Almost everything people say about New York is true to some extent (perhaps with one exception: New Yorkers are not universally rude). But one that strikes me the most is how cosmopolitan it really is. My neighbors are from 12 different countries, and I am talking only of 3 floors in my building. In my close social circle there are people from eight countries, which make for some fantastic dinner parties. My friend Beatrice had her parents visit from France last week, and we were sitting for dinner. We talked about good food, something most French people will gladly share with you, as Beatrice's father started reciting a complete five course dinner he had 35 years ago in Lyon. My mouth was watering as he described the nuances of every bite, and the blow by blow progression of that evening. Which brings me to my point: Do we have the same experience with espresso? Do you have a clear memory of some exceptional shots?
I do have a particular memory of one exceptional shot. 6:00 am, alone in my kitchen as the sun just started rising over Central Park. I was thinking about that shot the whole day thereafter, and I waited eagerly for the next morning to pull another one. But, as the Buddhist saying goes - You cannot dip into the same river twice. Those shots should stay few and far apart.
