Venice's Caffe Florian faces most challenging times in three hundred years. While the doors may be closed, its still open on-line for international orders!

Venice's Caffe Florian has resided in St. Mark's Square for over 300 years.

 

Caffe Florian, like its home, Venice, is a magical place that enchants natives and tourists alike. In its three centuries of existence, it appeared to be immune from everything from  political upheaval to natural disasters - that is until 2020's global pandemic rattled the coffee and tea shop's charmed life and forced an extended shut-down. 

While at the elegant Caffe Florian, Rachel and I take in the infinity mirror

This week, the Wall Street Journal profiled Caffe Florian (World Wars Couldn't Stop Caffe Florian. Covid Did) and its current struggles. It set me to mind of our visit just three years ago when I was able to mix a bit of business and pleasure - a family vacation that included a couple of writing assignments for TeaTime Magazine - and afternoon tea at Caffe Florian was at the heart of both.

Afternoon tea at Caffe Florian

Signature china also available on-line

In the fall of 2017, my tea business partner (and daughter) Rachel and I, along with husband, Chris spent ten days in Italy. Rome was our home base, but we did spend time in Florence and, as noted, Venice. Although each city has its own allure, of all the places we've visited in western Europe, it's hard to compare Venice to any other spot with its canal travel system and its influence on every part of Venetian life. 

Chris and Rachel in Venice

Traveling the canals via gondolas

Caffe Florian adapted most admirably to its environs. Starting as a small coffee shop in 1720,  it emerged as a luxurious restaurant in the 19th century, attracting society's elites for centuries. We felt every part of that society at our visit. We were greeted warmly by Anna Rita Panebianco, the retail manager of the cafe, and she was our hostess throughout the afternoon tea. The restaurant combines old world elegance with divine cuisine. 

Caffe Florian article in TeaTime, a visit of both business and pleasure

However, even with its formidable adaptability, there's one challenge Caffe Florian hasn't been able to overcome just yet - Covid 19 and quarantine. The tony but accessible restaurant in St. Mark's Square has been closed for over a year. It missed out on a 300th anniversary party in December and another carneval season has passed it by. 

Anna Rita, the cafe's store manager, demonstrates how the tables turn for ease of getting in and out

BUT, all is not loss. Caffe Florian is open for on-line orders!! They have coffee, chocolate, china and, of course, tea. They also have commemorative merchandise available that honors their 300th anniversary. 

Caffe Florian's amazing tea available on-line

Rachel holds a fav: Sunset in Venice

This weekend, I ordered some of my favorite Caffe Florian tea, including a special 300th anniversary variety pack. I was dismayed that anniversary tea cup and saucers are out of stock - and wine orders could not be put through - but that just left more money for other items.

To purchase chocolate, tea, coffee and much more (!) from Caffe Florian, go to their e-shop link provided here: Caffe Florian e-shop  or go directly to their website caffeflorian.com  

You can read more about our visit to Caffe Florian in TeaTime Magazine's article, in Caffe Florian, wearing its best smile for 300 years on-line or in its January/February 2019 issue. 

A more personal account is in our December, 2018 blog,  Caffe Florian in Venice.