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!