See!...Here again I learn something. Is there no end to the vastness of knowledge ( not always nautical) retained by the sailors that frequent these forums. I Did Not Know that Espresso was the basis for a variety of drinks. I had always thought that Lattes and Cappuccinos were made with regular (?) coffee brewed in a conventsional (?) way.
hi, as i am italian, and live in southern italy, i can't imagine any sailing trips without my alluminium "macchinetta" 3 cups big.( the best one is the "Bialetti"). Others may be cheaper , but the coffe taste is different.
it works well on my camping gas stove.
( remember to prepare 2 or 3 coffees not for drinking but to remove the metallic and plastic taste of a new macchinetta, before start using it for your cup of coffee).
Once a year, to clean the pressure valve, its a good idea to let the lower part of the macchinetta boil in a pot full of water and lemon jiuice.
Then, one a year, change the " o-ring " inside the machinetta, prepare 2 or 3 coffees not for drink, but to remove the plastic taste of the new "o-ring", and start enjoing your coffees!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If i can suggest you the best ground roasted coffee , then taste the " ILLY espresso" ( silver can 250 gr -8.8 oz ).
My wife had the ILLY Expresso at a little hotel/bed And breakfast we stayed at in France and she loved it also. Brought back a package but haven't seen it since here in the states.
you could buy it : www:illyusa.com.
Remeber to buy the fine grind.
( by the way the price on that site is good...more than in italy, but it could be a nice and tasty gift to your wife...)
Is there no end to the vastness of knowledge ( not always nautical) retained by the sailors that frequent these forums. I Did Not Know that Espresso was the basis for a variety of drinks. I had always thought that Lattes and Cappuccinos were made with regular (?) coffee brewed in a conventsional (?) way. 
