CoffeeBeer >> Double Shot Buzz >> Caffe Tucci
Nearly two years ago, as I was walking down Surrey Street to work, I noticed a new cafe had opened in the former spot of the gift shop called Sheffield Scene. The tiny seating area out on the front pavement gave the impression of more than just a take-away sandwich shop, especially when I saw someone having a classic Italian-looking cappuccino and a very nice-looking sandwich. So I decided I needed to stop in some day and try it out.
As is the nature of the universe, the hours move on, the sun zooms up and down, weeks and months fly by, and plans to visit new places are derailed by various obstacles such as job demands, erratic bus schedules, nasty weather, and just plain forgetfulness. But finally, two years later, I made a conscious decision to try out Caffe Tucci before the end of yet another year.
And I’m really happy I did. Opened by brothers Stefano and Salvatore Capasso, Caffe Tucci is a Neapolitan-style cafe and deli that features a wide menu of lunch choices, including panini, focaccia, bruschetta, and wonderful looking salads -- and, of course, coffee. On the cold Friday that I visited, I was greeted warmly by the staff, and I took a seat at one of the four tables to the rear of the busy counter. I quickly scanned the menu which features countless choices for even a pescatarian like myself. If one prefers, one can create their own sandwich from a choice of breads, cheeses, meats including smoked salmon, and lots of tempting extras like artichokes, sundried tomatoes, aubergine, peppers, basil pesto, balsamic dressing. etc.
I ordered a double macchiato and, as I was a bit overwhelmed by the choice, I just went for the Posillipo panini. While I waited for my food I sipped my macchiato, which was wonderfully strong and robust, just like I had hoped it would be in an Italian cafe. It had that classic dark, raven-haired Whomp! that I expect of a proper Italian espresso, and the fact that it was served in a proper white cup with a demitasse spoon so that I could get the very last drop made me inexplicably happy. I was impressed by how happy the staff seemed, all talking and joking--in Italian, of course--as if they honestly like their jobs and each other. That’s such a good sign in a customer-orientated business these days, and it tends to promise quality in the things they create.
Just as the typical background music was interrupted with a slightly incongruous country western tune, an older man and his partner mosied in and sat across from me. After a quick perusal of the menu the man ordered a sandwich with four of his own selected ingredients including smoked salmon--and I instantly felt sandwich envy. I guess this is what a menu like this can do to me.
But I wasn’t disappointed with my choice at all. My Posillipo panini--served on a wooden board and marked with a wooden stick that held it all together--featured mozzarella, sun-dried tomato, rocket, provolone, and basil pesto, all on an excellent toasted ciabatta, with a happily tasteful amount of decent quality balsamic dressing. The way it was folded and layered confused me at first, but hey, I always like a novel experience, and it made a lot of sense. And it was really tasty as well.
When I paid and left, I was tempted to try a bit of my rudimentary Italian, but then I realised I couldn’t remember anything except how to say my name and ask where the station was (which wouldn’t have been very useful, as I knew where the station was but I wasn’t catching a train). So I just thanked them in English, pronounced in my exotic American accent. After all, I was about to step back outside into Yorkshireland, so I didn’t want to confuse myself too much.
Earlier this year Caffe Tucci opened a second bigger cafe in Ecclesall Road, in the former site of Woody’s Sandwich Bar, so all seems to be going well for the italian brothers. And apparently Susie Eddie Izzard visited the cafe at some point, so it’s earned its celebrity status as well. Besides the sandwiches and salads they offer great looking croissants and Italian pastries including tiramisu
I always say that I’ll go back to a place I like, and often I just never make it. But as this is so handy for me and so good, and the coffee is excellent, I know I’ll definitely be visiting again.
Speaking of speaking Italian and terminology in general reminds me of an email conversation with my Bay Area friend from a little over a year ago, after a momentous event:
Well, the Queen has died, and the Royal Formerly Known As Prince is now King. And we have a new Prime Minister devoid of personality or plans. But Life As We Know It moves on. Your own prose highlights something that didn't occur to me, the opportunity missed by the man now assuming the throne: that, if he had a bit of wit and modesty, he might have chosen to be addressed as The Royal Formerly Known as Prince. The name "King Charles" should be reserved for Spaniels, as both my sister and I see it.Yes, it is very strange. Queen Elizabeth II is all we've ever known, and we're older than a lot of other people now. She succeeded the former king a week before I was born, and then she was officially coronated somewhere around your birthday, when I was still a tiny infant with not much awareness of anything yet.
On a final note, now I can't help picturing a snub-nosed spaniel with Charles's face…
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