In 2006, the same year I started Eye Prefer Paris, I was lucky enough to attend the Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy. A friend of mine from New York sent a group email offering an extra bed in her hotel room near Torino when she was going to the Olympics. I was the first one to answer and voila, off I was to Torino in February of 2006.
Torino is a charming, slightly beat up Italian city with an old-world feel to it. There were tons of cafes and coffee bars in the old world style, with fine wood and brass counters. While researching Torino, everything I read mentioned becerin, a hot drink consisting of espresso, hot chocolate and hot milk. I remember the first one I tried: it was a remarkable taste of bitter chocolate, and strong espresso with a foam of milk. I couldn’t get enough bicerins that week I, having at least two or three a day while totally getting into the café culture of Torino.
I’ve long savored the memories and taste of my bicerins for years, hoping I would return to Torino someday. This hasn’t happened but almost something as good did.
About two months ago I walked by a new café on rue de Rivoli right off of rue du Louvre. I’m not sure what drew me to the café but when I walked in and read the drink menu, I saw they listed bicirin. I was ecstatic of course and ordered one immediately. Out came a clear glass mug with a stem, layered with the hot chocolate and espresso on the bottom with whipped cream on top, dusted with cocoa. Sipping my bicarin, vivid memories of Torino danced in my head, while the delectable liquid warmed me on a cold day. It turns out Bar Becutti in Paris is a branch of the same café in Torino, so my bicerin was authentic.
Becutti Bar
91 rue de Rivoli, 75001
Metro: Louvre Rivoli
Please don't forget to RSVP to Pauline Bernard event@hotel-pont-royal for the opening of my photo exhibit on February 5.
Comments