Europe Finally Embracing Go Cups

Traditionalists may be appalled, but it seems there has been a benefit of having Starbucks invade Europe - the proliferation of go-cups.

As evidence, go-cups are changing the coffee habits in one of Europe's proudest bastions of cafe life - Prague.

When in Europe ourselves, we usually enjoy the relaxation of sipping espressos and cappys in the cafe.  But there are times - especially on business trips - when a go-cup would be a Godsend. 

In Sofia we used to go to the Dunkin Donuts on Vitosha Blvd. as it was the only place in town with go-cups.  And we've been to a Starbucks in Germany for the same reason.  So far we've stayed true to the cafes in France and Italy... but if we found great coffee and go-cups we could be swayed.

Hopefully go-cups and the traditional cafe service can co-exist side-by-side.  We think it is a positive.

Comments

[Dan]

I agree with what you say, there certainly is a time and place for 'go-cups', but I must say that plain paper go-cups are far superior than any form of styro foam or any fancy coated cups. Those seem to alter the flavor of whatever is insdie.

[Pat Collins]

In Italy it's hard to have an excuse for a to-go cup, since you can easily stand at the counter, sip away, and then dash (because you paid first).

[RichW]

Pat,
I was working the big stone show in Verona a couple of years ago and it's so natural for me to have a cup with me walking from the hotel to the convention center in the US (or even when in a cab) that I felt I was missing a limb. To do what you suggest requires a sort of recalibration - you get up earlier to get your coffee so you can afford the time to sip. Otherwise, if you're in a rush, it's a quick gulp or two that you can't savor.

Dan - seems the paper companies are finally beginning to come around to creating a cup that coffee drinkers (taste), coffeehouses (cost and storage) and environmentalists (pre & post-production waste) can agree on. We saw a new one from Insulair at the show in Charlotte last week. We'll be talking with them soon - if it's close to the price we may switch over.

But you're both right in that nothing beats the sensory experience of sipping espresso in a cafe.