Italian Breakfast : Caffé del Doge
18 septembre 2015 § 1 commentaire
When you order a coffee in Italy, you will be served an espresso, in those small cup. Italians take coffee very seriously, and there is a way to enjoy it appropriately. A good espresso should not be bitter and prepared with fresh beans. Also, « espresso » means fast, they usually drink it at the bar. One essential rule to know before you order: capuccino or other variations of coffee with milk should never be ordered after 11am. They are considered as a “meal” in themselves and only for breakfast with a pastry. A journalist from the Guardian asked Italians how they felt about Italian food in New York, and New Yorkers but also French are doing it all wrong, particularly for the capuccino which is often ordered during lunch or dinner. 
In Venice, locals were having for breakfast an espresso with a pastry standing at the bar. A caffé you have to go for mingling with locals and hear Italians chatting – definitely the most beautiful language – is Caffé del Doge. They have beans from everywhere around the world and propose a large selection of drinks and pastries. If you are with friends who do not drink coffee, they can choose between hot chocolate prepared with real cocoa, or tea.
I went for an espresso and a « mandorle torte », which is almond tart. Italy is the country of Hazelnuts and Almonds, so eat them all while you are here! There were also my favorite pain au chocolat but it did not look as good as my delicious slice of mandorle pie. For a good start every morning, I would definitely adopt the Italian breakfast!
Where? Really close to the Rialto bridge, Calle Cinque, San Paolo
Le Marais: The Broken Arm – Paris
9 novembre 2014 § 5 Commentaires
Paris coffee scene has become more and more interesting, as coffee starts to be as important as wine or cheese. French people drink espresso, and in most of bistrots and cafés, if you want the « american » version, you have to precise « café allongé, s’il vous plaît » – an espresso with added water. I am always amused when I observe foreigner’s reaction when they order a coffee and they see it arriving in a tiny cup. Although the taste of espresso is very strong, the concentration of caffeine is less important than in an americano because the brewing time is longer for the americano. 
In Le Marais, I often go to a place called The Broken Arm. It is inside a concept store, and it was opened by a group of friends who were helding a blog called « Des Jeunes Gens Modernes » (blog now closed, link not found). They are famous for the Blueberry cheesecake (made by Rachel’s, not to be missed!), and the nice atmosphere. I really wish this café would be also opened on Sunday. 
You can have lunch here as well as just a pastry with your coffee. It is not far from the Jacques Génin chocolaterie. Vous pouvez également déjeuner, ou bien prendre simplement une pâtisserie avec votre café. Le café est situé non loin de la chocolaterie de Jacques Génin. 
Address: 12, rue Perrée – 75003 Paris
Omotesando Koffee – Tokyo
29 octobre 2014 § 1 commentaire
I had an espresso here almost everyday when I was in Tokyo last May. This coffee place is different to the others I visited in Tokyo because it is inside a traditional japanese house. 
When you will look for Omotesando koffee, you will think the area is too calm to host a café, but keep on going. I would recommend to help yourself with a GPS because it can be tricky to find.
If you are interested in architecture, head to this incredible building designed in 2013 by the architect Kengo Kuma. You can taste a delicious pineapple cake at the Sunny Hills showroom. The houses in the area of Aoyama were all unique and beautiful to see. I loved walking there for several hours.
Address for the Omotesando Koffee: 4-15-3 Jingumae, Shibuya and Sunny Hills: 3-10-20, Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku
Sugarsheet 