Friday, 23 August 2013
Visiting Caffe Culture with my kid!
This year I finally made it to The Caffe Culture Show although I had my little one in tow, which almost blew my cover as 'coffee shop owner (to be)'. Firstly storing the buggy caused some issues, and I wasn't suited up like most of the coffee execs who were in attendance. I walked around in awe at all the glorious coffee machines that I might one day own, and can you believe, I ended up not having A SINGLE coffee!! As most of the machines were surrounded by said-execs no doubt discusses prices and quantities, I felt it would have been one step too far to act as though I was in a position to purchase. I did however learn a great deal about deli containers and transporting food, various cakes, macaroons (which I can't stand) and biscuits and came across a slightly bizarre chewing gum stand! I was also fortunate enough to sample some delicious loose leaf fruit tea which I will seriously be considering. When junior starting racing around the aisles as though he'd had one espresso too many, I realised it was time to leave nevertheless I will be returning every year from now on! A steep learning curve but one I am determined to climb.
The Ultimate Cappuccino
My view of the ultimate Cappuccino
I find most coffee-shops adopt the 'bigger is better' view of cappuccinos, whether this is due to the American style Starbucks coffee effect or this way simply people feel they get value for money - the fact is it is NOT true. It is rather wonderful to slowly sip a coffee while chatting with a long lost chum, perhaps nibbling on pain au chocolat, and surely a larger coffee means a longer chat (although how long do you want your customer to stay ??) but larger does not mean better (size isn't everything!).
In my experience a larger-than-necessary cappuccino (which tends to be the standard in most coffeeshops) tends to be so milky, as to barely taste of coffee. The foam fizzes and disappears as though I have scared it away through taking a sip, and the coffee below has a sad, pale brown colour. The best cappuccinos (in my opinion, and of course I have a lot to learn) are served in a 'smaller than mug' sized coffee cup, the foam is so thick you can spoon up a deliciously firm mouthful should you so wish, and the coffee below still has enough kick to actually taste of coffee, not to mention not looked drowned by the milk. There is an important distinction between a coffee being filling (it is not meant to be!) and satisfying, encouraging you to have another !! Aha!
I find most coffee-shops adopt the 'bigger is better' view of cappuccinos, whether this is due to the American style Starbucks coffee effect or this way simply people feel they get value for money - the fact is it is NOT true. It is rather wonderful to slowly sip a coffee while chatting with a long lost chum, perhaps nibbling on pain au chocolat, and surely a larger coffee means a longer chat (although how long do you want your customer to stay ??) but larger does not mean better (size isn't everything!).
In my experience a larger-than-necessary cappuccino (which tends to be the standard in most coffeeshops) tends to be so milky, as to barely taste of coffee. The foam fizzes and disappears as though I have scared it away through taking a sip, and the coffee below has a sad, pale brown colour. The best cappuccinos (in my opinion, and of course I have a lot to learn) are served in a 'smaller than mug' sized coffee cup, the foam is so thick you can spoon up a deliciously firm mouthful should you so wish, and the coffee below still has enough kick to actually taste of coffee, not to mention not looked drowned by the milk. There is an important distinction between a coffee being filling (it is not meant to be!) and satisfying, encouraging you to have another !! Aha!
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