NATASHA'S REFLECTIONS ON TURKISH COFFEE

The aroma of Turkish coffee brewing on the stove in our Cafe makes me feel at home. In Russia we call it "Kafeynya". It's more than a coffee house, it's a place for cerebrals to congregate, where everybody feels like they know everybody, and conversations start without formalities. Tell me which "Kafeynya" you attend and I'll tell you who you are... When I came to America the first thing I looked for was an interesting "Kafeynya." At the time I certainly didn't plan to find one with my name on it. Needless to say turning tables doesn't seem as important as a good coffee conversation. Coffee " to go" has always seemed a little funny for me. I am glad that not all my customers are "life to go" people. They come to my "Kafeynya" and do what people are supposed to do over a cup of coffee. They talk, read, listen to music or just enjoy being. A lot of them are Americans. Some are travelers. Many, of course, live in Lexington. Some are Europeans, missing the same things I miss: the "Kafeynya" community. Some are from the Middle East and Africa (where else can they get a real cup of coffee?) Turkish coffee is not the kind of coffee you grab on the way to work. It's a coffee for quiet enjoying. Turkish is especially good for those in love. Gene says his favorite Turkish coffee is after the cafe is closed, Tom Waits still playing on the stereo, chairs on tables, sitting alone with me under the African masks, next to the old upright piano....counting the day's money.