On Mon, 22 Apr 2013 19:26:23 +0200 "Dario Bonazza" <[email protected]> wrote:
> I could not tell it better and, of course, I second that. > Dario (from Italy) Dan and Dario, why wouldn't you let us folks in the 'east' enjoy these wondrous stories of the great Occident? :) > -----Messaggio originale----- > From: Daniel J. Matyola > Sent: Monday, April 22, 2013 7:12 PM > To: Pentax-Discuss Mail List > Subject: Re: OT - Coffee terminology in the USA > > Coffee is a religion in Italy. There is an ideal temperature for > brewing coffee; too cool results in a bland taste, while too hot will > introduce too much acid and bitterness. Most Italian coffee shops and > good restaurants know what the proper temperature should be, and they > will not brew it hotter or cooler no matter what you say. They are > correct, in my view. The most important thing about coffee is the > taste, not the temperature. > > Lattes and cappuccino are made with steamed milk, especially in > Italy. Again, there is a proper temperature to ensure the fullest > flavor, and any real barista knows exactly how to achieve that > temperature and taste. > > I have not seem Italians slurp their espresso in one gulp, like > downing a shot of tequila. Instead, they sip it, like one would sip a > "wee dram" of single malt scotch. It is a moment of relaxation, to be > savored. Of course, the espresso cup is very small, and filled only > half way, so it never takes long to drink, but that is the best way to > enjoy real Italian espresso. > > I buy illy coffee, which seems to be the dominant brand in fine > Italian restaurants, and make it myself, since I have an espresso > machine at home and another at the office. I used to be one of those > who ordered a 20 oz cup of black coffee and took a long time to drink > it, but one I became accustomed to the Italian approach, I would never > go back. The difference is similar to that between sipping Lagavulin > or Laphroig neat and drinking blended scotch with 6 ounces of soda. > One does not dilute perfection. <G> > Dan Matyola > http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/danieljmatyola > > -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List [email protected] http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
