Quattro-Four

Best cappuccinos ever... and we made them!

Making espresso


Old school machines


Sampling Mokarico caffe

The factory at Mokarico

I love Italy!

This week I went to the Bargello Museum with my class, Symbols and Symbolism in Western Art. We saw Donatello’s David (in addition to many other works), the first free standing nude in the Renaissance since classic Rome. Can I just say, I totally did not know that it was in Florence! That is what I love about this city. Everywhere you turn there is art, history, and a story. There is so much to learn. There are so many great museums and places to go and see. And my classes go on field trips nearly every day. It is fantastic. I also gave a presentation on Donatello’s St. Mark in the Bargello. My mom, sister, and brother in law (and Dad?) are coming to Florence at some point this semester. I am going to be one stellar tour guide for them! :)

In Florence, tripe is a traditional food. Men often have tripe sandwiches for lunch. Tripe is animal stomach, just for any of you who were not aware. Being in Firenze, I have to eat as Florentine’s would, obviously. I got a tripe sandwich. It was surprisingly good! It was served on a great baguette with some type of spicy sauce. The texture was a bit weird, but I liked, and am glad I tried it.

Gladys and I also did a tour of a coffee producer and an espresso machine manufacturer today. First we went to Caffè Mokarico, the coffee producer. We learned about the different types of coffee beans, toured the facility, and did a tasting. We also learned about the process of blending coffee, which was first done it Italy! They even gave us a bag of coffee to take home with us. Next we went to La Marzocco. We learned about the company’s equipment and history, watched a video about the basics of being a barista, and got a tour of the factory. Then, we go to use one of the machines to make our own cappuccino. It was without a doubt the BEST cappuccino I have ever had. We grounded fresh beans, made the espresso, streamed our own milk, and added a bit of cocoa powder. If their cheapest domestic machine cost less than a few grand, I would have gotten one to be my own barista! Ha! They also served us lunch, gave us a photo book of their company, and gave us a coffee cup with their logo on it! It was a wonderful day full of wonderful caffè!

Tonight we are going dancing to kick off the weekend. Much love! Ciao!