The Loteria Experience:
I haven’t cheated on Delonghi… much. Yes, he’s my coffee butler-cum-coffee maker that has been serving up hot drinks for breakfast ever since I was inspired during my visit to the St. Regis Monarch Beach. Occasionally, I’ll give coffee a try when out. Problem is, I have no idea what I’m ordering or what I might like. Experimentation has only gotten me so far.
Then came the fateful evening while dining out at Loteria’s newest location in Studio City, CA. Having read a review by Jen Gardner of their Mexican fare, I could barely wait to give it a try. While sitting back with a contented sigh, a whiff of something passed my nose — chocolate. Like a missile honing in on a target, I tracked its source — a steaming cup of what looked like foam drizzled with chocolate.
“I’ll have one of those!” I declared. A better tact might have been, “What is that divine smelling beverage?” It tasted just as good its aroma led me to believe it would be. So, of course, I had to pay another visit to the establishment just to imbibe again.
Today was the day. I got a puzzled look when I asked for, “You know, that coffee drink with chocolate drizzled across the top.” Apparently, this isn’t a regular menu item. What the?! I finally find something in the coffee vein I actually like and I don’t know what it is. Bless them, the staff went to work and delivered the cup o’ Joe you see above. I’ve been told it’s a cappuccino. That being said, it doesn’t automatically come with chocolate. My advice — go for the extra little bit of somethin’ somethin’. You won’t be sorry.
Bringing it home:
My friend Mel Terrell is very wise about a number of things. Her latest piece of wisdom — thou can make great coffee drinks at home with a little gizmo purchased from Bed, Bath & Beyond called an Aerolatte. My morning coffee ritual has taken on new dimensions. I actually coo upon seeing Delonghi now. I think he likes it.
Here’s how it works (at least for me): microwave milk until it’s hot, but not boiling. Put the Aerolatte in the cup and flick the switch, letting it whirl its magic for 20 seconds. Don’t worry if milk splatters everywhere. I’m sure there’s someway to prevent this, but I’ve yet to discover it.
Next, pour in coffee. I’m finding there’s less and less coffee in my mixture. Finally, drizzle chocolate across the top. Currently, I’m experimenting with Trader Joe’s Organic Midnight Moo. Um, it’s a little heavier than whatever they use at Loteria, so it sinks to the bottom a bit.
Next… enjoy. You’ll soon find yourself making more frequent rendezvous with your version of Delonghi. And hey, he ain’t complainin’.
To learn more about Loteria’s various locations visit www.loteriagrill.com. To learn more about Aerolatte email info@aerolatte.com.
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Not sure which kind you have, but on mine, there’s a rippled section on the battery cover. Place your thumb over that and slide it towards you. Good luck!