Milk? - sure, but only before noon.

I like a good cappuccino just like the next guy.  Don't get me wrong, a little frothy steamed milk can be quite the rich creamy kind of wake-me-up I need after a night of debauchery.  That being said, I think we need to stick to some rules:

1. There is no such thing as a "grande - extra hot - non-fat - caramel - latte".  No.  There is not.
2. Almost any variation of espresso with milk should be considered a before noon drink.  This is how it is done in Italy and this is how I do it.  One reason is that after lunch or dinner who wants all of that hot milk on top of a big meal?  Eh?
3. The exception?  Well, in my opinion, the exception is a cafe au lait.  Now, that is not exactly an espresso drink, is it?  In fact, a good cafe au lait is done with dark French Roast coffee plus Chickory root.  For example, Community Coffee and Chickory or better yet the real New Orleans Cafe Du Monde will do the trick!

Now, lets talk about cafe Mocha for a minute.  While I may be an espresso purist, I just can't resist a good cafe mocha.  The taste of chocolate and coffee is really a fantastic blend of happiness.  I like them hot in the winter and iced in the summer.  The extra added bonus is that if you go to a cafe that has very mediocre or even bad espresso, you mix it with chocolate and milk and all is well - most of the time.

As for cappuccino, well I've had a few.  The best I can remember were the ones I would have each and every morning with a fresh crossaint at a little cafe in Riomaggiore. 

Mmmmm.  I can taste it now.  It didn't hurt that the cute Italian girl was there each and every morning to serve them, but that is in addition to the simply perfect little cup of morning that she served up.  I will not claim to know how to make the perfect cappuccino.  In fact, I am still working on the perfect espresso.  I may never get there.  In the meantime, try not to go to Starbucks, eh?

Ciao.