by In Trieste
There is a first time for everything, including the sight of Trieste residents lining up for take-away coffee from bars around town.
As of November 15, this is the new reality in Trieste and other cities across Italy as the country moves into the next phase of the virus emergency, which prohibits bars and restaurants to remain open in the orange and red zones but allows take-away until midnight.
The ritual of standing at the bar and the social aspect of having a capo-in-b is deeply ingrained in Trieste culture. Unlike US and some other countries, the idea of locals ordering a take-away caffelatte (also known as cappuccino in the rest of Italy) to drink elsewhere is far from the norm here.
Local social media was alive with Triestini describing how much they relished their capo and cornetto from the bar, despite the coffee being served in a plastic or paper cup, trying to support the local businesses.
“The habits of coffee-lovers don’t change. You still drink a capo-in-b as a take-away, especially because with this simple gesture you are helping those who keep their businesses open, with a lot of sacrifice.” commented Micol Brusaferro, a prominent writer for Il Piccolo.
Bars, restaurants and all outlets serving food and drink are permitted to offer a take-away service all days, including Sundays.
However many coffee bars in Trieste chose not to reopen this week. The city’s daily newspaper Il Piccolo reported that only one in five opened, with many complaining of poor trade, for now at least.
