Introduction
A cappuccino is never really just a cappuccino. I know it sounds strange to say but a cappuccino is a social movement, a connecting factor, and the backbone of Italian culture.
Leaving America and the beloved sugar-filled coffee, I immediately became aware that my iced caramel lattes were simply not a thing anymore. A drive through coffee at Dunkin’ Donuts on the way to class has been my norm for years, yet arriving in Milan immediately made me aware that the coffee culture here is a whole different concept. One that I have learned to love and now immerse myself in as an avid observer and participator.
Rules of the Roast
Learning the “rules of coffee culture” in many ways has been a process. Being here for the past three months I have now become accustomed to the unspoken rules of coffee. Those that I wish I was told before arriving and have since learned through trial and error. The first one that I found particularly important was the rules surrounding cappuccinos.
In short, you can order a cappuccino in the morning, it will always be served in a ceramic cup (unless asked otherwise). Most of the time people will expect you to accompany your cappuccino with a brioche of sorts (a croissant). After the hours of 11 a.m, it is uncommon to get a cappuccino; some cafes will even refuse. You can order an espresso shot if you need an after-noon pick me up, while any other form of coffee is discouraged. This being said, I had to kiss my beloved sugar-filled syrups goodbye and force myself to love the taste of true and strong coffee. Once I got a grasp on these concepts, being a part of the coffee culture has felt much more natural and engaging. I find myself taking on an ethnographic approach while observing the ways coffee culture influences Italian society and daily life. Italians shape their entire day around coffee; where they get it, when they get it, and who they get it with.
A Cup of Conversation
An invitation to coffee is an invitation to conversation. It is an opening to friendship and agreement to spend time with someone. It is truly something very special to a lot of Italians and a beautiful phenomena I have been lucky enough to observe and experience. While sitting in the Cafe right below my apartment (Lab Cafe) I tend to see the same friends come in. They all know the baristas and there is a strong sense of comfort between patrons. Without even saying a word, the baristas are brewing up their usual order and placing a brioche on a plate. One thing I have strived to do is become one of these regulars that the baristas would recognize and know. Now after three months, I am able to walk into Lab Cafe below my apartment and instantly be recognized. I make small talk with the regulars and debrief my barista friends on my most recent weekend adventures. These interactions have been the most meaningful. Locals are excited to sit down with coffee and listen to my stories, while I am eager to hear theirs. It is truly a beautiful and unique concept that opens doors to friendship and opportunity unlike any other.
Coffee and Milanese Identity
I can now say that drinking a cappuccino every morning has become part of my normal routine whilst in Milan. It is something that I look forward to every-day and in many ways, motivates me to get up. The baristas at Lab Cafe expect me every morning, I sit and I observe and I chat with them and the regulars. If I don’t show up for a few days, they ask me where I have been. These small interactions have made me feel connected with the community around me. I feel as though by drinking a coffee every morning, I have built friendships and created roots. It made me realize just how connecting this one simple thing can be for people. It is truly quite amazing the amount of relations and possibility that comes just from sitting to drink a coffee with someone. It is truly never just a coffee, in hindsight it is so much more.
About the Author
Rose G. is studying Psychology abroad at Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan, Italy.
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