italians do it better

10:05am in the department.

0/15 sweds

0/5 germans

0/4 east european

0/1 norwegian

0/1 ethyopian

2/2 ITALIANS

a stunning result.

italian word of the day: “brioche”

“brioche”, also known as “cornetto”, means “croissant”. Having breakfast is still a pretty common tradition in Italy, and it can take place at home or in a “bar” on the way to work or downtown, in the weekend. A breakfast in a bar can be “in piedi” (standing, expected total time: 5 to 10 mins) or “seduti”, sitting at a small table, with an expected total time of 15 to 30 minutes.  One can have breakfast alone or with other peole; if alone, most likely the Italian will flick trough the pages of a newspaper.

A “brioche” typically can be “vuota” (with no filling), “alla marmellata” (with jam, usually apricot jam), or “alla creama” (with a light custard cream). A “brioche” is taken with a cappuccino or a juice. Given the size and the sweetness of the “brioche” itself, most people will refrain from taking it with an espresso, which is just a sip of coffee, even if in that occasion several bars will be pleased to offer a glass of water along.

the ”brioche” is the symbol of taking pleasure from life for what it is, and of celebrating the beauty of being alive, even on the way to work. The small talk with the waiters makes you feel home, and being recognized and friendly greeted the day after makes it home. the “brioche” represents the peculiar ability of abstracting from deadlines, colleagues, moody girlfriends and just let the whirls of pastry and coffee in your mouth be everything for a minute.