Where do you go for a 'pick me up' during a long day of sightseeing? Rome has thousands of coffee bars and a good cup of caffe is never more than a few steps away. The difficult part is choosing which caffe to attend. Be warned, this is not your local Starbucks. The are two different ways to attend a caffe;

1) Stand at the bar order your caffe, add sugar, slam it and go. This is the way to get a quick 'caffeine charge' between sights.

2) Sit at a table, order your caffe and have it served, while you rest your tired feet, write your postcards, eat a biscotti and watch the world go by. For this luxury you will be charged from 2 to 3 times more than if you stand at the bar. But remember, you have squatters rights and may sit there as long as you wish.

Seriously, I don't know if itÕs the water, coffee beans or the cute little cups, but espresso in Italy is like drinking a cup of gold. Why can't they make coffee like this at home? Here are some of the different possibilities from the caffes;

Caffe - a small cup of creamy hot espresso. Have you noticed that the word caffe is the same for both the drink you are having and the place you are sitting in?

Caffe Macchaito - espresso 'spotted' with a little steamed milk and foam.

Caffe Con Panna - espresso topped with a dollop of whipped cream.

Caffe Correcto - espresso 'corrected' with a shot of liqueur.

Cappuccino - equal parts of espresso and steamed milk, topped with foam. A breakfast drink. Don't get caught ordering this after lunch!

Caffe Latte - espresso mixed with a more generous amount of steamed milk than in a cappucino.

Caffe Americano - espresso thinned out to American taste with hot water, but never served in a paper 'to go' cup.

Doppio - append the name of your caffe and get a double shot of espresso, such as a Doppio Caffe Macchiato.

 

Caffe Etiquette

Italy is still a free country (I think) so feel free to do as you wish with your caffe. But if you don't want to get dirty looks from your barista there are a few small rules;

1) Enjoy cappuccino with breakfast. After noon itÕs served with an attitude.

2) Never order coffee with a meal. Save this crime for a diner in New Jersey. The Italian government will deport you if you get caught drinking caffe with your Pasta Amatriciana.

3) Before visiting The Vatican, be sure to order a doppio espresso to give you extra energy for the long walk and for climbing the never-ending stairways to the top of the dome. Doppio simply means a double shot of espresso.

4) Italians usually top their espresso with a glass of cold water. I think it's like making Caffe Americano in your stomach.

 

Italian Coffee Brands

Segafredo Zanetti - Segafredo is a franchised chain of cafes throughout Europe exclusively brewing Segafredo coffee, tea and other products. Their bright red logo and signature shops are always easy to spot.

If you would like to experience authentic Segafredo coffee at home the American distributor on the web is «CaffeÕ Tucano». CaffeÕ Tucano sells Segafredo coffee in whole bean, ground (for stovetop espresso machines or electric versions) and decaf. A 250g brick (about 1/2lb) costs about $4.25-$4.80. To complete your experience they also sell authentic Segafredo espresso cups (6 for $21), cappuccino cups* (6 for $35) and tea cups* (6 for $28) in addition to other espresso supplies. Shipping prices are very reasonable. Segafredo Zanetti coffee in a signature cup at home, is as close as you get to sitting in a cafe on the Piazza Navona in Rome.

*NOTE - Caffe Tucano calls the traditional Italian style Cappuccino cup a "Tea Cup". The cup they call a "Cappuccino Cup" is actually a large Italian style hot chocolate cup which says"Hot Ciok" on it. Call Caffe Tucano @ 1-800-348-6664 if you have any questions.

Other Italian Coffees - There are more brands of Italian coffees in Italy than there are flavors of potato chips in New York. While in Italy stop by the local supermercato and pick up a few 'bricks'. The cost is around 4.140 lire (that's only $2.25). Look for popular brands such as Sao, Illy, Lavazza or Kimbo. For a huge list of Italian Coffee websights check out «Mostly Italian Coffee». They also have pages on Swedish coffee brands.

 

 

SINCE JANUARY 2001