Nostalgic of her haunts across the city’s illustrious art and gastronomy scene, she said, “Paris is a feast for the senses. One of my favourite things to do on the weekends was to visit the food markets. When I lived in the '7e Arrondissement', there was a little quaint street called Rue Cler adjacent to where I resided, and every weekend that street would be hustling and bustling with farmers selling freshly harvested produce. My friends and I would often grab some food from the market and have a casual sunset picnic by the Seine.”

“The Parisian cafés are at the centre of the social and culinary life of the city,” she added, admiring the locals’ celebrated café culture. “When you think of coffee in Paris, you immediately think of a small espresso cup enjoyed on the outdoor terrace of a café. It was in Paris that I first learned how to enjoy a shot of espresso and started appreciating my coffee black.”

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Trying out Nespresso’s new Paris Espresso, which bears a light bitterness and notes of cereal biscuit and citrus, Jessica shared, “It smells like mornings in Paris. It's smoky and sweet and can be enjoyed alone as an espresso, or with some milk, and paired with a delicious pastry.” She also told us that enjoying her coffee with a pastry lately has made her ever more wistful for her Paris days. “There is nothing in the world like a freshly baked croissant in Paris. It's the butter and perfectly golden flaky layers that make it unique and unreplicable.”

Eventually and quite perfectly meeting her husband Jesse in the city of love, Jessica also said she can’t wait to be back with their little ones. “Visits to the museums, churches, gardens, art galleries, patisseries, and food markets would be on the must list! I want my family to feel all of the magic of Paris, the way I experienced it many years ago.”

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“When I think of Istanbul, I think of bright colours, beautiful buildings, and the smell of coffee wafting through the air,” recounted Kaye Tinga. Self-admittedly one of the two coffee enthusiasts in her family (the other being her daughter Kerry), the seasoned philanthropist and retailer behind home store W17 revealed that Istanbul was where her love for coffee first blossomed.

“Prior to my trip to Turkey several years back, I was a very casual coffee drinker; an occasional cappuccino or latte was the extent of my relationship with coffee. It was in Istanbul that I discovered what good coffee is—strong and a tad bitter—and I never turned back,” she declared. “Every time I have a good strong cup of coffee, I am immediately transported to the small coffee place in a busy shopping street in Istanbul where I learned to love coffee.”

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With the world’s earliest coffeehouses found in Istanbul, Kaye raved about the city's layered history, saying, “We have Turkey to thank for bringing coffee to the world from its origins in Ethiopia and so it’s no surprise that the Turks have created a ritual around it – from the way it is brewed, to the accompanying sweet, usually the Turkish delight, and the ever-present glass of clear water to wash away the bitterness. And unlike most of the world who associate coffee with mornings, the Turks are more likely to have coffee after a big meal, or as a mid-afternoon break.”

Kaye could not forget to share a little glimpse into her own coffee rituals: “The choice of coffee flavour is the first decision I make each day. And like the Turks, I enjoy a cup after meals, often with something sweet like a piece of chocolate because honestly nothing tastes as good as this combination.”

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Brimming with wild aromatics and the perfect blend of bitter and fruity notes, Nespresso’s Istanbul Espresso is undoubtedly an express ticket to the arresting and eclectic bustle of this cosmopolitan city. Kaye mused, “I cannot think of Istanbul without being reminded of the Grand Bazaar, the stunning building, all the shopkeepers inviting you to check their wares and offering samples, and the endless haggling which is almost a national sport.”

On a final note, she revealed that they’re already planning a trip back to Turkey, a country that only leaves more to discover of its vibrant history and profound coffee scene. “My husband and I loved Istanbul, and have been waiting for all our children to be old enough to appreciate the wonder and depth of the city,” she shared. “Our eldest son has decided to choose Turkey for his civilizations requirement for university, where he’ll study for one term. So we are doubly excited to visit him in Istanbul with the rest of the family; hopefully, he can tour us and give us a deeper insight into the places we plan to visit and revisit. We are also planning a side trip to Cappadocia and the ancient city of Ephesus!”

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For star couple, Brazilian-Japanese model and photographer Hideo Muraoka and Spanish model and entrepreneur Fatima Rabago, it goes without saying that each trip to Rio de Janeiro heralds one picture-worthy moment after another. Having recently settled down in Brazil with their two kids, Fatima said that the city will always be special to them. “It’s the most beautiful city I've ever been to! The scenery is so unique and unlike any other. Our family has very good memories in Rio, always spent by the beach or downtown.”

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Apart from the magnificent beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, some of their essential destinations in the city include the breathtaking Christ the Redeemer statue and the sprightly Selaron Steps. “Cristo Redentor is so beautiful and the energy there is strong! And [tourists can’t miss] the Escadaria Selarón. It’s the heart of Rio; it’s colourful, there’s great music, and it’s good for caipirinhas too!” enthused Fatima.

While its rich culture and cuisine certainly make up the beating heart of Rio de Janeiro, Hideo added that no one leaves the city without falling in love with the spirit and hospitality of the locals. “Brazilians are a very resilient people and are full of happiness. They are always joking,” he shared. “It’s definitely the people who make Brazil unique; they are very light, fun, and warm but at the same time very hardworking and proactive.”

The marvellous complexities of this tropical city are perfectly reflected in Nespresso’s Rio De Janeiro Expresso, which is at once velvety, herbal, spicy, and pleasantly bitter with a hint of walnut and sandalwood for a truly brave and creative spin on the Brazilian cafezinho. Describing its decadently smooth taste, Fatima remarked, “It reminds me of mornings in the hotel looking at Copacabana beach. I love having it by the table with my husband and enjoying a nice conversation.”

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The couple shared that coffee is a staple for them at breakfast and after lunch with sparkling water and some pastries on the side: a practice partly influenced by the locals’ diverse coffee culture. “Brazilians love coffee and they take it seriously! They enjoy it black, with no sugar. They are indeed very exigent with their coffee choices and drink it all the time.”

With Hideo and Fatima always looking to spend more quality time with the entire family, many upcoming trips to Rio de Janeiro are definitely in the cards. Hideo finally expressed, “Hopefully we can expand our business there and be able to go there more often!”

Try Nespresso’s World Explorations range and indulge in a taste of your dream destinations at the touch of a button. Get the Paris, Istanbul, and Rio de Janeiro blends at the Nespresso boutiques located in Power Plant Mall, The Podium Mall, and Robinsons Magnolia or at the pop-up stores located in Greenbelt 5, One Bonifacio High Street Mall, Shangri-La Mall, Trinoma, Alabang Town Center, SM Mall of Asia, and SM Aura. To order online, click here. 

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