When you make espresso yourself, even if you have your own machine, it never quite turns out the way it does when a pro makes it for you. Starbucks is here to remedy the situation. From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 26, at 473 Harvard Street, in Brookline, or at the same time on Saturday, October 28, at 6 Drydock Avenue, in Boston, Starbucks will be hosting "Espresso 101," designed to teach coffee aficionados how to make perfect espresso at home. For those who master the skill and are anxious to try it out, all espresso machines will be discounted.

- Sally Sampson