I really like branded espresso cups and have literally begged, borrowed and (to my shame) even stolen them. This was my first and, yes, the one I stole. It was from a cafe in Paris following a very good créme brulee. I even have photographic evidence of the incident; with my wife holding 'Exhibit A' round the corner from the scene of the crime. Now I'm not proud and have since adopted a more noble strategy: I beg for them.
Generally, though not always, waiters/bar staff are happy to give them away, if asked for with the appropriate level of humble appreciation. Often even washing them for me. I'm pretty sure the cups are given free to the bar by their coffee supplier.
I love 'em too. We actually ordered a case of Illy cups after our trip to Italy. Didn't think to steal/beg for one!
Posted by: Amy | 15 June 2006 at 10:09 PM
Just saw this picture in flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pomie/267551853/
.. and googled you ;)
Posted by: Cem | 31 October 2006 at 06:43 PM
Just found you after posting my own Flickr pic, and I'm wishing I'd thought to bring a couple of espresso cups back from France with me. :-)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mhaithaca/2182501617/
Posted by: mhaithaca | 11 January 2008 at 02:54 PM