Espresso

Book excerpt: "The clamor of the cups hitting the saucers, the sounds of the coffee grinder, the machine and the steamer, the smells of coffee and fresh pastries, the counter filling with customers making a million different requests the "baristi" had no trouble remembering, the ordered chaos of people finishing their items and then moving along as the next group arrived, chatting, laughing, enjoying their short time together at the bar. Every espresso bar had its own characteristics, and some I sought purposely looking for a certain atmosphere or because I especially liked their "crema di caffè." Others I happened into because they caught my eye while I was heading somewhere else. When out and about with family and friends, there was never question of if we would "prendere un caffè" but there was usually some discussion about where. ESPRESSO explores the art and soul of Italy through the production, popular imagery, and ritual of coffee"--