The concept of Caffè Sospeso or Suspended Coffee started in Naples. Caffè Sospeso is simply an act of kindness where you pay for another person’s coffee in advance. It is an exceptional way to show your generosity to another and add more joy to the world! The Netflix documentary “Coffee for All” touches on this subject.
Coffee for All- Caffè Sospeso
Coffee for All- A Netflix Documentary
Coffee for All is a one hour documentary dedicated to the institution of coffee. It centres around the concept of “caffe` sospeso” and is filmed in three cities -Naples, New York and Buenos Aires.
Naples
The documentary starts with the buzzing streets of Naples, where a 20-something Giancarlo is seen working in a local Bar named Caffè Sospeso.
Giancarlo is in prison for a crime he didn’t commit but his good attitude pushes a Charity to train him as a Barista.
Additionally, Giancarlo loves coffee which is evident as he is shown in the Bar. He takes orders swiftly, listens patiently to his bosses and desperately tries to sort out his life.
Having a new born baby at home, he vows to do everything for his family. This is the story in the documentary that touched me most.
New York
From Naples, the documentary moves to New York showing a glamorous coffee story of Elisabeth Cardiello.
Having an actual coffee legacy from her late father, Elisabeth is the proud owner of the brand Unimatic and shares coffee rituals with the viewers.
Her story on coffee is quite similar to her zest for life. She considers coffee as a “ME” time and links it to her family traditions.
Despite having lived in the United States, she values her Italian traditions a lot.
This wasn’t my favorite coffee story but it was engaging and much more fancier.
Buenos Aires
The third city shown in the Coffee for All documentary is the lively Argentinean city of Buenos Aires.
This part follows the story of a writer and a bartender.
Set in a quaint café, the writer is always seen scribbling notes with his cup of coffee while the bartender is shown working in the background.
The writer often observes people around him and explains more about them to the viewers. Meanwhile, the bartender lives two lives- one in the café and another as a transvestite at night.
This part of the documentary shows the booming coffee culture of Buenos Aires in a subtle way. I could understand a lot of the Spanish that the Argentines spoke.
If you’re looking for a slow paced film, I highly recommend watching Coffee for All. The documentary is odd in parts but it is manageable to watch as it is very short.
The concept of suspended coffee is beautiful. Isn’t it?? These small acts of kindness are exactly what the world needs right now.
Check out this video on Caffe` Sospeso by clicking here.
Further Reading:
- Italian vocabulary related to skin care
- Amalfi Must Do: Pasticceria Sal De Riso
- How to visit the Amalfi Coast from Salerno
- Arrivederci Montalbano- thoughts on Riccardino
- Basilica di Superga with the moon- una meraviglia
6 Comments
Sara
May 7, 2020 at 5:52 pmHallo everyone!
I am italian and I just want to teach you something about coffe: here in Italy an italian in a bar ask for a “caffè” an italian NEVER ask for an “espresso” so let be one of us and ask for “un caffè” 😉
After this we usually specify if we want it:
Liscio (normal)
Ristretto
Lungo
Macchiato freddo
Macchiato caldo
Corretto
Marocchino
…. etc etc
I know you probably think we are crazy 😁😁
Ah! If we are at home we love drinkining the coffee made with the “moka”.
Now enjoy your caffè!
Un abbraccio (a hug)
Sara
Italophilia
May 7, 2020 at 7:48 pmCiao Sara!! I am an Indian and I live in India. Thank you for your comment.
As you probably have read on the blog, I’m a seasoned traveler to Italy and love the coffee you mentioned, esp Cappuccino, Marocchino and Macchiato. I make coffee with my moka everyday. In case you’re on Instagram, I share them everyday!! Follow me -www.instagram.com/italophilia
Scott Micciche
April 1, 2020 at 2:22 amThis is amazing, I cannot wait to watch; I’m obsessed with espresso!
Cheers!
Italophilia
April 1, 2020 at 1:10 pmThanks Scott. Hope you enjoy it!
Leanna Crowley
April 1, 2020 at 1:12 amLove coffee!! I’m going to make me a cup right now!! Thanks👍
Italophilia
April 1, 2020 at 1:20 amHaha, awesome! It’s almost 1:30 am here in India so I’m off to bed. Hope you enjoy your coffee.