Laura Dolson on Carbs, Calories and Cappuccino

[Mitra]

Here's some advice from Laura about navigating the menus in the coffee shop: Hey, How Many Carbs in this Latte? (http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/whattoeat/a/coffeecarbs.htm)

When did it happen that a plain ole cuppa Joe (zero carbs, zero calories) morphed into a white chocolate mocha with whipped cream -- with 58 carbs, 510 calories for a “medium” 16 oz? Yikes!

I'll skip the suggestion to use soya milk, but apart from that, there's lots of useful advice on surviving a visit to a coffee bar without using up your entire week's food allocation! My advice would be to go to Italy and drink espresso, cappuccino or macchiato, and to use a Pavoni machine for the days you can't get to Italy, but for those who want other options, Laura's article has a more practical approach ;).

[Ammy]

Interesting article...and I liked the end where she said to make friends with your barrista and ask questions...
That's what I did..now I walk in the door and they start making my drink :o.

I was surprised she didn't mention cream instead of milk, but then again she was looking at carbs AND calories, so I suppose she avoided the cals caused by going breve!

[mcsblues]

While going to Italy is fun ... particularly after you return the hire car!:eek:;) ... it seems a bit unnecessary if all you want is a good coffee. They don't make good espressos, cappuccinos or macchiatos in your neck of the woods?

[Mitra]

No. The espressos are generally closer to americanos. Anyway, I like going to Italy, and it's not as far for me as it is for you :). But I do have the capability to make good coffee at home, so the situation isn't desperate.

[maxlharris]

I would think you could get a good coffee in Spain or France, without going all the way down to Italy. Not that there's anything wrong with Italy, just thinking 3 hour train vs 3 hour plane, I'll take the train every time.

[Mitra]

I'm sure you can get good coffee in France and Spain, but in France (I don't know Spain really) the more usual brewing method would be filter/French press. I think if you're looking for a really good espresso Italy is the best bet. Of course, if you like filter/French press coffee you'll suffer in Italy.

[mcsblues]

I must admit I can't remember having a good coffee last time I was in the UK - but then I did spend more time in pubs than I did in coffee places!;) I think you'll have to suffer the 24 hour trip from hell ... just so you can rate ours!:p

I'm with you Max, about the trains - but the French trains are much better than the Italian ones.

[maxlharris]

Compared to American trains, Italian IC/Eurostar trains are like heaven. 8 hours from KC to St. Louis (250 miles ~400KM )was something not even Italian Rail employees could aspire to. We did Venice to Rome in 5 hours, and that's an extra 150 KM.

2009 - BeNeLux for the wife and I. Assuming the dollar gets stronger under President Obama. I have a feeling it will.