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Café con Leche - "Health Food"!

Ideal sleeping bag liner whether we want to add a thermal plus to our bag, or if we want to use it alone to sleep in shelters or hostels. Thanks to its mummy shape, it adapts perfectly to our body.

€46,-
Ideal sleeping bag liner whether we want to add a thermal plus to our bag, or if we want to use it alone to sleep in shelters or hostels. Thanks to its mummy shape, it adapts perfectly to our body.

€46,-
Given the great coffee available and the multifarious ordering options I have always been surprised how fond many Spaniards are of tea. Personally I have often been the recipient of astonished stares when as an Englishman I say I don't drink tea.
 
After years of ordering cafe au lait in France, I was introduced to the term cafe Americano. It makes it sound like something one would order in a Starbucks; but it's not as far as I know, having never stepped inside a Starbucks. It simply means a larger cup of coffee with warm milk.
 
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Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-
Personally I have often been the recipient of astonished stares when as an Englishman I say I don't drink tea.
When I arrived in Pakistan in 2011, my Pakistani colleagues said I couldn't be British because I didn't drink tea (black tea with milk) & didn't understand (even like) cricket!!
Suzanne ;-)
 
As you no doubt know Don, most Spanish people refer to Cafe Americano as Dishwater!
Suzanne. I used to know the rules to cricket before they invented all the variations from the 3 and 5 day game. Though for the life of me I have never understood why anyone wants to play or watch it. It appears to me that most "spectators" only go to get drunk over an extended period of time anyway. :eek:
 
As you no doubt know Don, most Spanish people refer to Cafe Americano as Dishwater!
Suzanne. I used to know the rules to cricket before they invented all the variations from the 3 and 5 day game. Though for the life of me I have never understood why anyone wants to play or watch it. It appears to me that most "spectators" only go to get drunk over an extended period of time anyway. :eek:
Al, I think that is what Starbucks serves to its customers.
I always thought you go to a cricket match to watch the grass grow.
 
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Some years ago my wife and I left the South of France and headed towards Barcelona to catch the flight home. We stopped on the way there in a seaside town called Blanes for a break and a meal. After the meal Jane asked the waiter for a cafe o'lait, the waiter returned a few minutes later, put a cup of coffee in front of her and taking the stance of a Flamenco dancer said "Olé" We had a good laugh with him. (he was suitably tipped)
 
A post of completely useless fluff... but it will help justify a lingering coffee addiction after the Camino. It just might be said that the Camino is good for your heart in more ways than one - - but only if you drink the coffee. :)

See the details here:

http://www.bbc.com/news/health-31690358

Tea and chocolate drinkers are welcome to respond with their own research.:p


B
Okay, here's my question: Can cafe con leche be ordered in Spain with decaffeinated coffee? I keep reading about the wonderful cafe con leche in my camino research, but I am a reformed caffeine addict who made the change a few years back. I began drinking coffee as a child and developed into a true coffee-loving addict. When I gave it up it took about 4-6 months for my body and sleep patterns to adjust. I can't imagine trying to break that habit again if I start drinking caffeine while in Spain.
 
After years of ordering cafe au lait in France, I was introduced to the term cafe Americano. It makes it sound like something one would order in a Starbucks; but it's not as far as I know, having never stepped inside a Starbucks. It simply means a larger cup of coffee with warm milk.

An Americano in North America is an espresso shot (or 2) and hot water. So like drip coffee with an espresso base, no milk or dairy. I actually prefer a Cortado - more espresso, less leche. But who am I kidding? If someone is willing to make me an espresso anything, I will drink it. Milk or no milk.
 
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Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-
Also if Spaniards are referring to the cheap American coffee brands like Folgers and Maxwell House - yes that stuff is bad like dishwater! Maybe worse.
 
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Okay, here's my question: Can cafe con leche be ordered in Spain with decaffeinated coffee? I keep reading about the wonderful cafe con leche in my camino research, but I am a reformed caffeine addict who made the change a few years back. I began drinking coffee as a child and developed into a true coffee-loving addict. When I gave it up it took about 4-6 months for my body and sleep patterns to adjust. I can't imagine trying to break that habit again if I start drinking caffeine while in Spain.
Good luck, my friend. Even the colas are caffeinated.
 
As you no doubt know Don, most Spanish people refer to Cafe Americano as Dishwater!
Suzanne. I used to know the rules to cricket before they invented all the variations from the 3 and 5 day game. Though for the life of me I have never understood why anyone wants to play or watch it. It appears to me that most "spectators" only go to get drunk over an extended period of time anyway. :eek:
That is so true. My dad, god rest his soul, always said the same - he called it "umbrella juice!". If you like coffee not so milky ask for a "Cortado" which has less milk or if you want a pick me up ask for a "Carajillo" which is coffee with brandy - can see me asking for that frequently after a bad day!!
 
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Our Atmospheric H30 poncho offers lightness and waterproofness. Easily compressible and made with our Waterproof fabric, its heat-sealed interior seams guarantee its waterproofness. Includes carrying bag.

€60,-
Okay, here's my question: Can cafe con leche be ordered in Spain with decaffeinated coffee?

Well, as @biarritzdon notes, it can be problematic but there is no harm in asking if they have it 'descafeinado' at the outset. It is not common but neither is it extremely rare.

Many members of the "Church of De-caffeinated Pilgrims" found a boost with a cup of hot milk with a packet or two of Cola Cao mixed in. You get a bit of a boost without any caffeine.

Hope that helps @s. brown !

B
 
Also is Spaniards are referring to the cheap American coffee brands like Folgers and Maxwell House - yes that stuff is bad like dishwater! Maybe worse.
Possibly but they might be referring to the coffee in a jar or a freeze dried sort. There is only one kind of coffee n Spain and it is served from an espresso machine.
 
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Okay, here's my question: Can cafe con leche be ordered in Spain with decaffeinated coffee? I keep reading about the wonderful cafe con leche in my camino research, but I am a reformed caffeine addict who made the change a few years back. I began drinking coffee as a child and developed into a true coffee-loving addict. When I gave it up it took about 4-6 months for my body and sleep patterns to adjust. I can't imagine trying to break that habit again if I start drinking caffeine while in Spain.
yes! I ordered 'descafinado' frequently! (just not in the mornings) :)
 
St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
yes! I ordered 'descafinado' frequently! (just not in the mornings) :)
I guess the issue is not what you ordered, but what did you get? I don't remember any separate decaff grinders. If what you got was actually decaff, perhaps it was instant?
 
:p:p:p
That is so true. My dad, god rest his soul, always said the same - he called it "umbrella juice!". If you like coffee not so milky ask for a "Cortado" which has less milk or if you want a pick me up ask for a "Carajillo" which is coffee with brandy - can see me asking for that frequently after a bad day!!

Aaaaah! Carajillo, the breakfast of champions!:p
 
Yes, decaffeinated coffee in Spain is usually ordered, 'descafeinado de sobre' (instant coffee poured over hot water). It is rare to find ‘descafeinado de machina’ (made with grounds) but ask for it and cross fingers. There is occasionally a tin of decaf ground coffee on hand.
Hope that helps the decaf-lovers. And please excuse my spelling of tghe Spanish!!
 
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I guess the issue is not what you ordered, but what did you get? I don't remember any separate decaff grinders. If what you got was actually decaff, perhaps it was instant?
good question! I just trusted them - and i don't think it was instant...
 
There is occasionally a tin of decaf ground coffee on hand.
Wonder how long that tin has been on hand? Freshly roasted beans are good for a couple of weeks or so; once ground, coffee deteriorates very quickly. Vacuum or nitrogen packing can slow this, but once opened, it will be awful in just a few days. And it was decaff to start.
 
Wonder how long that tin has been on hand? Freshly roasted beans are good for a couple of weeks or so; once ground, coffee deteriorates very quickly. Vacuum or nitrogen packing can slow this, but once opened, it will be awful in just a few days. And it was decaff to start.
Decaf or not, i never had a bad cup of coffee in Spain.
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery
That is so true. My dad, god rest his soul, always said the same - he called it "umbrella juice!". If you like coffee not so milky ask for a "Cortado" which has less milk or if you want a pick me up ask for a "Carajillo" which is coffee with brandy - can see me asking for that frequently after a bad day!!
Picture in your mind - Bar Elvis in Reliegos after a cold Mesetta day. Cortado con orojo! :confused:
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
I always like to make myself earn my morning coffee. I walk 6-10K before having a cafe con leche grande and pastry. My favorite coffee on the Camino is a shot of espresso and Bailey's on those cold wet days.

Ultreya,
Joe
 
Spaniards usually omit "coffee" when we order.
We say:
Uno solo.
Un cortado.
Uno con leche.
Un carajillo.
The waiter understood us that we refer to "café"
Where my guess is there are all exppresso based café, what is the difference between the solo, corto and carajillo?
 
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€149,-
Solo- black
Cortado - with a tiny dash of warm milk
Carajillo - with a dash (amount depends on the sympathy the waiter feels towards you) of some local fire water.

Buen Camino! SY
 
Yes, apparently the name 'carajillo' stems from the word 'coraje' (courage). It was reputed to give what we in English call 'Dutch courage', which reminds me of the recent thread on fear of bridges. I read once that the term 'Dutch courage' goes back to the days of the Black Death, when Dutch sailors were the only ones who would enter London, but only after adequate 'refreshment'. Whether or not it would work before crossing the bridge into Portomarin I don't know. :eek:
 
Did somebody say may name??

Aaah, coffee.....i think getting up to the crack of dawn is earnings enough for a good cafe con leche or cortado.

Bring it on!!
 
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My favourite coffee in the morning due to the ticker is a light cafe con leche, light on the coffee and lots of milk. I was told to ask for either cafe clarito or cafe con leche, corto de cafe, mucho leche. This get the engine started but does not cause it to race. :):)
 
I remember my breakfast at Hostal El Peregrino in El Burgo Ranero where I had a lively conversation with a member of the spanish police on duty...drinking his carajillo :) I stuck to my café con leche.
 
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It warms my heart to see so many enthusiastic mentions of cortados and carajillos and not a single one for the manchado, which should be called the "why bother".
Sorry abuela.
 
Very light, comfortable and compressible poncho. Specially designed for protection against water for any activity.

Our Atmospheric H30 poncho offers lightness and waterproofness. Easily compressible and made with our Waterproof fabric, its heat-sealed interior seams guarantee its waterproofness. Includes carrying bag.

€60,-

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