Coffee in Rome
When I think coffee, I think about Rome. My first espresso was actually made and served to me by an Italian family after dinner. Coffee in Rome is very popular and taken very seriously.
Coffee was not invented in Italy, but coffee culture can be argued to have originated there. I was in Rome a little while back and was fascinated by their coffee culture. I immersed myself in the routine of an early morning, mid afternoon and evening espresso by the bar and cafés all over town. It was cheap, fast and it tasted wonderful. I was able to find a bar serving incredible espresso almost anywhere I was. The best part was that the espresso was always of high quality. It’s no wonder since being a barista is more than a part-time job for Italians – it’s a well respected trade that requires passion and craftsmanship!
Italy takes great pride in roasting and blending coffee beans. Italian roasted beans tend to have less of an oily texture and rich brown colour, whereas coffee in neighboring France have more of a deep dark colour and a fuller oil residue. Italy mainly uses arabica beans for more flavour and less caffeine. You can find robusta-arabica blends, but only in certain parts of the country.
To order an espresso in Italy you simply have to ask for a ‘caffè’. You typically order by the bar or at the till. Your espresso comes in a non-disposable cup. It’s meant to be drunk in 2-3 sips while standing at the bar. If you want to drink your espresso leisurely, sitting down at the café can cost you up to 4 times more. Sitting is usually reserved for tourists, but since I always tried to blend in, I took my espresso standing up. Trying to get a caffè in a busy piazza on a Monday morning is very hectic, but the way they manage to always produce an espresso of the highest quality is fascinating. 'La mano di Barista' as they would say (the hand of the barista).
It’s clear that Italy is rich in culture and their coffee culture is no exception. Each espresso is served with great attention and pride. If you ever make a trip to Italy, I suggest you have a few caffès before heading home.
Here’s a tip for all you coffee lovers visiting Italy: Do not ask for a cappuccino after 11am. It’s a morning drink and ordering it later won’t sit well the barista.
