For Here or To Go
By handsonmama
@handsonmama (14)
United States
January 7, 2010 2:38pm CST
Why is it so common at many fast food restaurants to ask "for here or to go?" but at coffee shops this is not standard yet? I lived in Italy for three years and there is no such thing as a "to go cup" or a "doggie bag." This is much more environmentally friendly. I know that on the go coffee is something many are accustomed to, but we should push all coffee shops (national chains and locally owned) to always ask "for here or to go?" My capuccino tastes so much better in a ceramic mug anyway that it is an added bonus that I don't have to throw a paper cup in the trash.
1 person likes this
1 response
@mysdianait (66009)
• Italy
7 Jan 10
I am in Italy and I can't bear to think of how horrid a capuccino must taste in a plastic mug 
Part of the joy of stopping off to have one in a bar is that it is the real thing. Why spoil it in a plastic cup?
When you were here did you notice how Italy manages to hang on to local customs from north to south? There are only a few McDonalds scattered here and there and they have not become a big thing at all. I have nothing against the food of other countries but for them to arrive and try and take over from the locals I feel is a bit over the top.
I would like to see a fish and chip shop here though as, being from UK, I do miss them lol
Part of the joy of stopping off to have one in a bar is that it is the real thing. Why spoil it in a plastic cup?
When you were here did you notice how Italy manages to hang on to local customs from north to south? There are only a few McDonalds scattered here and there and they have not become a big thing at all. I have nothing against the food of other countries but for them to arrive and try and take over from the locals I feel is a bit over the top.
I would like to see a fish and chip shop here though as, being from UK, I do miss them lol@handsonmama (14)
• United States
8 Jan 10
Yeah, to me a cappuccino is not worth the money if it's not in ceramic. My favorite thing about Italy was the local customs and the "slow food" mentality. It certainly speaks to the strong customs of Italy that the capitalistic chains haven't taken over yet and I hope they never do. My husband and I were certainly triple shot mocha to go with a flavor shot people before living there. We frequented fast food restaurants in the U.S. Since living the Italian way for three years and returning to the U.S. we rarely, if ever, visit fast food places or take anything to go. I enjoy the experience of the food and the coffee just as much as what I consume. And I'm quite happy to not create all the extra garbage.
@mysdianait (66009)
• Italy
8 Jan 10
I am not a fast food fan either. Here if we go out to eat that includes savouring every bite or sip too. I love it that everywhere you go here there are local restaurants and most serve both national and regional dishes. I have been here over 30 years and that's the way it has always been. No-one has changed the mentality about eating out here yet and I doubt very much whether it will happen in the future either! 
