I am, or rather was a fan of gussying up my espresso drinks with all the fixin's -- extra shots, flavored syrup, foam, cream, and sprinkles of fairy dust. But how about melted pepper?

The Seattle Times reports on the World Barista Championship held yesterday. The winner was a Danish dude.

He wowed judges with espresso made from Brazilian beans grown at a single estate and roasted in a Northern Italian style. He served his beverages on wooden trays similar to a sushi platter, and used fresh Danish milk in his cappuccinos.

And:

Poulsen called his signature beverage called "ESB", for "enhanced sensory balance." It included espresso served with a touch of lavendar syrup and a pepper flavoring that was served in a soup spoon and melted with a torch just before tasting.

Is it just me, or does that actually sound kind of tasty? That would be a great way to break my self-imposed espresso exile.