In article , Ken
Fortenberry wrote:

...

You missed my point, which is it's not a nationality thing at all.
Just because most of the coffee served up in the US is wretched
doesn't mean the coffee at Steve's place isn't just as good, or
better, than the coffee in the meanest Italian slum. We're not
"wittering on" about the "standard US" cup of coffee, if there
even is such a thing, but our own tastes.

Indeed I didn't adress your point. There are great restaurants in
England too, and places where you can get ar really good cup of coffee.

But in countries such as England and the Us good food and drink are
the preserve of a small proportion of educated, comparatively wealthy
people.

In Italy they're not. They're owned by everyone, and everyone demands,
with knowledge., high standards.

When I can expect to go into any small cafe in Cabool, MO, or
Punxsatawny, PA, and get an excellent coffee, (or pizza), there will be
something to work on.

Until then, we, you, are indeed just wittering on about an effete,
snobbish distinction.

Lazarus