I don’t usually revisit a cafe in my travels, but with the Black Magic Cafe, I can’t resist.
I take a seat in the front room this time, across from the serving counter, behind which is a shelf with scientific apparatuses – chemistry flasks, a burner, candles, books, a sand clock, and the inevitable stock of Riva Black Balsam liqueur bottles.
I order a coffee with a shot of the Riva Black Balsam on the side. Since the chocolate cake is back on the menu, I order a slice of it.
A group of three arrive and sit at the next table.
They are loud, speak English, and express grunts of disapproval when the server gives them a mild scolding for taking her picture without her permission.
I quickly determine that one of the three has been hired by the other two, a couple, as a guide.
He has a high-pitched voice and manages to talk his hosts out of some of their liqueur; indeed, they are generous and tell him that it is too much for them and that he is to help himself to as much as he wants.
The couple asks from what the Riga Black Balsam is made and the guide says that it is made from twenty-four different plants, many of which have medicinal properties.
I make a note to confirm that fact, but then later decide against it, realizing that it doesn’t really matter.
What I found intriguing was how confidently the guide answered the question.
He hadn’t hesitated at all and I realized I was beginning to admire him.
As the trio got up to leave, the guide motioned to the room with a hand and announced that the decor of the Black Magic Cafe resembled an alchemist’s laboratory.
I looked around and realized that he had described it exactly right.
I could have written ten thousand words about the decor of the cafe and not gotten it quite right.
The guide stated it perfectly in two words – alchemist’s laboratory.
