Tensions Rise Over Trump’s Trade War and ’51st State’ Threat
In response to trade tensions with the United States, some Canadian cafes have replaced the name “Americano” with “Canadiano” to foster national pride. According to reports from The Washington Post and local Canadian media on the 25th (local time), the Americano has been removed from the menu at Cafe Belem in Toronto, now replaced by Canadiano.
The owner of Belem, William Oliveira, told WP, “I don’t want my shop to be a political place,” but added, “It’s important to show support for Canada right now. Simply changing the name of a drink is enough.”
Other cafes, like Palisades in British Columbia, followed suit by covering up “Americano” on their menu with paper labeled “Canadiano.” Morning Owl in Ottawa also replaced “Americano” with “Canadiano,” accompanied by a Canadian flag. Kicking Horse Coffee, a British Columbia-based coffee roasting company, has referred to the Americano as Canadiano for the past 16 years.
President Donald Trump’s declaration of a tariff war against Canada and remarks about making Canada the “51st state” have clearly irked Canadians. At NHL (North American Hockey League) games between Canada and the US, Canadian hockey fans have jeered the US. Souvenir shops in Ontario now sell clothing with slogans like “Canada is not for sale,” and apps have been developed to identify Canadian-made products.
However, some argue that renaming the Americano is inappropriate considering its origins. The term “Americano” originated during World War II when American soldiers stationed in Italy diluted strong Italian espresso with water. The name carries connotations of Americans being ignorant of good coffee taste.