Espresso exclusively. As a demi-tasse or you can get it allongé (bigger amount) or as a latté. Even in those bigger forms, it is still somewhat shorter than a "short" at Starbucks.
Yes it tastes marvellous. Rich, deep, complex flavours.
Always black. Sugar is optional.
What is an even bigger difference than simply the volume of coffee vs back home, is the whole ritual.
In North America it is about volume and about taking it to go. Coffee is something we do while doing something else. We drive, walk, work with it. Pick it up to go somewhere or bring it home.
For the French, it is truly a moment. If you want a coffee, you stop what you are doing. You walk to the café, you sit down with your friend(s). You chat, you order, it arrives. You enjoy the coffee and the conversation and then you pay, get up and go on with your day.
The ritual can be as quick as 10-15 minutes or as long as an hour if you want. Totally up to you. But it is very much about being in the moment. This moment is also enhanced by the environment. There are so many terraces facing green space or lovely squares with fountains. Lots of people walking around, you're separated from the traffic most of the time. These locals don't seem to exist, in Toronto anyway. We have very few big open terraces, squares etc in which to enjoy this moment.
The way we enjoy coffee in North America is a real commentary on our lives there. We are constantly on the go. Rushing from one thing to the other. Multi-tasking like crazy. How much of the moment are we missing?
Yes people sit in our coffee shops and enjoy their coffee, but they are the minority. Based on my experience the number of people that come in, get their coffee and go far outweighs those that stay.
At the end of the day, it is what it is and I appreciate the difference. What does stick with me though, is the true experience it is in France. In Canada it's a drink. In France, it's a moment in time.
Sounds like you are enjoying yourself! We have an Italian cafe that encourages (and teaches) customers to enjoy coffee the Italian way. Lattes only in the mornings and espresso in the afternoon, enjoyed in the cafe instead of to-go. Of course they cater to what customers want but strongly encourage the Italian methods. Refreshing change from rush in - rush out coffee shops. Enjoy your coffee meditations Michael!
ReplyDeleteIs this why you were disgusted with my Starbucks/Loblaws post? I can totally appreciate the need to savour the moment and the drink. There is nothing I love more in life than to sit and enjoy a hot cup of tea, properly steeped. And at least once a day I do this at home. But sometimes I'm rushing to get everything done and I've needing a hot drink and I can kill two birds with one stone and have tea while grocery shopping. It's not ideal, and hot water poured over a tea bag in a paper cup can't really be considered proper tea, but sometimes it just has to do. Enjoy your coffee, enjoy your time, and enjoy this integral part of French culture!
ReplyDeleteI love this! So important to take the time and enjoy the moment, regardless of what else is going on! ❤️
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