Truly Italian in The World: Londra

London and the art of stopping

London is the metropolis that defies the passing of time, stopping it in an eternal present, between traditions that are lost in the centuries and contemporary trends.

Paying attention to London’s daily life with the eyes of an outside observer, passing through, reveals a panorama of habits, curiosities and places that define the frenetic, yet timeless rhythm of this cosmopolitan city.

We enter the London Underground which, especially at certain times, makes us feel as if we were participants in an impromptu flash mob. The synchronised dance of commuters moving like a tide through the station corridors is a scene that repeats itself every day. The accelerated rhythm of the ‘rush hour’ is a shared experience that binds Londoners together, each on their own daily journey.

Our tour of the city begins in the Christmas magic at Covent Garden, before moving on to Trafalgar Square with a stop at the wonderful National Gallery. We finish with a tour in the lively atmosphere of Piccadilly Circus, and then into the endless, relaxing greenery of Hyde Park.

It is now 5pm. In the afternoon, the British do not give up the tradition of afternoon tea, appreciating the art of taking time out to sip tea and enjoy delicious delicacies. Historic cafés and tea rooms offer an opportunity to slow down the pace and appreciate life in perfect British style. However, the Italian tradition of coffee and milk drinks has also always been appreciated in this city. Suffice it to say that the UK was the first foreign country to which Gaggia exported one of its professional bar machines, back in the 1950s. 

Now, back in our flat in a brick building in High Street Kensington, looking out over the beautiful gardens in front of us, we sip a freshly brewed cappuccino with our Gaggia espresso machine.

The velvety crema blends harmoniously with the rich flavour of the espresso, creating a perfect balance. This cappuccino, freshly brewed with care and calmly enjoyed, becomes a unique sensory experience. We decided to accompany it with delicious homemade shortbread.

These crumbly biscuits are of Scottish origin, but are appreciated all over the UK, and offer us a moment of sensory relaxation that brings anyone closer to the London spirit as they pause for a moment for an afternoon break and seek some sweet comfort in the hectic urban life.

Would you like to make these unmistakable-tasting biscuits too? Here is the recipe, by Livia Sala.

HOW TO MAKE SHORTBREAD

Ingredients:

– 260 g 00 flour,

– 85 g caster sugar,

– 170 g butter,

– a pinch of salt.

The procedure

1. Cut the butter into small pieces and let it soften a little outside the fridge.

2. Preheat the oven to 190 °C.

3. Incorporate the butter and sugar into the flour, kneading the dough briefly, just enough to form a homogeneous mass.

4. Roll out the dough to a thickness of a couple of cm and place it on a baking tray.

5 . Cut 16 wedges out of the disc and pierce them with the prongs of a fork.

6. Bake in a hot oven for 30-35 minutes, until the edge starts to turn golden brown.

7. Immediately sprinkle with a pinch of sugar, leave to cool, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

8.Enjoy with your favourite cappuccino