Coffee Shops

I figured that perhaps the most important source material for my current work would be the subject and study of Coffee Shops.

The image to the right was my favorite fancy coffee shop during my visit to Rome two summers ago. Cafe Greco was one of the four best espressos in Roma.

here's a travel blog comment from another that I found to be a good summation:

"Antico Caffe’ Greco is a famous coffee house near the Piazza di Spagna or Spanish Steps in Rome. Since 1760 it has seen many internationally famous writers and poets like Keats, D’Annunzio and Goethe sitting at its tables.

This is my favorite kind of place to visit on vacation, especially in Italy. No matter what the exchange rate, a cup of coffee anywhere in the world can be one of your least expensive but most memorable moments on your trip. Think Roman Holiday with Audrey Hepburn and her sitting with Gregory Peck sipping espresso and people watching.

Sit yourself in a place of rich history at Antico Caffe’ Greco and write a postcard while you channel the romantic poetry of Keats. I met a friend here once when we were both traveling through Rome at the same time. We didn’t sit at a table back then because we had only a short time together. Like many coffee bars, this one also charges more if you sit rather than stand.

Walk in from the busy street and its elegant ambiance embraces you. it reminded me of the coffee houses in Vienna. With its central location, and being close to high end shops like Gucci, you will notice stylish patrons coming in as much as those walking past on their afternoon stroll.

Maybe being in the same room as Goethe is too dark and tragic for you. Did you know that Hans Christian Andersen once lived upstairs? When in Rome, Antico Caffe Greco is worth a visit with the best part being they just reopened May 24 after five months of maintenance."

- By: Sharon Castellanos