July 6: Serious Espresso

I've always found it challenging to find really, really top quality espresso in the United States. There are many "good" cups of this strong coffee available, of course. But I'm talking about serious espresso, as they serve it in Italy and other parts of Europe. It's typically powerful without bitterness, smooth without weakness. I can actually remember specific cups of coffee in specific cities - an exceptional cappuccino one brisk morning in Antwerp, Belgium or a fabulous espresso sitting by Venice's St. Mark's Square on a gorgeous afternoon. I'd more or less given up the hunt for anything comparable in this country, quite honestly. I'm telling you all this back story only because it leads to a little tale about right here and now in the Fort Lauderdale area. Because, yes, I've discovered a shop in Dania Beach that serves European quality espresso.

Tuscany Caffe is not the easiest place to spot the first time you go there. No doubt about it. I'll give directions in a moment, but for now I'll just say that it's a small restaurant tucked on a quiet street off Federal Highway. It's the real deal, though, a café run by Italians - real Italians. Like, Italians from Italy rather than Boston or New York.

So far, I've mostly just been grooving on their coffee. For me, Tuscany Caffe is often a stop during a mid-afternoon break from my work. But I've tried their food a couple times too, and it's been quite good so far. Their menu is about to expand and already includes pasta, pizza, ciabatta bread sandwiches and lots more. Plus the folks who run Tuscany Caffe are delightful people, warm and welcoming Italians who do everything possible to make your visit pleasant. Ok, so back to its location. To find this little gem, take Federal Highway to Dania Beach Boulevard, then turn west for one very short block to NW 1 Avenue. Make a right, heading north, for just a few paces. You'll find Tuscany Caffe on the right side of the street with a couple of tables sitting along the sidewalk. Their phone number is 954-921-1953. Absolutely, I think it's the best espresso and cappuccino I've tasted in South Florida. A friend of mine from Milan agrees with me. That's a big thumbs up from two people who've sipped espresso all over Europe. If you decide to give it a try, let me know if you think we're right.