Are you a coffee snob? I have to admit, I kind of am. For most of my life I didn’t drink coffee, that is, until I spent a summer abroad in Costa Rica in college. Our advisors told us it would be seen as “culturally insensitive” to not accept the food or drink that was put in front of us. The first morning after I arrived, the family I was living with had breakfast waiting and mugs filled with their notorious Costa Rican brew. “No sugar, no milk,” my new madre insisted. I hesitantly took a sip, preparing myself in advance to avoid making a disgusted face. But I didn’t make one. I wasn’t even tempted! It was delicious.

As it turned out, I didn’t actually dislike coffee. I just disliked bad coffee. Waking up to a pot of freshly ground perfectly brewed coffee became the highlight of my day! And so it remains.

Upon returning to the US, I learned that achieving that perfect cup of coffee or expresso at home can be quite the challenge. Ever since becoming a coffee-lover, I have longed for a Miele coffee maker which makes this task oh-so easy, producing a delicious, full-body, rich taste every time. But living in an apartment with limited counter space and impracticality of built-ins, the Miele Dream would have to be postponed till I had a house.

Until now!

Miele recently introduced its latest innovation – the CM5 Espresso Machine — a countertop version of their famed built-in unit. This new system makes simply perfect espresso and coffee beverages each and every time. Prepare to become your own home barista!

As with any Miele product, performance and longevity are paramount. The CM5 has been tested to last 20 years, which equates to 50,000 cups!

The CM5 is offered in white or black finish with stainless steel accents and will be available exclusively through Williams-Sonoma and Miele Galleries in Fall 2011.

To get a look and a taste, head on in to Miele’s Dallas Gallery in LOL where guests are always welcome to stop by and try a cup. I know I’ll be stopping by soon!