COFFEE AND CHOCOLATE DELIGHTS

The first coffee house in Venice dates back to 1645, and soon became centers of social activity and communication.

In 1756 coffee houses were 206, celebrated by poets and playwrights like Carlo Goldoni in the 18th cent., and Giacomo Casanova, the famous Venetian adventurer, and gourmet lover.

He was also very fond of chocolate: on the day of his appointment with the noble lady Marina Morosini, Giacomo swallowed six egg yolks and a cup of hot chocolate, hoping to increase his sexual potencies.

Chocolate was considered an aphrodisiac drink.

It was imported to Rialto from Spain as early as the 17th cent., and highly regarded by the Royal Court.

Due to the availability of spices and brown sugar, vanilla and cinnamon seasoned hot and cold chocolate. The peppery beverage imported from Central America did not suit delicate European palates!

In the 18th cent., the spice dealer Domenico Guado opened his chocolate house in the Mercerie, the main street connecting St Mark’s Square with the Rialto trade center.

Thick and dark, chocolate was a stimulating and energetic drink at breakfast, praised by both the nobility and the middle class, clearly described in a painting by Francesco Guardi, “The morning chocolate”, displayed at Ca’ Rezzonico Museum.

In an elegant 18th cent. bedroom an aristocrat lady is holding a white porcelain cup while still seated in her bed, next to a tray filled with Bussolai, the round-shaped cookies.

In the background, her husband and a priest are entertaining the lady, and carefully sipping hot chocolate, served by the butler, ready to refill them with the delicious beverage.