When we started to poke around for a good general information book on espresso preparation and theory, we stumbled upon Scott Rao's gem of a primer that covers pretty much everything you need to know about making excellent espresso, coffee and tea. Designed to meet the needs of professionals in an industry that isn't known for a lot of regimented curriculum, The Professional Barista's Handbook is Rao's answer to his own questions as he worked and developed his skill set over the years -- opening, establishing and selling a couple of cafes along the way. If you're looking for a practical, well-thought-out guide that will give you some great information that you can apply to your home espresso setup, this book is definitely for you. It provides an excellent understanding of the basic theory behind different coffee preparations and the ideal ways to achieve the best flavor possible.
