22/10/2012
COLAZIONE AL BAR (Breakfast at the bar): Cappuccino and Cornetto
In the winter most Italians have breakfast at the bar, to get their work day off to a good start, or to relax during the weekend. They chat with the barman and other customers about the weather, politics and soccer (especially on Monday mornings!) while sipping caffe' or cappuccino and eating cornetto.
Cornetti or brioches are a bar breakfast staple; they are less buttery and more bread-like than French croissants.
The typical Cornetto is plain and crescent-shaped, but you can also choose from a variety of fillings (whipped cream, crème, chocolate crème, nutella, different jam flavors, honey – this is usually a whole wheat cornetto).
Cappuccino is frothed milk and espresso in a cup. The quality of the coffee and the frothing process make all the difference!
You may ask for chiaro (light) or scuro (dark), depending on the quantity of milk you like; you may have it in a regular cup, or in a glass cup (in vetro); hot or warm; more or less foam...... yes, we are very particular about our cappuccino!
Some times the barman will create a heart – or even fancier -shape with the foam, or will ask if you'd like powdered cocoa on top.
And it's ok, and definitely recommended, to dip your cornetto in the cappuccino!
Now I miss Italy ;)
