Posts Tagged ‘espresso’

Back on to Italians Extreme passion!

October 13th, 2011

Italian historical CafèCredits: Locali storici d’Italia

The passion that Italians have for Espresso is unbelievable and this is why CharmingItaly usually back on to the same topic: Caffè! Some of you may be pleased to know which are  the smallest historical cafés in the world… Caffè Mulassano and Caffè al Bicerin, both in Turin, are historical and exquisite buildings date back to nineteenth century where the extreme passion for coffee and traditional décor are still alive. Caffè Mulassano is, not only the realm of coffee, but also the place where tramezzini (sandwiches) were invented! The member of the House of Savoy used to pop in the bar to drink their espresso in privacy while Caffè al Bicerin was the favourite one of the musician Puccini, the philosopher Nietzsche, the minister Cavour, the poet Gozzano and the writers Calvino, just to name a few.This historical Cafè have maintained the elegance and refinement of the ancient times… ordered an espresso at Mulassano and Bicerin caffè is a flavoring experience!

Have you ever ordered an espresso in the italian smallest historical cafés?

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Would you want an Espresso Granita?

July 5th, 2011


Granita is a semi-frozen sicilian dessert. The ingrendients are water, sugar and the flavoring that you prefer… A great example is to add a strong espresso and prepare an amazing Espresso Granita!
It is quick and easy to make such as Coconut sweets.
Granita recipe begins by simmering sugar and water in a saucepan to make a syrup.  Once the syrup has cooled slightly add the espresso and, finally , transfer the mixture to a container and place in the freezer.  When you see ice crystals beginning to form around the edges of the container, stir the mixture with a fork.  Repete for 2/3 times regular stirring at 30-minute intervals.

Serve your espresso granita in aperitif glasses and add a bit of cream. Enjoy!!!

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It’s Coffee time! Which one do you prefer? (Infographic)

June 12th, 2011

An Italian Coffee Break: What type of Coffee would you order?  

Caffè Espresso, Caffè macchiato (with milk), Caffè americano (American coffee)…

There are so many types of Coffee and many different ways of drinking it. Italians are renowned for drinking Espresso, of course, but also for their way of ordering it!

Do you remember our post about Coffee in suspense? It’s an “original” way of ordering it!

When Italians go to the Bar (Café) they order coffee in many different ways, according to their personal taste…served in small or big cup, with cold or warm milk, double or strong…

I guess Italian barmen are among the most patient persons in the world!

Here below a typical day in an Italian Bar. We have had a lot of fun in picturing it! We’ve tried to summarize it in the following Infographic… just for you, Coffee-aholics!!

Click on the image to enlarge it!

For Italians, coffee break is a sort of ritual in which the conviviality is a key point. Around a good coffee you can have a chat, take a few minutes for yourself and relax. It’s not just about inserting something into the stomach.

For Italians, drinking a good coffee is a pleasure: it is something to be sipped and not to be swallowed down; it is something to relish in the fullness of its flavour.

This is why a bad coffee gets Italians in a bad mood, while a good coffee can make their day!

When you enter an Italian Bar, around the clock, pay attention on what’s around you: we bet you won’t find 10 people ordering the same type of coffee!

The types of coffee in the Infographic are written in Italian, so you will be able to order them in the right way at the Bar!

Have a look on it and tell us what you think.

Looking forward your thoughts!!

P.S. Did our coffee infographic make you thirsty? How about some Pasta to make you hungry as well?

What kind of pasta is on my plate?
What kind of pasta is on your plate? by Charming Italy

 

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Wake up: it’s coffee time!

June 6th, 2011

“Good coffee must be black as night, hot as love and as sweet or bitter as life itself” (Arabic proverb)

Credits: Flickr

The history of coffee is ancient and its legend has several versions. The most famous story is very nice and takes place in Etiopia, considered the native country of coffee.

The story of coffee tells about a goatherd named Kaidi, who noticed the strange energy of his goats after they had eaten a particular wild berry. He decided to try himself and got surprised in experiencing the extraordinary properties of the red berry. He shared his discovery with some monks living nearby, who managed to prepare a kind of infusion to drink during the long prayer nights, because of its stimulating effect.

Credits: Flickr

The stimulating effect is the reason why coffee is suggested to be consumed with moderation. It seems that moderate consumption of coffee can have health effects.

Coffee has been the protagonist of books, movies and songs…Some people literally can’t do without, while some other people find it disgusting!

Credits: Flickr

At the time of its arrival in Italy, the Church even declared it devil’s brew and condemned the habit of going to the “Cafès”, considered “places of perdition”, until the Pope Clement VIII decided to try the beverage. He really appreciated it and decided to bless it as a Christian drink.

Far for being devil’s brew, coffee is today one of the most popular beverages in the world – it is said to be the most popular drink after water!

Credits: Flickr

Coffee has been introduced in Italy through Venice: the first European Coffee house opened in Venice in 1645. The Italian coffee, worldwide known as Espresso, was invented in Turin only in 1884. This concentrated beverage has become one of the symbols of Italian culture in the world.

For Italians, coffee is much more than just a beverage: it is part of their lifestyle and it is linked with conviviality.

Credits: Flickr


We have already talked about the nice Neapolitan habit of the “Coffee in Suspense”. In Naples it is said that a good coffee needs to respect the rule of the 3 “C”: it has to be Carico (strong), Caldo (hot), Comodo (comfortable).

Do not miss our next Coffee post: a great surprise for all coffee lovers about the different types of coffee!


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