If they exist, I'd like to see some latte art/cappuccino art made with a La Pavoni Pro or Europiccolo. I've had my La Pav Pro since the fall and all of my skills have been slowly improving over this time...but I can't get the hang of pouring a rosetta/leaf whatever...I usually just give up and draw a hibiscus on top with chocolate after each failure. ( I am also working on improving my quantity of crema) Maybe I am over frothing?...the chocolate designs sit on top very well.

So, is it possible or am I wasting my time trying? Are there pictures around here to prove it if others have accomplished this? If there are, I've yet to find them...so please link them.

So, since several people have viewed my post but not one has responded, I can assume than no such photos exist and that latte art from milk frothed with a La Pavoni Pro/Europiccolo is not very common or not very achievable. Rats. If I ever get something resembling actual latte art...I may post a photo...

Wondering if I should try stopping before it gets too thickly frothed and try pouring then.

Hi Lucy,

Have you read this thread?

milk-foaming-on-lapavoni-t517.html?hilit=frothing%20pavoni

The video in it is from an older post by Dave. He rocks the pavoni, and (near as I can tell) is the master frother. The original source is here:

lever-machine-pull-video-t1948.html

when I was starting out, my latte art suffered due to my poor ability to froth milk. oh, and to pull a shot with crema too. both have improved, and i'm here to tell you that latte art is definitely possible, and a daily occurence in my house. sometimes they look like rosettas, sometimes like antlers, sometimes like an abstract (ahem) arse, but it definitely happens. I'll try to dig up some pictures...

I'm hoping that someone with decent latte art skillz will jump in, but in the meanwhile...

This morning's cappuccino, from a Gaggia Factory.

The Gaggia Factory is basically a La Pavoni Pro clone (16-cup model, same grouphead, steam wand, etc.). Not the tool of choice for aspiring latte artists, but usable.

Making Coffee on My La Pavoni Pro

The first half of the set... at the end is stuff from Vetrano.

The pro is a real whirl to foam on, I found. It's easily as good as Silvia, I would say much better in my small experience. You have to learn how to get microfoam and do the pour, which is not easy, but if you know how to do that the Pro is cake. I think that it may have a steeper learning curve than less powerful machines. It will steam a cappuccino in a snap--don't think I would do more than that at once.

I have had several successul latte art attempts... but never with my Pavoni STH, so I understand your concerns ! I must admit I have been spoilt by the steaming capabilities of my father's Cimbali M29 Dosatron...

Fortunately there is a hope: yesterday I have made a custom tip as described here http://www.home-barista.com/levers/milk-frothing-steaming-on-la-pavoni-europiccola-modified-steam-nozzle-t1724.html and the results are quite encouraging: I have finally found the long time missed whirlpool mixing all these bubbles ! Of course, with only one hole and less pressure the process is slower: count at least 10 to 15 sec aerating versus 3 sec for the Cimbali, and then a long wait for the texturing, but it works and the resulting microfoam looks good.

I am sure I will start pouring latte art within the next few weeks, once I get accustomed to the new timing... think about slow motion forthing

It takes a big brave soul to post a picture of his very first ever latte art attempt. but here it is (sorry, Dan, that this is taking up server space. but it's to reassure to frustrated neophyte! important work!)



but I didn't feel too bad, because here is a very famous local deli's consistent, unflinching, and proud interpretation of a latte (sad but true):



Over time--I think a few weeks of practice, I did this:

eventually these came (I'm no expert, and many here are better, but it can be done on a pavoni!). oh, and I'm doing the toothpick thing too (search for toothpick and you'll see...)

and small format is possible too (I know this is gratuitous, but hey...it made me happy to be able to pull it off!)

Thank you all for the responses, photos and links. That is encouraging.

I have one of those single hole tips but found the hole is a bit too large and wasn't getting microfoam because there were too many little bubbles and it was too fast to boiling for me.

I find I am more successful with the original tip, with one hole plugged up with a bit of toothpick....the hole closest to the boiler. I have no problem obtaining a nice whirling action.

I don't have the technique of the pour down at all...no matter how many times I watch videos...I'd love to have my hand on top of a pro as they do it...standing over their shoulder...

I am on my way out for the evening but will check out all the links later or tomorrow.

Thanks again.