The Italian Coffee Bar

an espresso just for me

OK, I never liked coffee.  

Actually, I down right detested it until I moved back to Italy in 2009/2010 and even then I really only drank it about once a month for the caffeine. I was on a masters program and super active.  I needed the pick me up.  

I started to appreciate the strength and depth of flavor very slowly. I'm not sure when I started ordering espresso and cappuccino less for the caffeine and more for the taste, but I now drink coffee (ok, not as much American coffee but Italian coffee) with pleasure.  

But more than the espresso itself, more than the macchiato or cappuccino, I find that in Italy I love the entire process of getting a coffee.  

In the United States we have Starbucks and quick places where you run in and run out.  You have quick drip coffees, to go cups and people impatiently tapping their toes on line.  Italy is not like that.  

a macchiato and Italian doughnut like thing

Italian coffee bars are an entirely different experience.  Expect slow movement and expect to enjoy it.  

When you walk into an Italian coffee bar there is the promise of time to enjoy your coffee.  There is no need for a to go cup, in fact most often they've not even heard of them.  There is no need to run, to rush.  You can stand at the bar and socialize or you can sit at a table and sip your espresso.  Grab a cornetto or some other wonderful pastry, because your servers making the coffee will not make it any faster.  You can make idle conversation with friends or if by yourself it is completely acceptable to talk to random strangers at the bar.  

It is normal to discuss the weather, or about soccer, or politics (although I would avoid the politic talk simply because Italian politics are fairly incomprehensible and usually result in loud discussions about the idiot known as Berlusconi).  It's okay to ask the person next to you how their day is going. Eavesdropping is a normal sport and you're entitled to an opinion.  It's okay to pry (and kind of fun too).  

A coffee bar is a great place to flirt or simply people watch.  

Either circumstance is acceptable. 

What I love is that no one rushes you. No one expects you to vacate your space quickly. No one expects you to down your espresso in one scalding hot gulp.  

An espresso, for as small as it is, is expected to be sipped and enjoyed. You can take pleasure in consumption. 

In the USA it always feels like there's a giant dragon at your back, breathing down your shoulders encouraging, no prodding you into moving faster.  Get away from the counter, drink as you move. Drink your coffee as you drive, as you work.  It's not about the flavor but about the energy you receive from the caffeine dose.  

In Italy, it's the flavor not the caffeine that must be savored. It's the richness of the bold, dark coffee and the creaminess of the rich, steamed foam.  It's the perfect blend of bitter espresso with the sweetness of sugar. And more than that, it's the atmosphere of camaraderie. Anyone can speak to anyone else.  You can take a moment to breathe and savor your day.  

a cappuccino and sweet treat in Testaccio