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‘It’s like opening Taco Bell in Mexico’: Your reactions to Starbucks coming to Italy

Whether you took a stand for Italian espresso or were jonesing for a pumpkin spice latte, the news that Starbucks will open its first branch in Italy this year got The Local's readers talking like few things before.

Published: 9 May 2018 16:42 CEST
'It's like opening Taco Bell in Mexico': Your reactions to Starbucks coming to Italy
Starbucks will open in Milan in September 2018. Photo: Saul Loeb/AFP

As soon as the US chain announced that it would move into Milan in September 2018, the story quickly became the most-discussed topic on our social media.

We asked our readers to vote for or against the move: the result, it probably won't surprise you to learn, was a resounding “no”, by 87 percent on both Facebook and Twitter.

Why the opposition? Well, many of you just don't like the coffee. “Burnt” and “acidic” were the words we kept hearing.

It left a particularly bitter taste considering the local competition.
 
Bringing coffee to Italy, various readers suggested, would be like taking tulips to Amsterdam, opening a Taco Bell in Mexico or a Domino's Pizza in Italy (for the record, they've already done that). 

Then there's the price. 

And the translation issues.

And, um, the portions.

Many people said no self-respecting Italians would be caught dead there. 

But others disagreed. After all, Starbucks isn't just coffee.

And a few brave souls even said they'd be ordering a tall skinny latte themselves. 

Besides, is it really the end of the world?

As plenty of you pointed out, Italy's legendary coffee culture is probably tough enough to survive a little competition.

So go ahead, Starbucks, open in Milan if you want. We have a feeling that Italy – and its coffee – will be just fine.

READ ALSO: Why coffee in Italy is a culture you must taste to understand


Photo: Alberto Pizzoli/AFP

CAKE

Kaffee und Kuchen: The history behind a very German tradition

This leisurely afternoon ritual is key to the German lifestyle.

Published: 2 September 2020 14:03 CEST
Kaffee und Kuchen: The history behind a very German tradition
A family takes part in the Kaffee und Kuchen tradition in Zellingen, Bavaria. Photo: DPA

The mid-afternoon is a signal to many Germans for a traditional pick-me-up in the form of “Kaffee und Kuchen” – literally, coffee and cake. 

Be it with coworkers, friends, or family, the culture of “Kaffeeklatsch” (the act of catching up over the two delights) enjoys nationwide popularity, typically between the hours of 3 and 4pm. 

READ ALSO: Nine German treats you'll want to eat right now (and one you won't)

You might invite guests to your home to show off your own hand-baked goods, or if you prefer to trust someone else to take care of the baking instead, countless cafes and the more authentic ‘Konditorei’ are dotted all over the country – and as a general rule of thumb, the more old-fashioned, the better.

A typical selection at a Konditorei. Photo: DPA

A longstanding tradition

The origins of the beloved custom can be traced back to the 17th century, when coffee was first imported to Germany. In these times, it was only the aristocracy who would indulge in the pastime, but by the 19th century the indulgent treat became more accessible, and the combination has since become a cultural staple.

Whilst the working world often only allows for a quick, shop-bought treat during the week, Germans will often make use of the weekends to celebrate with large pots of coffee and a selection of delicious sweet treats.

READ ALSO: A brewing moment: Germany's baristas compete to create world's top coffee

And despite being somewhat comparable to the English custom of ‘afternoon tea’, the cakes you’ll find in Germany are nowhere near as dainty.

Expect to see a big slab of decadent Bienenstich, Erdbeertorte or Baumkuchen enticing you from behind the glass counter of the patisserie. 

Regional variations

Exactly how your ‘coffee and cake’ set-up may look differs across the country and time of year, as traditional German cakes vary according to both region and season. 

In the Black Forest, cafes are known for their Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte – indulgent layers of whipped cream and chocolate sponge (with added cherry liquor as the secret ingredient) are topped with chocolate shavings and cherries. 

A slice of Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte. Photo: DPA

In Bavaria, it’s the Prinzregententorte, which combines seven layers of sponge and chocolate buttercream to symbolise its seven districts, finished with apricot jam, dark chocolate and cream. 

Frankfurt’s speciality is the Frankfurter Kranz, a Bundt cake layered with jam and buttercream and sprinkled with caramelised nuts. Over the festive period, Germans enjoy Stollen, a Christmas speciality from Saxony – a fruit bread made of nuts, spices and dried fruit and coated with icing sugar. 

Bringing together the chance to catch up with friends and to sample some delicious German delicacies, indulging in ‘Kaffee und Kuchen’ really is the perfect way to spend your Mittagspause (afternoon break).

 
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