Most people I know (and worked for), myself included, have some kind of coffee maker that brews individual cups (or 2 at a time) of java. The top brands I've seen are Senseo and
Nespresso. We have a Senseo. Both have pods or pads. This system is probably more expensive compared to non-pod (aka: traditional) coffee makers, BUT it means a cup of coffee can be ready in probably 45 seconds. So if you are ever offered a cup of coffee, no need to hesitate. Most likely it'll be in front of you in a minute or two.If I ever forgot to offer you a cup of coffee, forgive me. I always show my visitors how to operate the coffee machine (VERY EASY!) and tell them to feel free to make as many cups, whenever they want. My mother automatically makes 2 cups to equal her normal 1 cup. For her quantity is important.
I take my coffee SWEET and with milk. I always use 'fake' sugar. That is also another discussion for someone else's blog. I just know that if I were to drink the normal 4 cups of coffee how sweet I like, I would need about 8 tsps of sugar, which would add up to an extra 150 calories!
Here we don't have (to my knowledge) half-n-half. Everyone uses milk. But for those who don't like milk, we can mix it with cream to make our own half-n-half or they sell something called 'coffee milk.' My latest discovery-put chocolate milk in to make a very quick mocha!
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I thought my post was done, but I got more inspiration. I found this site. www.kopjekoffie.be They are showing all the places they drink coffee.
How many of you think Starbucks when you hear the word coffee? Starbucks is slowly picking up business here. I heard from people that 'it doesn't work here,' but they have added 2 stores since I moved and number 8 is being built! Let me tell you where they are. Brussels Airport x3, Brussels Central Station, one is coming to Brussels South Station (so the hubby can grab me one on his way home *hint*hint*), Antwerp Central Station, Gent (Only one not in a travel hub), and one is coming to Gent Sint-Pieters Station.
The craze is taking over here as well! Yes! :) People complain they are over priced? I agree it sounds like a lot, but if we look at the QUANTITY aspect, it's comparable. *For reference, the prices here are the nearly the same as in North America, but in Euros, so the conversion makes it like a $7 cup of coffee*
This first cup of coffee shown was 6.30 Euros. Yes, it has a pretty, mini dessert, but there's not much coffee in that cup. I would prefer a caramel macchiato. The 2nd picture probably was half the price, but still doesn't have as much as an SB's. You are paying for that cute, little cookie. I do have to say that when you order a cup of coffee (I can't think of anywhere besides McDs where coffee is to go), it always is presented nicely. Some cute sugar and milk and a bit-sized treat.
Germans are very big coffee drinkers, too! Starbucks is ALL OVER THE PLACE here. I know of at least 6 locations in Düsseldorf and there is one in just about every mall I've been to here. Pretty much any big city in Germany has one. Their hot chocolate is what I think is most over-priced... 4 Euros! There are a few other to-go coffee places where you can get a much cheaper hot chocolate with the same quantity and it tastes just as good. So that's the only thing I wouldn't get at Starbucks. Unfortunately my hubby would only drink hot chocolate (he doesn't like tea or coffee) so he finds Starbucks ridiculous. Haha.
ReplyDeleteI'm more of a tea person myself but I will occasionally drink a latte or cappuccino, especially when in Italy. ;)
Great post! It's funny you talk about hospitality and being offered coffee. I learned recently that in the UK, apparently, it is expected that you offer coffee or tea to ANYONE who comes to your home, including, for example, a plumber or inspector, and that they are expected to accept the offer. Strange. I have a 10-cup coffee pot. It hadn't occurred to me to get a single serving maker so I can be more hospitable.
ReplyDeleteCoffee is expensive here, too. Same price roughly as in the States but in Pounds, so multiply by 1.6. And no half-and-half either. We asked for it at the store when we first got here and the guy asked us what we needed it for, then he asked us why we don't use single cream or milk in our coffee like everyone else.
Coffee in Australia is very popular, but in cappuccino form. Though they do sale normal coffee, I've yet to hear a person order it. It's pretty cheap here as well, about $3.50 for a regular.
ReplyDeleteStarbucks is not so big though, the only ones are up in Sydney, or in other states. We have a lot of Gloria Jeans though, or one off coffee shops. In the mall you will have at least 3 choices for places that specialize in coffee.
Yeah, here it is normal to offer a coffee to everyone, that is why I apologized if I forgot to offer anyone. Even if someone is dropping something off, it is normal to offer. Which is ok, but like I said, sometimes I don't think of it.
ReplyDeleteWhat was you answer to not using cream or milk?