Cafe Shakerato surely evolved to satisfy those Italians who simply could not survive without their espresso, yet somehow the blistery summer days seemed to call for something a bit more refreshing. Some years ago in Tropea, Mia Sorella and I were deeply immersed in one of our favorite sibling bonding activities – shopping; we were madly searching for some locally produced ceramic tiles to incorporate into a project at home. The shops had just rolled up their windows and it was sweltering; our stamina would surly be affected by the oppressive heat. The astute shop owner of a tiny ceramic studio understood that these conditions would certainly affect our ability to supplement the local economy, so he discretely sent his young son off on a little errand. Allora, after some minutes the boy appeared with two icy cold coffee drinks, and that was our introduction to Cafe Shakerato.
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Italians eat quite simply at breakfast time, coffee is essential and generally in the form of a quick espresso, caffe al latte, or cappuccino. Accompanying the morning coffee ritual might be a cornetto, a few cookies, or a small roll with jam – nothing at all elaborate. The lavish breakfast buffets at Italian hotels are intended for istranieri, foreigners…. 
Thanksgiving is one day when my family does not welcome change, they take comfort in knowing what is to be expected. The routine proceeding the big day with respect to planning, shopping and preparing the meal is a fundamental part of the holiday. This need for consistency at this time translates into having the same menu year after year.
