My Desperate Search for A New Coffee Indulgence

   
   One of my readers suggested I do a study about coffees, specifically "caffe correto."
 Excitingly, I was urged to try it, though it was the first time I've heard  of it .  With the thought of a different coffee experience amidst the many coffee shops sprouting in the country like mushrooms, trying out something outstanding would be quite a venture.  Where the heck will I find a cafe that would serve caffe correto?  So I did a quick research about it , where else but in the net, heheh.   Starbucks, Gloria Jeans, Bo's Coffee, Seattle's Best among others, they don't have this in their menu.

    I have to let you know though that I am not an expert on this matter as well, my taste bud is not that distinct as whoever claims to be coffee critiques or gourmands.  but I know what and how coffee should taste according to its concoction.  

   THE LANGUAGE BEHIND THE COFFEE

Here are some coffee-drinkers' terms you would want to take note of, however this is how classic Italians prefer their coffees, according to my parents who lives in Milan:

Caffe Corretto- espresso with a shot of grappa (unaged Italian wine, from seeds and stems of pomace).   Grappa is drank after meals to correct their taste, and had been added to espresso in the morning for the same purpose.

Caffe Macchiato- (literally means- coffee with a mark- referring to the milk) – so this is an espresso with a 1-2 tablespoons of frothy milk

Cappuccino- real espresso drinkers know that in Italy this is only drank   in the morning. It is typically 1/3 espresso and 2/3 frothy milk.

Not to be confused with…

Caffe Latte- which is espresso with steamed not frothed milk. It is usually a double shot of espresso (3 ozs) with 5 ozs. Steamed milk.

Mocha Cappuccino- 1/3 espresso, 2/3 frothed milk, but the finest cocoa powder is mixed into the espresso along with a spoon of sugar before it is topped with frothed milk.

Americano- if you must get the tradition al American- you will be served a shot of espresso in a large cup with another small pitcher of hot water, so you can make it “lungo” long- as they say. However, in Italy they are so used to Americans asking for this that at some bars if they detect an American accent they will serve this to you automatically.

SO WHERE CAN WE FIND ONE?

   Have you heard of ILLY? When we visited Milan, years ago, it is the brand of coffee we would drink.   Made from Arabica Robusta coffee beans, just not sure the percentage.  It has a strong aroma which stays in the palate of your mouth with its strong and pleasant taste.

Now there is a shop in Mall of Asia that carries the brand, of course, at Espressamente ILLY.   Now I have more reasons to go to MOA.   I just hope they serve Caffe Coretto.

There are also upscale coffee shops where the elite lounge and indulge in Illy coffee.  Java+ in Marriott Hotel Manila, and Cafe Verbena at Discovery Suites Tagaytay.

Here are some on their menus with prices...

Hot

Brewed Coffee 80 

Decaffeinated 80 

Espresso 80 

Double Espresso 90 

Cappuccino 90 

Cappuccino Viennese 90 

Caffelatte 90 

Irish Coffee, with a dash of whiskey and brown sugar180

Caffè Corretto: double espresso served with a shot of your favorite liqueur 220

Grand Marnier, Bailey’s, Amaretto, Kahlua, Cointreau

Cold & Cocktails

Shakerato: Iced, Shaken Espresso 95

Greco Originale: Iced, Creamy Espresso 95

Espresso Martini: Illy Espresso, Vodka, Kahlua 180

Caffè Affogato: Häagen-Dazs vanilla ice cream topped with hot Illy espresso 195

Caffè Moko: Häagen-Dazs vanilla ice cream, Illy espresso, rum & Kahlua blend 220


  I hope these were of help, special thanks to Mr. Tripster for the enlightenment, hope I have time to do another study for Italian Gelato.  I read a blog about the top 10 Gelateria in Manila that serves Italian Gelato at Spot.ph.  I haven't tried them all, but I say Gelatissimo at The Fort Strip still suits my Filipino-Italian taste.  Here is a blog about StickHouse, a bit about Gelato....