In the heart of any morning, among the vapours of a bar crowded with employees on break, an elderly client transforms a simple coffee into a gesture of rebellion, identity and pride. In Palermo, where each cup tells a story, a “no” to decaffeinate becomes an act of existential resistance. The story of a memorable episode that overturns conventions, shakes the crowd and reminds us that age is only a detail — at least until you hold the steady wrist and the double grappa.
Speaking of the decaffeinated, an episode of which I witnessed in a bar in Palermo, when I could not avoid thinking about how little it was enough to convince a crowd of moments. It will be 10.30 a.m., traditional hours of the first break from the office. The bar was full with at least two rows of customers waiting for orders made. He entered an elderly gentleman, to the eye on the octan, who slowly approached the counter with the help of a walking stick. In general, younger customers made room for him. When he reached the barn, perhaps due to his age, the bartender asked him what he thought was obvious: “Default? ”
“No, double correct!” the old man replied, with almost indignant air.
Hearing that order, the customers present were muted. As is used in Italy, in the case of a “double correct” the bartender prepares two espresso cups, pours them in a cappuccino cup and approaches the cup the grappa bottle. The old man made a mark with his hand to double the dose of the distillate. At that point, the attention of the public became absolute, it was nothing but to see how this individual could hold such an injection of caffeine and alcohol. Imperterrito, the man took the cup, put it on his lips and sent it down the smoking content in a single sip. So, after a complete damp of appreciation, he paid, turned and headed towards the door.
“Sorry, sir,” the bartender, astonished as all present.
“What is it, I forgot the keys there?” the old man asked.
“No, I’m sorry if I allow myself, but I have a curiosity: but how old are you? ”
“Ninety-eight!”, proudly answered the man, continuing his slow journey towards the exit.
A total silence came down on the bar, where at least twenty customers were crowded waiting.
“Lords, and your orders?” the bartender raised them.
“DOPIO CORRETTO!”, he heard in chorus.
The Decaffeinated article? In Palermo, the double correct is a manifesto of life comes from IlNewyorkese.
