Where Can A Guy Get A Good Cup Of Coffee?

     Where can a guy get a good cup of coffee?  Like most Americans, I am constantly in search for a phenomenal cup of Joe.  Don't get me wrong, most coffee houses produce a good quality product, and when the gals at Starbucks have your order memorized, it typically is a sign that you are regular but my eternal quest is to find the best tasting cup of coffee anywhere!

     This quest of mine has taken me to some amazing places and have spoiled my taste buds time and again.  I have had the smokiest chicory coffee at Cafe Du Monde's in New Orleans.  The place is an absolute institution in the "Big Easy" and cannot be missed.  Oh, and make sure to try their legendary beignet's, they are fabulous!  I have indulged myself with incredible island coffee from both Jamaica and Hawaii.  The blue mountain coffee is so intense with flavor and a freshly brewed cup of Kona is a true delight.  But for me, I have to say the best coffee is found over the pound in the cafes of Europe.

     Is it the atmosphere or could it be the unpasteurized cream?  I am truly perplexed by the fact that the best coffee is found abroad.  So far the holy trinity of the coffee world really boils down to the cappuccino's of Florence, the cafe con leche of Barcelona and the cafe creme of Paris.  Each of these delectable drinks have something in common, they are very rich, full of depth and just so creamy.

     When in Florence, I swing by this tiny little hole in the wall, just off of the Piazza Signoria.  The place is a tad spartan, yet is overflowing with old world charm.  They have two minuscule tables accented by simple bar stools and a large mahogany counter where locals squeeze in shoulder to shoulder to have their all important espresso shots.  Toss in a freshly made pastry and that's how Italians start their days off.  The counter is always jam packed with locals conversing about corrupt Italian politics and the local soccer clubs miserable show the previous night.  The atmosphere alone is timeless, but their cappuccino's are epic.  Imagine an espresso shot potent enough to fuel a jet and covered in the most frothiest of milk.  This combination of ingredients and finely crafted techniques, create a drink that could only be described as simple perfection!  Delizioso!

     Of course, one could make an argument that the cafe con leche of Barcelona is just as sublime.  Last time I was wandering through the produce stands at La Boqueria, I stumbled across the most basic coffee counter one could imagine.  Surrounded by the chaos and succulent smells of the market, this pint size stall produces one of the best drinks one will ever encounter.  It was operated by the most adorable husband and wife team. These two proprietors had to be in their 70's but were as affectionate as a pair of teenagers in love.  The coffee that they served is smokey and rich, and mixed with the silkiest cream imaginable.  Toss in a couple of homemade churrios right out of the oven and you are in for a real treat!

     Finally, how could you go wrong consuming a culinary concoction crafted by the french?  I know it's incredibly cliche', but to sit at an outdoor table at Les Deux Magots overlooking Boulevard St. Germain, sipping a cafe creme is an experience to be treasured.  Les Duex Magots is a chic french cafe, made famous by it's patronage of Ernest Hemingway (he wrote the novel "Fare Well To Arms" right here) and home to the most decadent coffee that I have ever had.  The coffee it self is so flavorful and smooth, than bathed in the most enchanting of cream.  The combination is absolutely astounding and will have you on the next flight for Paris.

     These coffee's are all mind blowing and legendary in their own right, but I do wonder if there is something else out there?  A drink that is even better than these mahogany colored goddesses.  This idea propels me onward in hopes of finding that holy grail of delectable delights, "The World's Best Cup of Coffee!"

www.cafedumonde.com
www.lesdeuxmagot.fr
www.boqueria.info