There's a fine new Italian bean brewing in the local espresso scene now that Massimo Taurisano has traded Northern Italy's Hausbrandt for the slightly darker Miscela d'Oro from Sicily at his six Academia del Caffes and his 400 wholesale clients. The recent roaster change was due to the exchange rate and Miscela's desire for a competitive East Coast presence. The result: a half-pound $10 can, a great alternative to pricier competitors. I've come to love Miscela's more robust and chocolatey brew - first served locally at Osteria. Taurisano's stores and Web site now make both the coffee and cups more widely available.
Miscela d'Oro, $10 per half-pound can; espresso cups, $3 each at Academia del Caffe, 1 South Penn Square, 215-564-0328; or www.philadelphiacoffeeworks.com.