Coffee as Art

A perfectly made espresso is a work of art. Delicate crema floating on a rich, silky bed of the very essence of the world's finest coffee beans; a fleeting balance that exists for mere seconds before being shattered in the daily breakfast ritual of millions.

Far less popular, though no less beautiful, is the Greek or Turkish coffee. By necessity made with loving care and patience, this beverage must be allowed time to form three distinct layers of its own: the prized foam on top, the rich essence of coffee in the middle, and the spent grounds settled on the bottom of the cup. Rather than being filtered, the coffee is finely ground into a powder and added to the briki, a slender copper pot that sits directly over the flame. Sugar is added to taste along with the water, and the mixture is brought to a frothy boil until it almost spills over. Once poured into the cups, it is allowed to rest a minute, and then it is enjoyed, slowly, with a sweet pastry and good conversation.