For Italians who miss the stylish bars they knew in Italy; for anyone here in New York that would like to try the experience of an Italian Coffee bar or for those who take their coffee seriously, Ben Hamilton and his wife Giorgia have opened Cinico Coffee Company (CCC) in Murray Hill, at 199 Madison Avenue and 35th Street with you in mind.
Mr. Hamilton, an accomplished musician and style icon as well as coffee entrepreneur, was born in Manhattan and then transplanted at the age of 7 to Padova, Italy. This background allowed him the opportunity to synthesize his cultures and unite Italian style and devotion to quality and American efficiency.
He subscribes to the Italian rule of the “4 Ms of coffee: mano; macina; macchina; miscela.”
Miscela is the blend, mano is the hand (skill) of the barista, the machine must be of high quality; and the macina (the grinding) must be calibrated to humidity, temperature, the blend type, etc.
These rules captured Mr. Hamilton’s imagination as an art form. Many people–especially non-Italians, think of coffee as the result of pressing a button, and the tradition of crafting coffee has been mostly lost in America. CCC offers a proprietary blend roasted in Rome and shipped here once every other month, so it is particular to them and always fresh. It’s so carefully produced that it lends itself to any application such as brewing, drip coffee, cold-brew, etc. This is coffee that yields so much taste that it often surprises drinkers that they don’t even need their usual milk or sweeteners to enjoy it.
CCC also offers delectables of both the savory and sweet varieties. This can be a one-stop shop just as the best bars in Italy can be. The café is open daily serving breakfast, lunch and drinks, from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with weekend hours from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
CINICO Coffee Company (and wine bar) offers indoor and outdoor dining and take-out. An APP will launch soon. On special nights, the café transforms into a music lounge featuring live concerts by Mr. Hamilton. CCC is more than an exceptional Italian bar, it’s a destination. moc.eeffococinic@ofni; www.cinicocoffee.com
