Espresso
I didn't understand espresso before this trip. Sure, I've always loved an Americano, but putting back a straight shot always felt extreme. On this trip, that perspective as changed.
- Espresso as a Break. It's super common in Italy and Spain to walk into a cafe and order an espresso at the bar. It's a social practice, and even cheaper than ordering it to a table. You're served a small glass of water as well to clear the pallette. Sure, it's only a few moments, but it's an intentional break.
- Espresso as Micro Dosed Caffeine. At home, I drink a coffee in the morning and another at lunch. My energy spikes and crashes dramatically through the day. An espresso is the perfect amount of lift. And you can do it multiple times through the day. Like LSD.
- Espresso as a Digestif. After a multi-course meal of rich pastas, it's common to feel like you're about to explode. Espresso is somehow the magic antidote to this feeling. Just one shot after dinner (in lieu of bourgois dessert) is the perfect way to leave the table feeling lighter.
