The Cafe.

Although you can get a good espresso after dinner and a fine restaurant, my favorite way to enjoy "the tiny cup" is to sit quietly at a cafe, reading the newspaper and taking my time.  If you were in Italy, or most of Europe for that matter, finding a nice outdoor cafe to sit and drink you espresso would not be a problem.  I live in America, however, so finding good espresso and a comfortable cafe can be a challenge.  It is not impossible, even in parts of the country that appear to be "coffee challenged".  Here I am going to list a few of my favorites in different cities, all still kicking, and maybe in your travels you will have a chance to visit for a nice little cup and a bit of relaxation:

• Cafe Reggio: a classic New York City cafe with excellent espresso.


• Cafe Tieste: in the Italian section (North Shore) of San Francisco.  No hippies!


• Gelato Vero: a tiny scooter cafe with a surprising good quality espresso.


• Rue de la course: get your cafe au lait at Cafe Du Monde but drink your espresso at the Rue on Magazine Street.


• Empire Cafe: a fantastic place to eat, but also a nice cafe to read or work in Houston, of all places.  Try the sweet risotto with figs.


• Cafe Eclectic: a perfect cup of Illy espresso on the right day.

Don't give up on your local cafe!  I will post another time about some of my favorite places that don't exist anymore some other time, but it is very important that you patronize your locally owned cafe - or drink Starbucks for the rest of your life - ick!