Hmm, I think you guys have money to burn . . .
Here's how we make our coffee. First, Peets Coffee beans - it's our local Berkeley stuff. Second, a simple $25 stove-top cast-aluminium espresso maker as made by Bialetti and other Italian companies (example at
http://www.1-800-espresso.com/bialetti-espresso-maker.html ). Third, a $15 plunger-type milk frother (example at
http://www.aabreecoffee.com/boaemifr.html ). The coffee is hearty, the foam is stiff, the total hardware cost is about $40, and the whole set-up is easily packed in a suitcase when visiting regions where watery, lukewarm McDonalds swill would otherwise be the only coffee choice.