Being somewhere in the middle of Summer 2011 I have enjoyed some extensive travelling catching up with family and friends and as I still have more to look forward to, I do feel responsible towards my readers that still haven't fixed their plans 100% and would welcome some inspiration for their summer break. Hence, I want to share some spots I've found around the world, just in case you are in the neighborhood.. (on the picture though I've just finished an espresso after our lunch by the beach in Costa Smeralda, Sardinia - I'll post a note from there soon).
This summer was the first in a long while that I was able to go home to Sweden and just enjoy it during summer without any particular obligations and towards the end of my stay I enjoyed a couple of days in a paradise-like environment with lush green forests, gardens and sea side. One day I ventured into the city of Kalmar, a city rich of history for Sweden and my aim was to run a couple of errands and do some shopping.
After some very successful and productive hours I had about 30 minutes before the bus would take me back to my lodging and felt myself strongly craving a coffee, but would it be possible to find a decent espresso here or would I have to settle for the Swedish traditional "long coffee"? I was in need of a strong one!
At the end of a pretty little road I found a tempting note that took my mind off the coffee for a second or two - it promised that in this venue, the best possible pancakes was being served together with home made jam and whipped cream.. I couldn't resist of course as pancakes is a must during summer and so I entered without any further delay.
The interior had a warm and welcoming atmosphere and my heart skipped a beat when my eyes fell upon a very good looking espresso machine. The question was now, was there anyone here capable in handling her aright? The 'barrista' showed up and I asked him if he could do me 'un bel caffe' and then after serve me some pancakes. He gave me a curious glance due to my boldly expressed demand but immediately went to work on the machine. I noticed that there were coffee beans in bags marked with 'Italy' on a shelf over the coffee menu and as curiosity killed the cat, I had to ask him if he imported directly from Italy or it was just for mere decoration to add to the Italian-styled cafe. 
I had been so lucky to find the best place in the entire city for a good espresso - he was not only the 'barrista' but also an artist who runs the cafe together with a relative. As we kept on talking I found out that he had an auntie living in Rome and often comes here to try different toasts of coffee beans and import his findings to this very coffee bar that also serves as an art gallery in Kalmar, Sweden.
The coffee was excellent and the pancakes, you have to come and try for yourself. But I would go there every other day if I lived in the neighborhood. If you are more interested in the art, you can also buy them direct off from the walls. The artist himself came out himself (barefoot) to serve me where I was sitting alongside the street and I made a mental note that even if I didn't have my camera with me, this place just had to be on my blog. Don't you just agree that this fits beautifully in here?!!
For his paintings, click this link
As I can't take credit for others pictures, here is a link (for a Swedish audience) where you get a good feeling about the bar - click here
The address:
Konrads Konst och Kafe'
Larmgatan 7
Kalmar
Sweden
Phone number 0046 (0)704 77 35 11
Find it on the map - click here!
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