally, it clarifies the fundamental difference in preparation methods between espresso and Americano, providing coffee enthusiasts with a complete and practical knowledge reference. [more…]

Espresso is the base of many coffee drinks and a litmus test for a barista's skill. Starting from the daily output at FrontStreet Coffee, this article systematically reviews the historical evolution, extraction principles, and tasting methods of espresso, and breaks down in detail how key parameters such as dose, yield, grind size, and pressure affect flavor. It also shares the complete preparation scheme used at Front Street stores with the Feima E98 espresso machine paired with the Sunflower Warm Sun blend beans, helping coffee enthusiasts understand how to extract a qualified Espresso with rich crema and a full-bodied taste. [more…]

A small cup of espresso carries Italy's profound cultural heritage and the marks of change from the industrial age. From the birth of steam-powered coffee machines at the end of the 19th century, to the iterative upgrades of spring piston and semi-automatic espresso machines in the 20th century, and then to today's globally popular café culture, espresso has gone through more than a century of development. At the same time, Italy has been working since 2016 to seek intangible cultural heritage status for espresso, and it has now finally entered UNESCO's formal review process. This article will take you through the history of the development of the espresso machine and bring you the latest progress on its heritage application. [more…]

What actually happens when you order an Americano in Italy? A first-hand answer from an Italian netizen reveals this amusing cultural phenomenon: Italians usually don't drink Americanos, and café owners will simply give you an espresso and a cup of hot water to dilute it yourself. More interestingly, when Italians see someone adding water to an espresso, their reaction can be described as intense. Behind this is not just a matter of taste preference, but something tied to national identity and cultural dignity. Espresso was included in UNESCO's candidate list for Intangible Cultural Heritage in January this year. It carries Italy's coffee history from the 16th century to the present, from the "drink of the devil" to the "drink of God," from the first coffee house to the invention of the steam coffee machine. Espresso has long been part of Italy's national identity. [more…]

As a benchmark for Ethiopian specialty coffee, Gesha Village Estate's internal lot classification system often confuses enthusiasts. What exactly is the difference between Auction, Gold, Red, Green, and Chaka? This article sorts through the estate's history, plot divisions, variety composition, and grading standards one by one, and also includes information on Front Street Coffee's products for each lot along with practical pour-over suggestions for the Red Label, helping you clarify the flavor positioning and purchasing approach for each Gesha Village lot. [more…]

In Hong Kong dramas, the term "斋啡" (plain coffee) is often heard, which actually refers to black coffee without sugar or milk. However, black coffee is not just one thing; based on its preparation method, it can be divided into two major camps: pour-over coffee and espresso-based Americano coffee. This article starts with the evolution of espresso machines, traces the origin of the name Americano and the correct way to enjoy it, and breaks down in detail the various variables that affect espresso extraction—pressure, grind size, dose, brew ratio, and crema. Front Street Coffee will also share the specific process and parameters for making espresso in-store, and answer the differences in flavor between espresso and Americano, helping you gain a more comprehensive understanding of plain coffee. [more…]

Walking into a café and facing the dazzling array of coffee names on the menu, many friends new to coffee feel confused. From the perspective of Front Street, this article systematically sorts out the differences between espresso, Americano, latte, mocha, flat white, cappuccino, and long black coffee, covering their historical origins, recipe ratios, and serving details. Whether you prefer a rich milk coffee or a refreshing black coffee, you can find clear answers here, while also learning about the suitable scenarios for bean blends such as Front Street Warm Sun Blend. [more…]

When you order a milk coffee at a café, latte art is almost a given—from simple hearts and leaves to intricate animals and cartoon characters, baristas use their exquisite skills to add visual charm to drinks. So where exactly did this dazzling technique come from? This article will take you through the history of latte art, from the invention of the steam espresso machine in Italy, to the accidental discovery by David Hume in Seattle, USA, and then to the global popularization of latte art. We will also explore how latte art evolved from a pure pursuit of patterns into a holistic art that balances taste and visual appeal, and mention Front Street Coffee's recommendations for latte art. Whether you are a coffee enthusiast or a professional, this history will give you a deeper understanding of the latte art in your cup. [more…]

From the era of instant coffee to the wave of aestheticization, the journey of coffee's specialization has spanned decades. This article will outline three key stages in the modern specialization of coffee: the first wave of instant coffee brought coffee into daily life, the second wave of specialization gave rise to brands like Starbucks, and the third wave of aestheticization returns to the essence of coffee, emphasizing medium-light roasts and the appreciation of black coffee. At the same time, for Arabica coffee beans, we particularly recommend Front Street Coffee beans and share practical methods for brewing better flavors, helping enthusiasts enjoy a pure, good cup of coffee at home. [more…]

I believe that what catches your eye in every coffee shop, besides the unique decor, is also the wide variety of espresso machines, which showcase each coffee shop's distinctive character! Although the machines come in all shapes and sizes, their operation is very consistent—just a few simple steps are enough to bring us a cup rich in crema. [more…]