Am I being over-hyper about getting hot breakfast and yummy cappucino in Italy on holiday?
Jun 1st, 2005, 05:06 PM
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Am I being over-hyper about getting hot breakfast and yummy cappucino in Italy on holiday?
Hi there,
We are going on holiday after 2 years and back to Bella Italia. We start at an organic farm in Umbria and were supposed to be there in March but couldn't go then since our younger child was sick . We are now going in July but the lady who runs the place has said that she cannot give us hot breakfast at this time of year but will provide fruit, cereal etc in the room. Somehow that is really putting me off. I just love getting ready and going to a nice breakfast room to get the great Italian cheese and bread etc.breakfast and the heavenly cappucino, rather than eat cold cereal in a messy room! My husband doesn't think this is a big deal but it is troubling me. Am I making too much of this? Any on else feel strongly about their breakfast on holiday?
We are going on holiday after 2 years and back to Bella Italia. We start at an organic farm in Umbria and were supposed to be there in March but couldn't go then since our younger child was sick . We are now going in July but the lady who runs the place has said that she cannot give us hot breakfast at this time of year but will provide fruit, cereal etc in the room. Somehow that is really putting me off. I just love getting ready and going to a nice breakfast room to get the great Italian cheese and bread etc.breakfast and the heavenly cappucino, rather than eat cold cereal in a messy room! My husband doesn't think this is a big deal but it is troubling me. Am I making too much of this? Any on else feel strongly about their breakfast on holiday?
Jun 1st, 2005, 05:09 PM
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Yes, but not so much so in Italy as in France (Paris). You know the croissants, brioches, and the coffee are something I look forward to daily when I am there. It amazes me that I can smell the coffee aroma wafting up to my hotel room each morning.
Jun 1st, 2005, 05:11 PM
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I've never been of the persuasion that going to the corner bar for a coffee and pastry is a good solution for breakfast.
When I think about it, I tend to have much more positive associations of places where I have an excellent or at least good breakfast than I do of places where I have no breakfast or a poor breakfast. Psychologically this seems more important than the quality of the room, in terms of historical memories. Economically and rationally it doesn't make sense, but that's how it seems to be.
That said, maybe if you brought a coffeemaker, and the cereal and fruit were of good quality, that would help? I think I'd be happy with muesli and fruit and yogurt, and then heading out later to get a cappucino. (But I'm not one who needs coffee first thing.) I wouldn't be happy with some of the dry cereals I've seen in Italy and some poor-quality fruit.
When I think about it, I tend to have much more positive associations of places where I have an excellent or at least good breakfast than I do of places where I have no breakfast or a poor breakfast. Psychologically this seems more important than the quality of the room, in terms of historical memories. Economically and rationally it doesn't make sense, but that's how it seems to be.
That said, maybe if you brought a coffeemaker, and the cereal and fruit were of good quality, that would help? I think I'd be happy with muesli and fruit and yogurt, and then heading out later to get a cappucino. (But I'm not one who needs coffee first thing.) I wouldn't be happy with some of the dry cereals I've seen in Italy and some poor-quality fruit.
Jun 1st, 2005, 05:15 PM
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I find it difficult to believe that you would not get at least caffe latte, but if the landlady says only cold, maybe you won't. In any case, hot breakfasts (eggs, ham, etc.) are not customary in Italy, except in hotels that cater to tourists.
How close are you to the nearest town and/or cafe? (I assume you will have a car.) Do like the Italians do and have a cappuccino and a cornetto (Italian croissant; no butter, no jam) for breakfast. If it's at a cafe with outside tables for people watching, I promise you you'll enjoy it. And there's nothing to prevent you from having a second cappuccino and cornetto...
How close are you to the nearest town and/or cafe? (I assume you will have a car.) Do like the Italians do and have a cappuccino and a cornetto (Italian croissant; no butter, no jam) for breakfast. If it's at a cafe with outside tables for people watching, I promise you you'll enjoy it. And there's nothing to prevent you from having a second cappuccino and cornetto...
Jun 1st, 2005, 05:17 PM
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Deepa, I'm sure you're sincererly torn about this but:
1. A hot breakfast in July - what an enticing prospect!!
2. Cold breakfast in a messy room -- that would be the same messy room in which you were to consume the delicious hot breakfast??
3. Your husband does not think this is a big deal but his view is dismissed out-of-hand, yes???;
Hmmmm.....
1. A hot breakfast in July - what an enticing prospect!!
2. Cold breakfast in a messy room -- that would be the same messy room in which you were to consume the delicious hot breakfast??
3. Your husband does not think this is a big deal but his view is dismissed out-of-hand, yes???;
Hmmmm.....
Jun 1st, 2005, 05:26 PM
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Tedgale, I'm sorry you've had a hard day.
Hot breakfast eg. cooked eggs and cappucino for me is fine in July at 9.00 am.
No, the hot breakfst was to be served at their restaurant before.
My husband is not exactly fighting about this. He would love the hot breakfast as well.It's just that with two small children on holiday, I just like getting a good breakfast and I do love the cappucino in Italy esp. in the mornings.
Hot breakfast eg. cooked eggs and cappucino for me is fine in July at 9.00 am.
No, the hot breakfst was to be served at their restaurant before.
My husband is not exactly fighting about this. He would love the hot breakfast as well.It's just that with two small children on holiday, I just like getting a good breakfast and I do love the cappucino in Italy esp. in the mornings.
Jun 1st, 2005, 05:27 PM
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Fresh pastries and fruit - maybe a bite of cheese - would do me in the summer, but I am not a cereal person. DH on the other hand, is a cereal lover, so he would be very happy with her offering. Neither of us would prefer a hot breakfast in July - we don't at home.
Jun 1st, 2005, 05:28 PM
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Isn't it the point of staying at an organic farm (as opposed to a full-service hotel) that you experience Italian life as people live it? I think it is wonderful that she thought to even tell you this detail in advance. If you need more or different services that this kind of lodging can provide, then you should change your accomodations.
Jun 1st, 2005, 09:17 PM
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In July it is starting to get stinking hot, so I understand why a hot breakfast probably isn't on the menu. I would just enjoy what you are offered, love the fact that you are in beautiful Italy and then visit gorgeous villages and towns and make getting a cappuccino there part of your day.
Jun 1st, 2005, 09:48 PM
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She will serve you cold coffee? Take an immersion coil and heat it up in the messy room. I think you should ask her to let you eat downstairs it is ridiculous for you to try and eat on the floor with two unruly kids. I don't blame you. Maybe your kids aren't unruly but they will be jumping over your cereal. I have an idea do that one morning and the next morning they will insist you eat downstairs. There I solved that for you.
Jun 1st, 2005, 10:04 PM
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Deepa,
Every morning go to the nearest bar and have your coffee and pastries. By the third visit you will have a friend at the bar to give you tips on your travels and the local news. This interaction with the locals will more than make up for the inconvenience.
Ya, I know this is a pollyanna outlook but I would rather feel I'm starting an adventure then thinking I'm lost
Every morning go to the nearest bar and have your coffee and pastries. By the third visit you will have a friend at the bar to give you tips on your travels and the local news. This interaction with the locals will more than make up for the inconvenience.
Ya, I know this is a pollyanna outlook but I would rather feel I'm starting an adventure then thinking I'm lost
Jun 1st, 2005, 11:46 PM
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Deepa, I'm a breakfast lover too, and I consider a fun breakfast to be essential! With a family, it's a lot easier to have the fun breakfast ready right there where you are staying. It saves time too...no waiting for a table, no waiting for the bill...
I prefer to either stay at a place with a memorable breakfast, or else stay at a place with no breakfast at all. Because if it's just an okay breakfast, since it's included, my husband will insist we eat it anyway.
Every place we stayed at in Italy in June had yummy cappucino. In fact, it was so yummy that it has ruined us for Starbucks in San Diego...sigh...we miss our cappucino in Italy!
Is it too late for you to change accomodations? Last June I gave serious consideration to staying at Frances Lodge near Siena. The breakfast sounded good, I think it included her own home-made jam. www.franceslodge.it I don't actually remember if the breakfast is hot but it's probably on the web-site. We opted to stay in Siena instead so we could walk around a medieval hill-top town without taking a bus or driving. It was a hard decision. In Siena we stayed at Palazzo Ravizza which has a great breakfast buffet including hot food.
I also love having breakfast at a B&B in the garden. Just a nice cozy way to start the day.
You love what you love! You're not over-hyper, you just know what you want. Your trip should include what you love, and what your family loves as well.
I prefer to either stay at a place with a memorable breakfast, or else stay at a place with no breakfast at all. Because if it's just an okay breakfast, since it's included, my husband will insist we eat it anyway.
Every place we stayed at in Italy in June had yummy cappucino. In fact, it was so yummy that it has ruined us for Starbucks in San Diego...sigh...we miss our cappucino in Italy!
Is it too late for you to change accomodations? Last June I gave serious consideration to staying at Frances Lodge near Siena. The breakfast sounded good, I think it included her own home-made jam. www.franceslodge.it I don't actually remember if the breakfast is hot but it's probably on the web-site. We opted to stay in Siena instead so we could walk around a medieval hill-top town without taking a bus or driving. It was a hard decision. In Siena we stayed at Palazzo Ravizza which has a great breakfast buffet including hot food.
I also love having breakfast at a B&B in the garden. Just a nice cozy way to start the day.
You love what you love! You're not over-hyper, you just know what you want. Your trip should include what you love, and what your family loves as well.
Jun 2nd, 2005, 03:13 AM
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Hi Deepa,
I think it appropriate for you to talk to the landlady.
Since you don't seem to be asking for the "Full Irish Breakfast", there is a good chance that she can accomodate you with cornetti, cappucino, cereal, cheese and fruit.
I think it appropriate for you to talk to the landlady.
Since you don't seem to be asking for the "Full Irish Breakfast", there is a good chance that she can accomodate you with cornetti, cappucino, cereal, cheese and fruit.
Jun 2nd, 2005, 03:23 AM
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Why are staying in this place if it troubles you so much?
No, I don't think you are "making too much of this" but if this is where you simply HAVE to stay then accept it for what it is....and throw that wuss Tedgale to the goats while you're there...he's probably as organic as they'll ever see.
No, I don't think you are "making too much of this" but if this is where you simply HAVE to stay then accept it for what it is....and throw that wuss Tedgale to the goats while you're there...he's probably as organic as they'll ever see.
Jun 2nd, 2005, 03:30 AM
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I think that hot breakfast is probably served in the cold months, and cold breakfast in the spring and summer. I'm hoping that since the woman takes in guests she will bring a lovely tray or table to your room with fresh breads, fruits, cereals, and coffee.
You might think of it as a luxury. Maybe there will be a rose on the tray
If after the first day you don't like what she's brought you, buy some great pastries the day before to have them in the morning. You can confirm with her, but I'll bet she was going to include coffee. I don't think any self-respecting Italian would expect anyone to go without morning coffee.
You might think of it as a luxury. Maybe there will be a rose on the tray
If after the first day you don't like what she's brought you, buy some great pastries the day before to have them in the morning. You can confirm with her, but I'll bet she was going to include coffee. I don't think any self-respecting Italian would expect anyone to go without morning coffee.
Jun 2nd, 2005, 10:29 AM
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Deepa, write the lady who runs the B&B a nice e-mail note telling her how much you are looking forward to a nice breakfast in your room, and how kind she is to offer it to you. Put a positive spin on the note. Then also ask if it will include the delicious cappucino you have heard is so wonderful in Italy. Tell her you love cheese and bread and ask her if it will be included.
I have gotten the best results by writing positive, appreciative e-mails with specific questions.
If you still aren't satisfied with the reply about breakfast, change lodgings. I don't see why you would want to stay at an organic farm without getting a good organic farm breakfast!
On the other hand, we had all excellent included breakfasts in Italy at all our hotels and B&Bs. Only some included hot foods like eggs and bacon. Others, which I enjoyed equally well, included wonderful Cappucino and coffee, and fruits, cold cuts, cheeses, and fresh pastries. So what does she mean exactly by a cold breakfast?
Does she make the cheese on her organic farm? There is more than one way to make a breakfast memorable.
It also wouldn't hurt to ask whether there is a table outdoors or in a garden where you could have your breakfast if you really don't want it in your room.
As long as you couple your requests with appreciative comments, you will usually get good results.
I also think fodors gives us a little advantage. In the old days an individual traveller could really have no impact on tourism. If you weren't sent by a travel agent you were totally on your own, representing nobody. But nowadays a satisfied individual traveller can get a lot more business for a B&B by posting a positive trip report on fodors! I like to mention it if I've read good comments about a B&B on-line. I think it's sort of like fodors is standing behind us and I really think we are treated better that way! Also I find, because of fodors, I don't need to write negative comments about hotels or B&Bs in my trip reports, because every place I stay is great, because I can find out ahead of time on fodors if it's great or not, so I won't stay there unless it's great!
People vary in what they consider to be great, but on fodors I can find out about the things that matter to me, thanks to people posting detailed trip reports. Thank you, fodorites! Then I finish up the research process by e-mailing the B&B or hotel. By the time I select my hotel or B&B, I feel like I've already stayed there and have met some of the staff! I love this web-site, it gives me 100% satisfaction with all my hotels/B&Bs.
Well sorry for blabbing on and on, but the kind of thoughts you are having are the little details I always use to narrow down my accomodation selections, Deepa. I often ask what's for breakfast before I even make the reservation. I also only book at B&Bs who have good staffs willing to answer e-mails.
I have gotten the best results by writing positive, appreciative e-mails with specific questions.
If you still aren't satisfied with the reply about breakfast, change lodgings. I don't see why you would want to stay at an organic farm without getting a good organic farm breakfast!
On the other hand, we had all excellent included breakfasts in Italy at all our hotels and B&Bs. Only some included hot foods like eggs and bacon. Others, which I enjoyed equally well, included wonderful Cappucino and coffee, and fruits, cold cuts, cheeses, and fresh pastries. So what does she mean exactly by a cold breakfast?
Does she make the cheese on her organic farm? There is more than one way to make a breakfast memorable.
It also wouldn't hurt to ask whether there is a table outdoors or in a garden where you could have your breakfast if you really don't want it in your room.
As long as you couple your requests with appreciative comments, you will usually get good results.
I also think fodors gives us a little advantage. In the old days an individual traveller could really have no impact on tourism. If you weren't sent by a travel agent you were totally on your own, representing nobody. But nowadays a satisfied individual traveller can get a lot more business for a B&B by posting a positive trip report on fodors! I like to mention it if I've read good comments about a B&B on-line. I think it's sort of like fodors is standing behind us and I really think we are treated better that way! Also I find, because of fodors, I don't need to write negative comments about hotels or B&Bs in my trip reports, because every place I stay is great, because I can find out ahead of time on fodors if it's great or not, so I won't stay there unless it's great!
People vary in what they consider to be great, but on fodors I can find out about the things that matter to me, thanks to people posting detailed trip reports. Thank you, fodorites! Then I finish up the research process by e-mailing the B&B or hotel. By the time I select my hotel or B&B, I feel like I've already stayed there and have met some of the staff! I love this web-site, it gives me 100% satisfaction with all my hotels/B&Bs.
Well sorry for blabbing on and on, but the kind of thoughts you are having are the little details I always use to narrow down my accomodation selections, Deepa. I often ask what's for breakfast before I even make the reservation. I also only book at B&Bs who have good staffs willing to answer e-mails.
Jun 2nd, 2005, 11:13 AM
#19
As far as I am concerned if there's no coffee, it ain't breakfast. Two kids are another matter. You should clarify what "cold breakfast" means and decide from there.
I recently sayed at a b&b in naples where there was a "self service" breakfast. What that basically means is, "Here's the fridge. Inside you will find yogurt, milk and some other things. You may help yourself. Here is the coffee and cups and there is the espresso maker. You know how to use it of course. We get here at 10AM." At first, I was put off by this. The next morning I woke up earlier than I wanted, and without even brushing my teeth went out to the kitchen area in my nightie and made myself some expresso, took it to my room and drank it in bed. Two espressi later and well into a leisurely morning I realized what a blessing it was to be able to relax, kick back and have that lazy morning. No getting dressed to go to a dining room and deal with people, etc. It's one of the things I miss most when I travel. I felt right at home.
I recently sayed at a b&b in naples where there was a "self service" breakfast. What that basically means is, "Here's the fridge. Inside you will find yogurt, milk and some other things. You may help yourself. Here is the coffee and cups and there is the espresso maker. You know how to use it of course. We get here at 10AM." At first, I was put off by this. The next morning I woke up earlier than I wanted, and without even brushing my teeth went out to the kitchen area in my nightie and made myself some expresso, took it to my room and drank it in bed. Two espressi later and well into a leisurely morning I realized what a blessing it was to be able to relax, kick back and have that lazy morning. No getting dressed to go to a dining room and deal with people, etc. It's one of the things I miss most when I travel. I felt right at home.
Jun 2nd, 2005, 12:55 PM
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Why does your room have to be messy, Deepa?
I don't think changing accommodations is going to solve anything. I doubt there are more than a handful of people in the whole of Italy who would whip up a hot breakfast in July - it's mid-summer and HOT! Europeans in my experience are far more concerned with eating things at appropriate temperatures than Americans (hence the difficulty of getting a drink loaded with ice, for example), and the concept of a hot breakfast in July is probably repulsive to most southern Europeans. Besides, except for northern Italy, I've never been served a hot breakfast at any time of year in Italy. Just isn't part of the culinary landscape, especially at an organic farm where presumably the owners are pretty tuned in to good food.
As for coffee, I'd bet that's a total non-issue. An Italian not serving hot coffee for breakfast? I doubt it.
I think your husband's right about this not being a big deal. If you've chosen to stay at an organic farm, you've already made some decisions about what types of experiences are priorities for you. Breakfast seems like a pretty insignificant detail in the grander scheme of things, especially when it would hardly be a chore to purchase your own breakfast supplements if you felt the need.
I don't think changing accommodations is going to solve anything. I doubt there are more than a handful of people in the whole of Italy who would whip up a hot breakfast in July - it's mid-summer and HOT! Europeans in my experience are far more concerned with eating things at appropriate temperatures than Americans (hence the difficulty of getting a drink loaded with ice, for example), and the concept of a hot breakfast in July is probably repulsive to most southern Europeans. Besides, except for northern Italy, I've never been served a hot breakfast at any time of year in Italy. Just isn't part of the culinary landscape, especially at an organic farm where presumably the owners are pretty tuned in to good food.
As for coffee, I'd bet that's a total non-issue. An Italian not serving hot coffee for breakfast? I doubt it.
I think your husband's right about this not being a big deal. If you've chosen to stay at an organic farm, you've already made some decisions about what types of experiences are priorities for you. Breakfast seems like a pretty insignificant detail in the grander scheme of things, especially when it would hardly be a chore to purchase your own breakfast supplements if you felt the need.
