'Sexy Alien Ship' Lands in Downtown Coffeehouse

Adonis. Those familiar with Greek mythology will recognize the name as not being a synonym for "sexy alien ship."

But that's what a new espresso machine at a downtown coffeehouse looks like to bean fiends. Purchased a few months ago, the striking $15,000 piece of equipment named after the mythological Greek figure is part of the high-end Italian Victoria Arduino collection.

Hidden House Coffee baristas say that with its rectangular form, curved lines and stainless-steel hull, it looks like a classic car. In the 1950s, automobiles were actually an inspiration for the design of espresso machines.

For comparison's sake: A household espresso machine costs anywhere from $100 to $800. 

Baristas at the cozy downtown cafe say their new machine brews "cleaner." That means those who sip Hidden House's brew from the shop's bowl-like mugs don't taste that burned flavor that results from machines designed to brew coffee in mass quantities.