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Gustatory Tips |
22/09/2003 |
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| In most cafes you order the coffee and pay for it when you leave the shop, other places require you to prepay at a different bar and with the receipt you order your coffee. Cafes are also not places for lingering, most locals will have downed their coffee standing and be out the door before you have taken a sip.
There are several kinds of coffees. Espresso: the basic coffee drink served in a tiny cup or glass. It can be drunk at any time of the day, but is the ideal after-dinner drink. A ristretto (extra strong espresso) and corretto (espresso with a shot of grappa) are slight variations of this. A caffè macchiato is a cross between an espresso and a cappuccino. A latte macchiato is hot milk with a dash of espresso. An americano or doppio is an espresso topped up with hot water. Cappuccino's are morning drinks only, they are considered a meal in itself as this much milk is considered bad for the stomach at night especially after a big Italian dinner. They are also served luke-warm so they can be drunk quickly and standing up. If you sit down to drink your coffee it will cost a lot more than it would at the bar. Variations on the cappucino include cappuccino senza schiuma (without the foam), also called a caffè latte. If you want a long glass of cold black coffee, ask for a caffè freddo.
Go to our food and drinks page for more helpful advice.
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