Savoring The Moment: Coffee & Italy
As Liam brews the last of our Italian coffee haul from our recent trip abroad, the lingering aroma renders me momentarily useless, transporting my thoughts back to my favorite coffee bar nestled in the Tuscan hills of Italy. I can almost taste the exceptionally balanced cappuccino and hear the sound of the barista's artful movements. For me, there are few things in life as pleasurable as the simplicity of enjoying a morning cappuccino while watching the world go by. There is something about the peacefulness of those moments that allows one to reflect on the beautiful ebb and flow of life happening around us and a connection to the rich coffee culture of Italy.
While souvenirs from trips to Italy rarely find their way into my suitcase, there is one exception—Coffee. Just before beginning the task of packing my bags and heading home, I make my way to the local market to fill my reusable shopping bag to the brim with my favorite Italian coffee brand. This ritual, tinged with nostalgia, acknowledges our impending, bittersweet departure from Italy is imminent. Somehow, this practice lessens the ache of parting as the coffee becomes a tangible bridge connecting me to Italy.
At the center of Italy's captivating coffee culture is a blend of tradition and innovation. Whether I am walking along the cobblestone streets or speeding down the autostradas, I am always in pursuit of freshly crafted espresso, or as the Italians fondly call it, caffè. Seeking out both the experience and beverage has become one of several cherished habitual pastimes when visiting.
In Italy, coffee consumption transcends the role of being a mere morning elixir to feed a caffeine fix. It is a cherished moment of social tradition, a daily ritual woven as deeply into their culture as the Roman Empire. Italians, in great numbers, gather around elegant marble counters each morning, standing shoulder to shoulder — much like birds perched tightly together on a wire, they engage in robust and friendly conversations, eagerly awaiting their morning caffè. Coffee-loving Italians can be spotted everywhere, from bustling cities to the quaint hilltop villages that dot Italy's countryside.
One of the most exciting places to experience Italy's coffee culture is the lively Autostrada coffee bars, which are located along the main highways. Despite the seemingly unusual location, these roadside establishments, similar to a convenience store in the United States, perfectly reflect Elizabeth Gilbert's depiction of Italy's chaotic morning coffee scene in her book "Eat, Pray, Love." — Though not as elegant as a coffee bar scene in Rome, these road stops offer a lovely chance to participate in Italy's rich coffee culture and to witness the human connection that emerges amidst the spirited chaos of twenty or more Italians passionately placing orders. It is a delightful experience to behold!
Due cappuccini, una maxi, una normale e due cornetti alla crema.
While the setting, with its frenetic energy and the jarring loudness of voices, would have overwhelmed me in the past, my perspective has transformed over time. I now perceive it not as chaos but as a reflection of living a beautiful life. It is the celebration of a daily ritual, a declaration of the profound connection between complete strangers and their shared love of coffee and heritage. As a traveler patiently awaiting my order, a sense of triumph always washes over me when that steaming cup of coffee is finally placed on the counter —a small victory amidst the delightful Italian coffee culture. In those moments, I am an Italian, a feeling often acknowledged by the knowing look of those sipping coffee beside me in harmony.
Italian coffee culture is steeped in subtle tradition, and perhaps none is more beautiful than that of Caffé Sospeso or suspended coffee. The practice dates back to Naples in the 1800s and is the embodiment of unity. It involves ordering two coffees but only consuming one, leaving the other coffee suspended for someone else to enjoy later, an act of kindness and generosity. Leaving the other suspended for someone else to enjoy later. A simple yet profound way of demonstrating human compassion to one another, reminding ourselves of our shared humanity.
While the exact origin of the tradition is somewhat elusive, its continued existence today is a testament to the power of human connection and compassion. Hearing someone order Caffé Sospeso gently highlights the beauty of community and the natural desire humans have to care for one another.
Equally humbling is to hear someone inquire about the availability of a sospeso—asking for what one needs, without shame, is undeniably beautiful. In a world that often feels divided and disconnected, the tradition of Caffé Sospeso serves as a powerful reminder of our shared humanity.
A Caffé Sospeso might also be offered as a sign of respect or gratitude, which was the case when Liam and I, quite unexpectedly, found ourselves in the embrace of Caffé Sospeso. Following an early morning ferry arrival in Como. We were exploring a local neighborhood when we stumbled upon a busy and quaint coffee.
When it became our turn to place an order, I confidently declared, "Due cappuccini, una maxi, una normale e due cornetti alla crema, al tavolo, per favore" (Two cappuccinos, one large, one regular, and two cream-filled croissants, please, for the table). However, fate intervened, as another customer had claimed one of the coveted cream-filled croissants before my order was placed. Swiftly, on my linguistic feet, the uttered words "Uh, okay, una crema cornetti e una sfogliatella" somehow spilled across my lips. I am always amazed how, when I stop to think about how to say something in Italian, the words seem to make their way from my brain to my mouth with greater ease —A sfogliatella is a divine pastry resembling a snail, brimming with creamy indulgence.
My mind was left spinning, a bit tongue-tied from the ordering process. As I caught my breath, following the impromptu language dance, I noticed a few smiles and nods of heads from some of the Italian customers who had been observing the exchange. Eventually we made our way over to find a seat at a cozy corner table, the waitress greeted us with an infectious smile and said, "Il tuo caffè e i tuoi pasticci sono stati pagati, o sospeso—Grazie per aver visitato la nostra struttura, goditi l'italia. "Loosely translated, "Your coffee and pastries have been paid for. Thank you for gracing our establishment and savoring Italy.
The feeling of that moment was indescribable. On that day, beside the shores of Lake Como, inside a small local coffee shop, there was a strong sense of human connection, comradery, and, dare I say, love that exuded through actions.
This is why I love to travel - to experience moments that go beyond the ordinary.
This is why I bring coffee back with me from Italy. To remember the feelings of connection.
This Life Is To Wander.
-M
P.S. If you are wondering how to order coffee in Italy, here is a guide I created a few years ago from my collection of personal travel notes scribbled out to remind you of the nuances of the process.
Prego: Ready to order?
Ordering coffee in Italy takes some finesse, but once you know a few simple elements, you will be ordering your caffè like an Italian! *Also, pay attention to when it is time to settle your bill. In many small towns, you pay at the end. In busy bars, you pay when placing your coffee order; this is very common when ordering at an Autostrada stop. Keep your receipt; you will need it for step two.
Step 1: Place your order. Know what you want to order before approaching the counter or the barista. Sometimes, a menu will be in a touristy area, but there is often not. *See the menu basics below.
Step 2: Wait for your Coffee. If you have paid before, step up to the bar, place your receipt on the counter, and wait. If it is busy, don't be bashful; step up to the bar when a spot becomes available. If you will pay afterward, step up to the bar if you have not already done so. Again, this is often the case for small towns. *A saucer and spoon will be placed in front of you, and your coffee will arrive soon! *Please note that sitting is an extra charge, so you need to let the barista know that you will be sitting by saying, "al tavolo."
Step 3: Enjoy! Avoid lingering at the bar after finishing your caffè, especially during busy times.
Engaging in the ritual of ordering and savoring coffee in Italy adds a unique dimension to your travel experience, akin to exploring museums and wandering the charming streets.
So, please take a moment to leisurely embrace the Italian coffee culture and integrate it into your busy itinerary.
It's an experience that can be as richly satisfying as witnessing a flawlessly executed operatic performance. Perhaps that's a touch dramatic, but there's an undeniable coolness to sipping caffè in Italy!
-M
Menu Basics
Common Italian Coffee Drinks *In Italy, espresso equals caffè. If you are ordering one, say "Un Caffè" or, if you are ordering two, say "Due Caffè."
Caffè or Caffè Normale- Simply caffè (No milk.) Italians usually order a single shot at a time and return to the counter for additional shots. However, you can request a duppio, which is two shots. (Espresso.)
Cappuccino- (Plural is 'Cappichini')This classic morning drink has equal parts caffè, foam, and steamed milk. Italians enjoy cappuccinos traditionally before eleven o'clock. The cappuccino is served on an empty tummy and never during a meal.
Caffè Macchiato caffè with a mark of foam on top. This small, simple drink resembles a tiny cappuccino or a single caffè with some milk. The macchiato is something Italians enjoy all day, unlike other milk-based caffe drinks.
Caffè Latte-A caffè with more milk. One part foam, one part caffè, and two parts steamed milk. Similar to a cappuccino, traditionally, caffè lattes are enjoyed in the morning before eleven o'clock.
Caffè Americano- If you cannot drink traditional Italian coffee, order an Americano, which you will see on menus occasionally. *If not listed on the menu, ask for a caffè diluted with hot water. This is the closest coffee you will find to a drip-style coffee. Note: The barista may dilute this drink with water or serve it as a caffè with an H2O sidecar for you to cut on your own.
Caffè Lungo-A little less disparaging than an Americano. A long caffè or espresso with extra water.
Caffè d'Orzo-This is a caffeine-free drink made with roasted barley. It is especially lovely after dinner.
Typically, caffè comes unsweetened. Try one of these if you are looking for something sweet.
Caffè Freddo- (AKA Shakerato)To beat the summertime heat, order a Caffè Freddo! ( A shaken caffè, with sugar and ice.)
Caffè con Panna- Caffè with whipped cream on top.
Caffè affogato- A caffè with a scoop of ice cream!
Caffè Correto- Are you looking for a coffee drink for aperitivo time? A caffè with an added splash of liquor, like amaretto, offers a caffeinated to help you stay awake through dinner!
Of course, this is a partial list of Italian coffee concoctions, but it is a good start.
Hopefully, you will find a coffee drink above that will match your coffee-drinking needs. -M
