This time, I decided to get a little creative and keep it short, simple, & interesting. For once I promise I'll actually tell you useful information instead of posting pictures of food and incredible places I've been! Italians are known for & love love love their coffee. I, as well, am an enthusiastic coffee lover. And pasta lover. And [especially Italian] pizza lover. And pastry lover. So basically I fit in well, right? Anyway, the menu at the "bar" can get a little overwhelming, so I thought I'd share what I've learned throughout my four months here.
Oh, and that's another thing that's taken a lot of getting used to! A "bar" is what Americans would call a "coffee shop". Can you imagine planning to meet your friends at the bar and pulling up to a Starbucks? My Italian professor taught us a cute little joke to remember the Italian way.
"A man walked into a caffe. Splash!"
Logically, you may then be wondering where people go out to drink at night. Well, there tend to be lots of Irish "pubs", "American bars" around Campo dei Fiori, and small little places for sitting with a glass of wine along the cobblestone streets of Trastevere. A lot of Italian nightlife, however, is at the clubs. In Rome, the clubs are specifically in Testaccio. It's not known to be that safe after dark, but it's definitely bumping.
Back to coffee... Here's what I've got:
an american's survival guide to italian coffee
caffe - This is the Italian word for coffee. Don't be fooled, however. In America, it is what we would call a shot of espresso. It's ridiculously strong and served in a tiny cup with a packet of [much needed] sugar. They love their sugar. It took me a long time to get used to, but I've come to appreciate the quality espresso and reserved myself to the fact that I can wait until I'm home for some Pike Place roast from Starbucks.
[Really rough morning? You need a caffe doppia - a double shot of espresso!]
caffe americano - Now you're getting closer to good ole cup o' Joe. It's actually just a shot of espresso with hot water, but it's the closest you're gonna get to "coffee". I actually really like it. Sometimes I still need the sugar though!
latte - This literally means milk. They will probably ask you if you want it "caldo" [hot] or "freddo" [cold.] I repeat, if you order a "latte" at a bar, you will get a glass of milk. [No, they don't have warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies to accompany it. Try one of their sweet pastries, though!]
caffe latte - This is the latte you want; it's espresso and steamed milk! Flavorings aren't as common though, so you'll have to do without the pumpkin spice or shot of sugar free caramel syrup.
latte macchiato - It's been pretty simple up til now. Just wait. "Macchia" means stain in Italian, so a "latte macchiato" is milk with a stain of coffee. I mean espresso. A glass of hot milk with a dot of espresso.
caffe macchiato - This is where it gets complicated. While a latte macchiato is milk with a little bit of espresso, a caffe macchiato is "coffee with a stain of milk". This time you get a shot of espresso with a dot of milk on top.
cappuccino - Classic & delicious, trust no one who doesn't enjoy a good Italian cappuccino! It's espresso with foamed milk. That's how they can make the cute heart in it for you! Though it's always delicious, get it "con cacao" and they will sprinkle chocolate powder in there, too. You're welcome :)
Last little tidbit: Italians don't mix milk and food. I knew there was a reason I never wanted to finish my milk at dinner! A typical breakfast is a cappuccino & cornetto [or any kind of brioche/pastry thing]. Milk, and therefore cappuccinos, should always be paired with something sweet. [So milk & cookies is on point.] To be a true Italian, order "un caffe" after dinner. Since the wine puts you to sleep, my Italian teacher says you can't survive without a little pick-me-up! Then again, there's always time for coffee & something sweet with a friend :)
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