Braving this dilemma is Alvin Lim, President and CEO of Serye Café Filipino, with the new addition to his chain of restaurants in Sucat, Paranaque. Alvin's stay in Europe inspired him to bring the “coffee culture” in the Philippines, without the usual European or American flavour but with the same urban flair as that of the café bistros in France.

According to Alvin, the idea of putting up a café that is dedicated to Filipino Fare has been sitting around for 12 years, but because of resources constraint, he has not been able to put it in place. However, his visit to France opened his eyes to how much the French appreciates their own desserts and coffee and Alvin thought that the same attitude could develop in the Philippine café scene. This young entrepreneur believes that Filipino coffee, desserts and dishes can be at par with the rest of the globe, if only resto's and café owners would present their products in tune with the global market.

Perfect Combination

“There's nothing more sumptuous than the taste of the familiar.” This is how Alvin describes the wide selection of Filipino desserts and coffee that Serye Café Filipino offers. The 12 years of planning generated a menu that can proudly be called Pinoy but can still be comparable and maybe even better than international brands.

Serye's signature drink aptly called Mocha Manila is a combination of Arabica coffee from Baguio, Cordillera and Sultan Kudarat and our very own cacao chocolate tablets or tablea from Davao del Norte, one of the largest cacao-producing provinces in the country.

Combining yema confection, a popular Filipino candy made of condensed milk and sugar, vanilla ice cream and coffee, Serye's Yemma Frappe will easily become another bestseller. The right amount of sweetness and bitterness provides a harmonious blend that is perfect for a relaxing afternoon with friends.

Another drinkable dessert exclusively available at Serye is Café on Sorbetes. To give it the all-Pinoy taste, Alvin made sure that their supplier is a home-grown ice cream manufacturer, even if it means shifting from their former suppliers. Alvin said that this is also their way of supporting the local industry.

Tablea seemed to be one of Serye's favourite ingredients, it being the main flavour in most of their mouth-watering dessert.

Tablea Cheesecake, Tablea Coffee Pie, which is made of tablea, butter cream and cookie crust and Gateau Mocha Manila which is five layers of chocolate cake, chiffon cake, chocolate mousse and coffee buttercream with praline, are all bursting with the bitter-sweet flavour from premium cacao beans from Davao. Not to be disregarded is the rich and creamy chocolate dip called Fondue Filipino, which is an imitation of the Swiss Chocolate Fondue, but which uses native chocolate. Fondue Filipino is served with Pinoy most popular merienda, crunchy Turon which divert from the traditional fried banana. Serye's Turon comes in three varities, banana-langka, mango-sago and buko-pinya. For these delicious treats, Alvin relies on the skills of his wife with desserts.

Coffee Table Art

Only on Serye Cafe Filipino you will find Pinoy art served with your coffee. The “Gallery on a Table” concept of Alvin completed the all-Pinoy touch in Serye's interior. Three famous young painters were commissioned by Alvin to create table veneers which the Philippines café scene.

Mark Andy Garcia, who admitted of not being a coffee drinker himself, created a series of paintings of his observations of how Pinoy enjoy their coffee. His first painting closely resembles the way I enjoy my own cup, over some good music, a good book and a cigar, in a comfortable spot where I can see the other people inside and outside the store. Mark Andy has been a constant winner in different art competition including Art Petron, Metrobank and Shell.

Jaime Gubaton's piece puts a romantic hint in his painting of a couple sharing a story over a cup of coffee in a mall where a family also happens to pass by. Jaime's painting reflects the current popular way of the yuppies crowd in getting to know their prospective partners, over a cup of coffee and a good conversation.

Another couple, this one obviously on a sort of lover's quarrel was depicted in John Paul Antido's acrylic creation. Using his signature jeepney as the coffee table, John Paul tried to show how cosmopolitan couples sort out their differences, over a cup of brewed coffee.

These furniture will soon be available in all of Serye Café Filipino's four branches - Quezon Memorial Circle (in front of Quezon City Hall), Santana Grove, Sucat Road, Paranaque, Level 2 Festival Walk - Festival Supermall in Alabang and at Eastwood City, Libis

Alvin said that like in France where coffee shops are becoming the melting pot of culture, arts and politics, he wants Serye Café Filipino to become a place for Filipino culture, art and even politics. He strongly encourages poetry clubs, photographers and writers to hold their events at Serye.

And to keep up with the recent trend among coffee shops, Alvin is also planning to set up free wifi connections in all of Serye's branches.

True Café Filipino

The dream of being an all-Pinoy coffee shop, which took 12 years to fulfil has indeed became a milestone in Philippine's coffee industry. Alvin has always believed in the quality of Filipino coffee beans, which during the 1990's was the fourth most exported all over the world.

“What Serye Café Filipino intends to do is to serve and promote local specialties prepared with global sophistication relevant to today's globe trotting Filipinos yet still keep it very familiar and close to our hearts. We want Filipino urbanites to enjoy authentic local desserts comparable to how the rest of the world enjoys their own,” said the proudly Pinoy owner of Serye Café Filipino.

Now Belfast has become one big cappuccino bar. Every new shop that opens has to have a coffee shop, and that's on top of all the usual chains: O'Brien's, Starbucks, Clements; even the large hardware stores are at it. It used to be that men went to B&Q to stand and look at planks of wood. The discussed the merits of various types of screws and wrenches with other men and went home satisfied for having bought nothing. They'd been for a trip to a male area of life, but now even B&Q has added a coffee bar and the wives come along too and have started getting their own ideas about what kind of new kitchen they want.

But I mustn't complain too much because it's in some of those cafés that I do my best reading. I cycle down to O'Brien's on a rainy morning and take my place at my favourite table and mix a good book up with coffee and a good dose of people watching.

However Belfast doesn't always get it right. Not every place serves up an Americano just the perfect way; it's either too weak or not very hot, it has no head, or the cappuccino is all head and no substance. But we're learning, slowly. I suppose we are taking our place among the sophisticated places of the world much in the same way that a ten year old girl tries out her mother's make-up. Refinement comes with age and experience, and at this stage we still have lipstick smeared from ear to ear.

Yesterday when I lifted my head out of a scene form the Algerian coast in Camus' La Morte Heureuse, I noticed two construction workers come in. It was their yellow bibs that drew my attention because it made them stand out against the grey, mizzley morning. I could smell the cement dust that dulled the strong aroma of coffee as they swaggered in, and they seemed to fill the room with their talk and their walk. One was forty or thereabouts, the other about nineteen. They both bent down to lean their elbows on the counter and treated us to a good four inches of builder's bum each. The Polish waitress came over and the older of the two ordered in a gruff, intimidating, loud, uncouth voice: “A skinny latte and a fat-free muffin to go”. The girl hesitated for a bit before he added “please”.

Initial Thoughts: I was rather excited to see the brand-new Roladin cafe while searching for a place to grab a sandwich and/or salad for lunch. Not for any special reason, however, other than my desire to not only eat Kosher, but eat at places that have a certification from the Rabbis.

What I Bought: A small green salad that came with dressing. The dressing destroyed the simple salad that consisted of cherry tomatoes and iceberg lettuce. I also picked up a salmon sandwich, choosing it over the Bulgarian cheese sandwich only because that one contained mushrooms (icky). It is utterly fishy and lacking on any real taste besides the salmon. Maybe with the right seasonings it could have worked. To finish it off I bought a Kinley Soda Water.

Final Thoughts: Perhaps I should've bought a cake or some sort of pastries. This bakery should stick just to that and avoid anything else, besides coffee (which I didn't try yet). The service was rather efficient, although nothing particularly spectacular. The atmosphere inside is nice, but the food was a major let-down.

Arcaffe - ארקפה

Initial Thoughts: I've always been rather intimidated when considering going into any Arcaffe. It gives off an "upper-class gal"s dress down spot,' which really means it's stuck up and you expect to see a gold-digger housewife (who does no housework) sitting with her girlfriends sipping bottles of Voss water and picking at a frisee salad. I didn't allow myself to go in until I knew I was looking 100% and had my new, shiny credit card on me.

What I Bought: A mozzarella/pesto/basil/tomato sandwich (carbs!), which was rather good because they toasted it. I had to grab their small cup of chocolate mousse (more carbs!) that I saw sitting in the case with the sandwiches. It was alright, rather rich. I was going to buy mineral water, but I saw the free filtered water tank and decided to go with that, instead.

Final Thoughts: It is a nice place for a business lunch, blind date (I did meet one up there), and yes, even for some stuck-up gals to get together and drink iced tea. The set-up is a non-chalant sort of luxury, and you feel odd if you go in just to take something to go, so sit! Expect the servers to be stuck-up, though, and the only real help you'll find is with the busboys (who are usually foreigners). The sandwiches and coffee are good, but I'd stay away from the sweets and their salads.

Aroma - ארומה

Initial Thoughts: Cool, a coffee shop. Thought of it as the main and one of the only Israeli coffee shops when I first came here. They're spread out all over and seem to be acceptable for all income levels to be seen at.

What I Bought: I usually pick up the chicken salad (comes in 3 sizes) with 1000 Island lite dressing. It's good, nothing amazing, but very edible and a good default choice if I'm not in a risky mood. In the winter, I loved the warm roast beef sandwich and tomato soup, but never get the bean soup (it really looks disgusting and is bland). The iced coffee my friend likes from here, but I find it lacking enough flavor and don't like that it's sitting in one of those little machines (I'm a former Starbucks type of gal).

Final Thoughts: The food is good, but not gourmet. I usually prefer to take away what I order, but sitting down is also doable. The servers/cashiers at most Aromas can be rude, so it's important to be firm with them when ordering and ask to make sure they gave you all of your dressings and plasticware. I don't recommend buying coffee from here, however, just lunch.

Coffee Bean

Initial Thoughts: Awesome, American style coffee! (This is when I still thought American coffee was good...) Well, screw the hot coffee, I'm going for the Ice Blend because Starbucks made me an addict of Frappy-type drinks. Added benefit? They for sure have to speak English, since the owners are Americans from Los Angeles.

What I Bought: I've had nearly every flavor of the Ice Blend they have to offer here in Israel. Most are pretty good, what you like will depend solely upon your preferences, but you usually can't go wrong if you like fresh blended drinks. The food isn't so bad, though I don't prefer their salads, since there's always those terrible dried tomatoes. Mini sandwiches are a perfect choice with a drink. Get desserts (overpriced) only if you're going to split them with someone else, they are extremely rich (this is from the owner of the ultimate sweettooth).

Final Thoughts: If you go here, you will be tossed into one of two categories: American, or a wannabe American. Neither are good in my opinion, but I don't really care because I get my favorite drinks (most iced drinks in Israel taste terrible and are sitting in those rotating machines for the entire day, sometimes for days at a time, even). The sandwiches are a good bet, and the service is usually up to basic American standards.

How to reach

The nearest airport is Kozhikode, which is approximately 75 kms away. The other, more better option is to drive down from Bangalore, the silicon valley of India. The distance is 300 kms and it would take approximately 6 hours. En route, you would pass by Mysore, the city of palaces. But there is an even more interesting place on the way. About halfway through this journey, you would reach a small town named Gundlupet, where you have to take a right turn towards Vythiri. Once you turn, you see endless tracts of farm land on either side of the road, extending all the way to the horizon. Cabbage, beet root (a red coloured vegetable), carrot, beans and water melon are the main crops. It is indeed a beautiful sight. Depending on which time of the year it is, the crops will be different.

What to see

There are many local attractions to suit any traveler. Pookote lake is a natural fresh water lake, surrounded by hills on all four sides. Boating facility is available here. Tourists can also take the horse carriage ride around the lake. If you are a fitness freak, you are also encouraged to walk the perimeter of the lake, enjoying the pristine atmosphere. There is a children's park and as well as shops selling local art and craft as well as spices.

Banasura Sagar

This is the largest earthern dam in India. Situated 25kms from Vythiri, this dam offers a picturesque view due to submerged hillocks upstream when the dam is full. The drive to the dam from Vythiri is equally picturesque, with rolling tea plantations on either side of the road.

Edakkal Caves

Located 30 kms from Vythiri, is not really a cave as the name suggests. It is a fissure made by a corner of rock splitting off from the main body due to some natural causes. A gigantic piece of rock has fallen over one portion of the cleft making it look like a roof. This gives the appearance of a cave. The walls of the rocks contain hieroglyphics, which date back to pre-historic era.

There are many waterfalls in the area. Meenmutty falls and Soochippara falls are the most visited. There is also the pristine Kuruva island which is 950 acres of wilderness. You can sight different varieties of flora and fauna in this island. Lakkidi view point is about 5 kms from Vythiri and it gives a beautiful view of the valley, along with the winding roads.

If you love wild animals there is Muthanga wild life sanctuary for you. You can go into the forest in a jeep. If you are lucky, you can sight spotted deers, herds of elephants, monkeys and also bisons.

Time to visit

The best time to visit is October - May. But if you love the rains, you can also visit Vythiri during monsoon, which is June - September. Look out for leeches in rainy season! Though they will purify your blood and it is not painful, it is a gory sight if you are bitten by one. Make sure you wear covered footwear to prevent leech bites.

Accommodation

There is a variety of accommodation available to suit any budget. Resorts, budget hotels, home stays are all available in and around Vythiri. Vythiri is about 10 kms away from Kalpetta, which is the headquarters of Wayanad district. Kalpetta also offers many accommodation choices. The local cuisine is lip smacking.

While in Vythiri, fill your lungs with the fresh, unpolluted mountain air, because it is indeed becoming a rare commodity.

So the concept is very much practical to the typical Filipino - you can way enjoy getting a full meal or a delectable coffee/cake meal without getting broke. The place is also big and inviting enough to get a group of friends to chat or whole parties to celebrate. Plus, after enjoying great dining in Nezz 74 Café, you can hop around Obrero St. with all the bars and restos it has to offer.

The coffee shop offers hot and cold coffee, beer, fraps, cakes, pastas, and other meals - so you have a lot to explore. You should check out there banana coffee - which after drinking makes you feel that you have eaten a whole bunch of bananas! My friends and I tried on some of their cakes (Mango Cream Cheesecake, Blueberry Cream Cheesecake, Cheesecake on Oreo, and Tiramisu) which cost from Php 60.00 - Php 120.00 (converted to dollars that would be barely USD 1.00 - USD 4.00 each!). But never mind the price, each bite is heavenly and it complements well with their hot coffee (I had some Café Americano at that time). I shall say it was all bliss, happiness, joy, fun, love, and extreme exhilaration for me. I love fine dining with the camaraderie of your greatest friends on the table…

I thought it would be beneficial to describe the two basic types of coffee beans before posting some of the world's coffee. Each bean has its own characteristics and each is unique for various reasons.

Arabica:

The higher quality bean which is expensive to produce and more difficult to cultivate. This bean needs very specific conditions of temperature, altitude, and soil. As soon as they are ripened, the berries fall to the ground and must be harvested immediately. This bean however is full of flavor and aroma, and also is low in caffeine. Arabica beans make up just about 75% of the beans grown around the globe.

Robusta

These beans are more receptive concerning temperature and altitude. Having twice the amount of caffeine with regards to the previous bean, the Robusta bean does not fall when ripe, meaning that it can be harvested at a simpler pace. Their minimal flavor and aroma are usually the main content of instant coffee, and this is a result of the bean maturing rather rapidly.

Coffees of the World

Ethiopia: Coffee Arabica

I remember on my way to Kenya, I had to go through Ethiopia. Once at the airport I, along with other fellow passengers, found a small sitting area. Sitting down on a pillow in a semi-circle, a man in traditional Ethiopian clothes pours you a cup of Ethiopian coffee, called Coffee Arabica. Mountain coffee as it is also sometimes referred to is highly acidic but with a delicate body that is gentle on the throat. Since there is less caffeine in this coffee, the kick was disappointingly short-term.

Jamaica: Blue Mountain

A friend of mine was working out in Jamaica as part of a new hotel project not too far from Kingston. When he came back for a visit he brought back some Jamaican coffee. I asked him if it was laced with anything but he disappointingly said no. I sighed as well. The expensive Blue Mountain coffee is made of flavorful beans similar to Tia Maria coffee liquer, and has a mild taste to it with a bitter-sweet kick. It was a nice booster but honestly speaking, I would rather the other product Jamaica is well-known for…ya mon!

Hawaii: Kona

Every year in Hawaii there is a Kona Coffee Cultural Festival that displays various ways in traditionally using the coffee plant. Kona coffee is one of the most wanted coffees in the world, but it also comes with a rather high price tag. Its overwhelming aroma is backed up by its soft sweet flavor and a delicate wine-like after-taste. Could be interesting but might have to drink a few cups to feel anything since wine isn't really my thing.

West Africa, Brazil, Vietnam: Coffee Canephora

A very bitter taste and about twice the amount of caffeine compared with that of Coffee Arabica, and this is due to the Robusta bean. It usually comes as instant or filter coffee, but can also be drank as espresso blends. I haven't had the pleasure to try this particular coffee, but when I do will probably go for an espresso, or 4.

Japan, Philippines, US: Kopi Luwak

If you saw the movie “The Bucket List” with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, you know a little something about the most expensive coffee in the world. Kopi Luwak can reach up to $600 a pound, but the real story is how it is actually made. The berries are eaten and then passed through the digestive tract of the Asian Palm Civet, however the beans pass through their system undigested. These beans, it is believed, get their powerful flavor from the stomach of the civet cat which also gives the coffee its richly bitter taste. I'm going to hold off trying this coffee for the meantime.

Asian Palm Civet - Yummy Beans

It doesn't matter what time of year you visit, Encinitas is always breathtaking. With skies of neon blue and palm trees and grass in the most stunning shades of green, it's almost as if the sun has set this town on fire. Stop by one of the many cafes and treat yourself. The doors are usually always open. One stop, Swami's Cafe, sits with its patio feet away from passing cars and bikers on the 101. Here you can get a ridiculous breakfast or lunch of organic and natural foods while watching surf videos while you wait in line to order. Afterwards, head across the street to the Java Hut for a satisfying blend of fruit smoothies. With your smoothie in hand, take a walk through the nearby Self Realization Gardens to experience some of the most beautiful flowers and ocean views in all of Encinitas.

Before the sun goes down for the day, stop by the Pannikin for a cup of joe. You won't be able to miss this place. The Pannikin is an old yellow train station that has been turned into a coffee and tea shop. You will find local artwork hanging on the walls and people reading outside on the patio. Once you have your cup, take a stroll a few blocks west and watch one of the most beautiful sunsets you will ever experience.

This is only a taste of what you will find here in Encinitas, so stop by and explore for yourself the fresh ocean air, the wonderful people, and the beach cafes. Keep in mind though, you won't want to leave.

Be alert of a giant dancing squid while swimming!

Please do not poop on the tree!

Cool, what type of burger is termed “Yo baby burger?”

Actually reads: “Watch for children...they could be yours.” What is the purpose of this sign? Do kids in Quebec usually go to the road and then become unconscious?

An emergency brake found in a Dutch train. Nevertheless, someone purposely wrote “room service” on it, which means pull here for room service!

Be careful; do not let the sea claim your car!

Coffee and what?! Some snack of SNAKE...

If your dog has a giant hair on his neck, he will be the next king.

Wait! The ducklings and their mother are crossing the road.

The poop is in an odd shape, it looks like charcoal ice cream.

...the latest design of a toilet ball?

Hmmm ... lost the faith in GOD?

It is Ok you do not speak Dutch, as “urinoir” means...

The sign says “Warning! Trying to climb the bin is dangerous.” Someone may change his mind at the last minute by climbing into this old clothes collection bin and be mistaken for donation.

Do not use your laptop while...

The sign means, “Take your dog's poop home!” Oops, poop has feelings, too! The poop has an angry face, how funny is that?!

Hey, kid, you do not hit your target!

...have people really locked and suffocated their toddlers in the plastic bin that call for a warning sign???

Awesome! Monkeys or coworkers...

Hmmm ... an emergency meeting area...

The sign in Japanese reads: “Smoking in a clump of people is bad. People's coats are mostly expensive.”

Wow, UFO ...an alien abduction area?!

Naked men with hats not allowed entering the church.

Oh no...Is this “modern” corpse transportation? Why is this stiff dead man still smiling?

What kind of bin is this? Do not put fish or a bag in the bin or it will bite you. ...oh no, dwarves and children cannot use it too...hmmm...anyway do not stick your head in it.

Danger! You will be chased by possessed construction machinery"....

No passing gas here, please!

An explosive car should not be here!

Do not flush baby bottle, fork, syringe, bottle, cup and underwear down the toilet!

Attention! Mr. Superman, do not cross here!

Mr. Elk: “Hey you alien baby, do not touch my antler velvet!”

Do not laser your hand! It will turn black!

Japan Tobacco made a series of these posters to encourage smokers to be more polite about litter and smoking in public places. Some of them are indeed very poetic.

Do not smoke here or a man in a top black hat will break one of your legs with a smile.

Shut up! Let us go! (A comedy group called "Eure Muetter" means “Your mother” is coming around to present their new program "Nix da "Leck mich!" Auf geht's!" that means "Shut up! Let us go!")

Mr. Pooper, do not poop here, please!

In the name of love, STOP!!!

If you let wheels and turtles roll into the bowl, you are not going to rocket away by the power of your bowel!

Oops, upside down ducks like swimming in the garbage ponds?!

Hmmm……..toilet for two headed female?!

For those who aim the best………probably this is the right place.

Wow, what kind of coffee is this?

Confused…….Non? Oui?

“WRONG WAY” or “GNORW YAW” ……???

The sign says in Spanish, “Jesus Christ is the remedy...?”

Oops … A tree with a BRA. Awesome though!

Hmmm… Does the sign that is located upside down means that one can queue across the intersection?

Perhaps this is not a good place to buy foods.

Female may feel nervous of using this restroom.

Ideal place for one stop shopping: buy some real estates, get a haircut and a divorce for $99.

One of the great pleasures of Roman life is to sip a coffee at one of the elegant coffee bars and watch the world go by. But you can build your whole afternoon around that espresso ... from the wonderful journey to the coffee bar to the arrival to your selection of seating or standing and your careful selection of beverage.

My favorite Sundays spent in Rome is a trip to via Via Condotti to Antico Caffe Greco.

Via Condotti is located in the centro storico- or the historic center- is a display of the finest not only Italian but European style. Who says that food and fashion have nothing in common? In Rome it is fashionably chic to get dressed up in the afternoon for this stroll or as we call it "paseggiata" (stroll or walk) and present a "bella figura"(dressed in your best) and stroll to one of Rome's most elegant of coffee houses.

I have always observed that everything in Italy is set out like an opera- even daily life and my afternoon is not finished until the final act has occurred- and what a beautiful final act- that is my cup of espresso to end my afternoon or evening.

The Italian painter from the early 1900's- Giorgio De Chirico described the Antico Caffe Greco best- Il Caffe Greco e l'unico posto al mondo dove sedersi e aspettare la fine- translated means- “It is the only place in the world where one sits and waits for the end”

The oldest, and the most elegant café in Rome, Café Greco has no competition in that respect. This café has earned its distinguished place in Rome's history centuries ago and it is filled with an aura, mystery as wondrous as the geniuses who gathered there.

'Imaginary' (imagine) for a minute- an elegant salon filled with the most creative geniuses from around the world that have left in some way their mark, their creations and spent a large part of their life here..

As we say: ”Incredibile”

Antico Caffe Greco's former patrons reads like a who's who- from Berlioz , Buffalo Bill, Dickens, Goethe, Hawthorne, Humperdinck, Keats, Liszt, Lord Byron, Mendelssohn, Stendhal, Twain, Wagner, Wells. To think Hans Christian Andersen lived upstairs....Rossini composed here..you can just hear it when you sit and sip your day away.

But at Antico Caffe Greco you don't stand at the counter here. You see, this is not your typical bar. One sits here in an elegantly upholstered chair, all the more reason to sip and imagine you being one of the turn of the century intellectuals or "glitterati." For in that period, coffee was known as the beverage of intellectuals.

A famous saying in Rome is that ”there are 2 types of people in the world: espresso drinkers and non-espresso drinkers,” referring to how serious Italians take their coffee, as they consume 14 billion cups of espresso per year. So when you go to Italy, be sure that you are recognized as an espresso drinker.

Some tips for ordering coffee in Italy:

Caffe Corretto- espresso with a shot of grappa

Caffe Macchiato- (literally means- coffee with a mark- referring to the milk) - so this is an espresso with a 1-2 tablespoons of frothy milk

Cappuccino- real espresso drinkers know that in Italy we only drink this in the morning. It is typically 1/3 espresso and 2/3 frothy milk.

Not to be confused with...

Caffe Latte- which is espresso with steamed not frothed milk. It is usually a double shot of espresso (3 ozs) with 5 ozs. Steamed milk.

Mocha Cappuccino- 1/3 espresso, 2/3 frothed milk, but the finest cocoa powder is mixed into the espresso along with a spoon of sugar before it is topped with frothed milk.

Americanino- if you must get the tradition al American- you will be served a shot of espresso in a large cup with another small pitcher of hot water, so you can make it "lungo" long- as they say. However, in Italy they are so used to Americans asking for this that at some bars if they detect an American accent they will serve this to you automatically.