Cool Beans

Journey to the Heart of Espresso

It’s better in Italy. And espresso is too a social network.

It’s late afternoon. I was watching a few Italians greet each other from my vantage point at a cafe table strategically located on the piazza. Both cafe and piazza were smack in the middle of Alba, a small town well known for its truffles and amazing Piedmontese food. When Italians meet for their apertivo hour, it’s like they hadn’t seen each other in years.

It takes 10 minutes for them to get through a barrage of ciaos, followed by hugs, and some small talk. And then they’re ready to sit down for more animated conversation. There’s also the ritual of getting their small dogs settled — Italians have the best small dogs in the world!

Amazingly, no cell phones were involved during their social interactions. A complete 180 from socializing in my hometown in New Jersey.

My wife and I were lucky enough to vacation for three weeks in northern Italy this summer. Alba was our hub in the beautiful wine regions of Barbaresco and Barolo. But we also spent significant time in Turin and Genoa. By the time we left, we got to know something about the habits of northern Italians in this mostly un-touristed region.

They enjoy their apertivo hour — starting around 5:30-ish — usually involving amazing…