{"id":8742,"date":"2020-04-21T19:01:11","date_gmt":"2020-04-22T02:01:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marialiberati.com\/?p=8742"},"modified":"2020-04-21T19:01:11","modified_gmt":"2020-04-22T02:01:11","slug":"the-fashionality-of-coffee-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/marialiberati.com\/freshsite\/2020\/04\/21\/the-fashionality-of-coffee-2\/","title":{"rendered":"300 Years of Service: Italy&#039;s Oldest Cafe"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure><iframe src=\"https:\/\/anchor.fm\/maria-liberati\/embed\/episodes\/The-Fashionality-of-Coffee-ecq1c4\" height=\"102px\" width=\"400px\"><\/iframe><\/figure>\n\n\n<p><strong>THREE HUNDRED YEARS OF COFFEE IN ITALY\u2019S OLDEST CAF\u00c9<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<p>Coffee has become an almost inseparable part of daily life. With <a href=\"https:\/\/dailycoffeenews.com\/2020\/03\/26\/2020-coffee-and-beverage-trends-inside-the-ncas-annual-report\/\">70% of Americans<\/a> drinking coffee at least once a week, tastes are becoming more sophisticated as the consumption of gourmet coffee <a href=\"https:\/\/dailycoffeenews.com\/2020\/03\/26\/2020-coffee-and-beverage-trends-inside-the-ncas-annual-report\/\">increasing 25%<\/a> in the past five years. Americans are <a href=\"https:\/\/dailycoffeenews.com\/2020\/03\/26\/2020-coffee-and-beverage-trends-inside-the-ncas-annual-report\/\">drinking more<\/a> cappuccinos, lattes, and macchiatos; more and more, we are coming to love espresso. And when it comes to the perfect espresso, there is only one place to turn to: Italy.<\/p>\n\n\n<p>To Italians, to love espresso is almost as natural as breathing. \u201cAs an Italian myself, I grew up with only one concept of coffee \u2013 and that\u2019s espresso,\u201d <a href=\"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/emea\/stories\/2019\/starbucks-celebrates-one-year-in-milan-plans-to-open-in-more-italian-cities\/\">says Giampaolo Grossi<\/a>, the general manager of the first Starbucks location in Italy. One needs only to look at the INEI, the Italian Espresso National Institute, to get an idea of how important the drink is to Italians.<\/p>\n\n\n<p>Italy is a key player in modern coffee culture; however, it was even <em>more<\/em> of a part of coffee culture in the past. The city of Venice housed <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wheninvenice.com\/coffee-in-venice\/\">one of the first ports<\/a> to see the arrival of coffee in Europe as well as the first caf\u00e9 in the country. If you\u2019re trying to find the place where the world of coffee began, you should look no further than Italy.<\/p>\n\n\n<p>As we cross from one century into the next, let\u2019s take a look back at one of the places where this magnificent culture of coffee began by celebrating the anniversary of Italy\u2019s oldest caf\u00e9. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.caffeflorian.com\/en\/art\/weloveflorian-2.html\">2020 marks three hundred years<\/a> of uninterrupted service from Caff\u00e8 Florian. A reminder of a vibrant and eloquent past, the Florian stands firm as a cultural hotspot in Italy\u2019s Floating City.<\/p>\n\n\n<p><strong>What is Caff\u00e8 Florian?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<p>Caff\u00e8 Florian was the first coffee house established in Italy. Located in Saint Mark\u2019s Square in Venice, \u2026 Through the windows of Caff\u00e8 Florian, one could watch the world outside go through a whirlwind of changes. It has served its customers loyally despite the tumultuous world outside, drawing clientele such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Antonio Canova, Charles Dickens, and Lord Byron.<\/p>\n\n\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.caffeflorian.com\/en\/gallery\/florian-heritage\">historical image<\/a> of the caf\u00e9 before its renovations.<\/p>\n\n\n<p>In Caff\u00e8 Florian, you experience the past with all of your senses. The d\u00e9cor of each of the Florian\u2019s historically inspired rooms give patrons a view of years past as they caf\u00e9 taste <a href=\"https:\/\/www.caffeflorian.com\/en\/gourmet-florian-en\/the-florian-traditional-recipes-2.html\">traditional Florian recipes<\/a>, all while surrounded by the aroma of the caf\u00e9\u2019s freshly ground coffee and the sound of the caf\u00e9\u2019s orchestra performing the caf\u00e9 concert.<\/p>\n\n\n<p><strong>A Look Inside The Historic Caf\u00e9<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<p>Taking a step into one of the rooms of Caff\u00e8 Florian is like taking a step backward in time. Excluding the time spent <a href=\"https:\/\/www.caffeflorian.com\/en\/uncategorized\/room-illustrious-men.html\">restoring these rooms to their ancient splendor<\/a>, they have been open to the public ever since their conception; not even the historic flooding in 2019 could close their doors.<\/p>\n\n\n<p>The Senate Room, the <em>Sala del Senato, <\/em>saw the beginning of the Venice Art Biennale, the most prestigious art and culture institution in the world. Passages lined with mirrors connect the Oriental Room, the <em>Sala Orientale, <\/em>and the Chinese room, creating a labyrinth-like effect. Adorned with flowers, the Room of Seasons, the <em>Sala delle Stagioni, <\/em>displays portraits representing each of the four seasons. The Room of the Illustrious Men, the <em>Sala degli Uomini Illustri, <\/em>features ten men famous in the history of Venice.The fifth and smallest room, the Liberty Room, was opened to the public in 1986. It was created in 1920 to celebrate the two-hundred-year anniversary of the caf\u00e9, though it did not open until decades later.<\/p>\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.caffeflorian.com\/en\/gallery\/liberty-room\">The Liberty Room<\/a> is the simplest and most modern of all the Florian\u2019s rooms.<\/p>\n\n\n<p>These small, elaborately designed rooms encourage intimacy and conversation as you enjoy your coffee and the caf\u00e9\u2019s unique atmosphere. After all, coffee culture isn\u2019t just about the coffee- it\u2019s also about enjoying the time spent together.<\/p>\n\n\n<p><strong>A Commitment To Art And Culture<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<p>Caff\u00e8 Florian regularly hosts art exhibitions featuring contemporary artists. Sculptors, glassblowers, photographers, and painters alike seek the Florian as a tasteful venue to showcase their artwork.<\/p>\n\n\n<p>Adrian Tuchel is one of many incredible artists to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.caffeflorian.com\/en\/events\/venice-events\/venice-events-archive\/adrian-tuchel-at-caffe-florian.html\">showcase their work<\/a> at the Florian. This piece is a dreamy panoramic of the city of Venice.<\/p>\n\n\n<p>Caff\u00e8 Florian also holds events for holidays and celebrations such as Women\u2019s Day, New Year\u2019s Eve, and Venice Carnival. Many of these events last for a month or longer, giving tourists a large window to take part in the celebrations. Each event comes along with its own special menu to suit the festivities; at the Venice Carnival, you will be suggested <em>frittelle<\/em> and <em>galani<\/em> as are typical of the season. Regardless of the occasion, you can be sure that any event held at the Florian will be one to remember.<\/p>\n\n\n<p>The Venice Carnival, an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.caffeflorian.com\/en\/events\/venice-events\/venice-events-archive\/venice-carnival.html\">explosion of color and magic<\/a>, blends in perfectly with the mirrors and d\u00e9cor of the Florian.<\/p>\n\n\n<p><strong>A Taste Of The Past<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<p>Caff\u00e8 Florian features menus for breakfast, a light lunch, afternoon tea, <em>aperitif<\/em>, a light dinner, and after dinner. It features fresh and delicious products that are perfectly matched with your coffee.<\/p>\n\n\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.caffeflorian.com\/en\/venice\/florian-luxury-rituality-2.html\">traditional afternoon tea<\/a> at the Florian features teas, scones, jams, whipped cream, and finger sandwiches. The perfect meal to enjoy while leisurely chatting with friends.<\/p>\n\n\n<p>Check out this video to get a taste of what Caff\u00e8 Florian has to offer:<\/p>\n\n\n<p><strong>The Caf\u00e9 Concert<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<p>Caf\u00e9 Florian\u2019s attempt to preserve culture does not end with food or art. Season by season, the Florian\u2019s orchestra has been performing its caf\u00e9 concert since its rise in popularity in the early 20<sup>th<\/sup> century. Featuring different classical and operatic pieces, even the sound of the past has been preserved at the Florian.<\/p>\n\n\n<p><strong>Committed To The Past While Embracing The Future<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<p>Caff\u00e8 Florian is able to preserve the past while also propelling itself into the future, embracing modernity as well as maintaining history. The Florian has seen a number of other locations open in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.caffeflorian.com\/en\/heritage\/florian-1720the-future-present.html\">modern and contemporary styles<\/a> that honor the caf\u00e9\u2019s historic roots. The company has also developed three brands, creating an international name for itself and serving as a symbol of the city of Venice throughout the entire world. Everything the Venice Souvenirs Shop has to offer can be accessed on its <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.caffeflorian.com\/en\/\">e-shop<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<p>If you want to experience typical <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.caffeflorian.com\/en\/gourmet\/\">Venetian gourmet treats<\/a>, teas, and wines, you can access Caff\u00e8 Florian\u2019s Gourmet collection on their e-shop. Here, you can also find the exclusive Venezia 1720 coffee blend. If you want to experience the Florian without making the trip, this is a great option for you! The Lifestyle collection provides you with the <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.caffeflorian.com\/en\/lifestyle\/\">must-have Italian styles<\/a> for both you and your home. In the Design collection, you will find breathtaking pieces designed by the same artists behind the magnificent works of art found throughout the Florian. These items were made exclusively for Caff\u00e8 Florian, making them the perfect souvenir.<\/p>\n\n\n<p>This is the <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.caffeflorian.com\/en\/coffee-blend-venezia-1720-in-tin\/\">Florian blend<\/a> of the Venezia 1720 ground coffee- one of the most popular items.<\/p>\n\n\n<p>Caff\u00e8 Florian can also be rented out as a venue for various events. The caf\u00e9 can be booked for both professional and personal events. There is certainly no better backdrop for wedding photos or art showcases than the historic rooms of the Florian. They\u2019ll even help you prepare <a href=\"https:\/\/www.caffeflorian.com\/en\/venice\/marry-florian-2.html\">the most romantic wedding proposal<\/a> you could ever imagine!<\/p>\n\n\n<p>By keeping true to their historic roots while continuing to grow, Caff\u00e8 Florian is a testament to the fact that we do not need to sacrifice tradition for the sake of modernity.<\/p>\n\n\n<p><strong>Italy\u2019s Love Affair With Coffee<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<p>Venice itself has an intimate relationship with coffee. Italy has the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.worldatlas.com\/articles\/top-10-coffee-consuming-nations.html\">13<sup>th<\/sup> highest coffee consumption<\/a> in the world, though it is not actually the country with the highest consumption of coffee (Finland, Norway, and Iceland top that list- it must have something to do with the climate). Whether it\u2019s a cappuccino with breakfast or an espresso after dinner, coffee has a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eataly.com\/us_en\/magazine\/how-to\/italian-coffee-culture\/\">permanent place<\/a> in Italian daily life.<\/p>\n\n\n<p>Italians are protective of their coffee- and with good reason. They don\u2019t want to see other countries changing such an integral part of their culture. It was not until 2017 that even Starbucks was able to open a location in Italy, despite its expansion of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/jennawang\/2018\/09\/13\/why-it-took-starbucks-47-years-to-open-a-store-in-italy\/#2ad9ca20fc00\">28,000 locations in 78 countries<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<p>As caf\u00e9s gained popularity (Venice had <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wheninvenice.com\/coffee-in-venice\/\">206 coffee shops<\/a> by 1759, 34 of them in Saint Mark\u2019s Square alone!), they attracted people from all walks of life. There was no class or social requirement when it came to loving coffee. This sentiment has survived to this day; in Italy, coffee is seen as a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/jennawang\/2018\/09\/13\/why-it-took-starbucks-47-years-to-open-a-store-in-italy\/#2ad9ca20fc00\">social right<\/a> that belongs to all people, rich or poor.<\/p>\n\n\n<p>In 1767, women were banned from coffee shops in Venice due to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wheninvenice.com\/coffee-in-venice\/\">concerns about morality and public decency.<\/a> Women tended to ignore this law, however, and continued with their normal social lives. At this time, Caff\u00e8 Florian was the only caf\u00e9 that permitted women.<\/p>\n\n\n<p>The caf\u00e9 plays a consistent part in Italy\u2019s history. It has provided uninterrupted service for the past three hundred years and will certainly continue to do so for as long as it can.<\/p>\n\n\n<p><strong>Protecting Italy\u2019s Cultural Heritage<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<p>Italy is striking to have traditional Italian espresso added to UNESCO\u2019S Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity List. <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikivoyage.org\/wiki\/UNESCO_Intangible_Cultural_Heritage\">The list<\/a>, initiated in 2001, recognizes and protects cultures and practices that cannot be touched. Italy can already be found on the list as representative of various crafts, songs, and foods. Now, Italy wants to add Italian espresso to that list.<\/p>\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thelocal.it\/20191212\/why-italy-wants-its-coffee-to-get-unesco-heritage-status\">Why<\/a> does Italy want this specific drink added to UNESCO\u2019s list? They have a specific, traditional way of preparing and drinking espresso that they wish to have preserved. The Consortium for the Protection of Traditional Italian Espresso Coffee submitted the application, claiming that the truly unique aspect of the Italian preparation is its cream. The <em>crema<\/em> should be \u201cuniform and persistent for at least 120 seconds from the time the coffee has been dispensed\u201d and a dark hazel color with light streaks. Italians would surely know best; after all, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thelocal.it\/20191212\/why-italy-wants-its-coffee-to-get-unesco-heritage-status\">95%<\/a> of Italians drink coffee habitually.<\/p>\n\n\n<p>Italy also wishes to \u201cclaim back the espresso\u2019s Italian identity,\u201d says Consortium for the Safeguarding of Traditional Italian Espresso Coffee member <a href=\"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2020\/01\/03\/italians-launch-unesco-world-heritage-bid-for-their-beloved-espresso\">Ilaria Danesi<\/a>. \u201cThat\u2019s because espresso originates from the creativity of Italians.\u201d As coffee becomes more popular worldwide and people begin to prefer the gourmet taste of espresso, Italians are concerned that their traditional methods of preparing espresso will be lost. This is their way of ensuring the heritage of such a culturally significant drink will not be lost.<\/p>\n\n\n<p>The application was submitted at the end of last year and we won\u2019t know if it\u2019s been accepted for a couple more months.<\/p>\n\n\n<p><strong>Italy\u2019s Most Culturally Significant Caf\u00e9<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<p>Caff\u00e8 Florian remains a vital part of life in Venice as it maintains its reputation as a cultural hotspot. Whether it\u2019s with music, art, or food, Caff\u00e8 Florian gives you an accurate feeling of what it was like to be in an 18<sup>th<\/sup> century coffee house. Unfortunately, the caf\u00e9 was recently forced to close due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. If you\u2019re itching to try any of the delicacies provided at the caf\u00e9, collect any of the art pieces found within its walls, or update your style with authentic Italian pieces, you can still access the caf\u00e9\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.caffeflorian.com\/en\/\">e-shop<\/a>. It\u2019s a great place to get a unique and memorable Mother\u2019s Day gift that she\u2019s sure to love! (It\u2019s just around the corner!)<\/p>\n\n\n<p>The Florian\u2019s e-shop has a page featuring recommended Mother\u2019s Day gifts! <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.caffeflorian.com\/en\/favourite-teas\/\">This is a sampler<\/a> of some of the caf\u00e9s most popular teas.<\/p>\n\n\n<p>Follow Caff\u00e8 Florian on their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/caffeflorianvenezia\">Facebook<\/a> and <a href=\"http:\/\/instagram.com\/caffeflorian\">Instagram<\/a> to keep up to date on its reopening, events, and products!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Join Award winning Author with guests Simonetta Lein, International Fashion Influencer and Philip Dobard from the LA Food and Beverage Museum and the Fashionality of Coffee<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[564,2304,54],"tags":[2668,2669,2670,2658,269],"class_list":["post-8742","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-coffee","category-italy-travel","category-travel","tag-cafe-florian","tag-celebrity-chef","tag-gourmand-world-award-winning-author-maria-librati","tag-the-maria-liberati-show","tag-venice"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/marialiberati.com\/freshsite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8742","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/marialiberati.com\/freshsite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/marialiberati.com\/freshsite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/marialiberati.com\/freshsite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/marialiberati.com\/freshsite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8742"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/marialiberati.com\/freshsite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8742\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/marialiberati.com\/freshsite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8742"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/marialiberati.com\/freshsite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8742"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/marialiberati.com\/freshsite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8742"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}