As recently as a decade ago, the only people who patronized espresso bars were those who knew what they wanted. Serious coffee towns like Seattle, Portland and New York City pioneered the concept of gourmet coffee. In other cities they served a smaller 'niche' population who understood the differences between a quality drink and a "cup of Joe" from the local 7-11.
Espresso bars are everywhere today. Any decent sized market has a good selection, if not dozens of coffee shops, restaurants and bookstores that serve espresso drinks. This is good for the coffee connoisseur, but frequently problems arise due to patrons who don't know what they want, or even understand the concept of what to expect at the espresso bar.
For the benefit of espresso newcomers here are some tips that will help you get what you want, as well as helping the staff at your local espresso bar keep things moving along at an orderly pace.
--Know what you want beforehand. You should have a few drinks that are your drinks, and order those more often than not. For example my drinks are a Latte with an extra shot served either iced or hot depending on the weather. Occasionally, Ill have a cappuccino or a shot or two of espresso. If you want a specific sort of milk (soy milk, skim milk, etc.) ask for it when you order. The barista may ask you what kind of milk youd like"answer quickly or, if it doesnt matter just say so. Typically, youll get 2% or some other default selection. Also, make sure to know what size you want. I usually get a tall at most espresso bars and a venti at Starbucks, which are the largest sizes they offer. The espresso bar"as the name implies"isnt very different in concept than the alcohol bar: they basically offer the same things (or they can all make the same thing) with some unique in-house specialties. You wouldnt go to the bar at the Ritz-Carlton or other classy establishment (or, for that matter, even a dive bar) and expect the bartender to explain the entire concept of cocktails, explain whats in a martini and so forth.
--Avoid taking your children to an espresso bar. This is not only in the interest of preserving the ambiance of a good espresso bar, but for the sake of your kids as well. Kids don't want to drink coffee. Take them to get an ice cream or somewhere they'll actually enjoy. If you must take them, the same rules apply for them that apply to adults--make sure they know what they want. Many espresso places also serve soft drinks, if not they'll usually have bottled juices or they can whip up an Italian soda. In any case, its not their responsibility to come up with "kid friendly" drinks any more than I'd expect the local Chuck E. Cheese to make me a martini or a single malt scotch. Also, make sure they're own their best behavior. Explain to them that this is a grown up environment, and they're expected to conduct themselves as such.
--Tip, tip, tip. Generous tipping is a good rule in general. It's good karma, and helps make your life easier and more pleasant. The local espresso bar is no exception. . Not only is tipping the decent thing to do, but it is an investment"particularly in any place that youll be patronizing regularly. A dollar tip for the counter help will ensure that your order is prepared quickly, accurately and courteously. Do this enough and youll start to get preferential treatment. If you go to a place on a daily basis, or even several times a week, its a good idea to throw in a big tip every now and then. Give them $10 at Christmas, for example. It will pay dividends throughout the year, and youll quickly become a preferred customer.
--If you have a special request, explain it while you order. Don't assume that drinks are made the same way everywhere that they're made at your local espresso bar. There are some accepted standards, but also regional and local variations. If you're in doubt, ask.
--Finally, the word is ES-PRESS-O and NOT EX-PRESS-O. Theres no X in the word. Regardless of how much or how little you know about coffee, theres no excuse for stupidity.
Espresso bars are everywhere today. Any decent sized market has a good selection, if not dozens of coffee shops, restaurants and bookstores that serve espresso drinks. This is good for the coffee connoisseur, but frequently problems arise due to patrons who don't know what they want, or even understand the concept of what to expect at the espresso bar.
For the benefit of espresso newcomers here are some tips that will help you get what you want, as well as helping the staff at your local espresso bar keep things moving along at an orderly pace.
--Know what you want beforehand. You should have a few drinks that are your drinks, and order those more often than not. For example my drinks are a Latte with an extra shot served either iced or hot depending on the weather. Occasionally, Ill have a cappuccino or a shot or two of espresso. If you want a specific sort of milk (soy milk, skim milk, etc.) ask for it when you order. The barista may ask you what kind of milk youd like"answer quickly or, if it doesnt matter just say so. Typically, youll get 2% or some other default selection. Also, make sure to know what size you want. I usually get a tall at most espresso bars and a venti at Starbucks, which are the largest sizes they offer. The espresso bar"as the name implies"isnt very different in concept than the alcohol bar: they basically offer the same things (or they can all make the same thing) with some unique in-house specialties. You wouldnt go to the bar at the Ritz-Carlton or other classy establishment (or, for that matter, even a dive bar) and expect the bartender to explain the entire concept of cocktails, explain whats in a martini and so forth.
--Avoid taking your children to an espresso bar. This is not only in the interest of preserving the ambiance of a good espresso bar, but for the sake of your kids as well. Kids don't want to drink coffee. Take them to get an ice cream or somewhere they'll actually enjoy. If you must take them, the same rules apply for them that apply to adults--make sure they know what they want. Many espresso places also serve soft drinks, if not they'll usually have bottled juices or they can whip up an Italian soda. In any case, its not their responsibility to come up with "kid friendly" drinks any more than I'd expect the local Chuck E. Cheese to make me a martini or a single malt scotch. Also, make sure they're own their best behavior. Explain to them that this is a grown up environment, and they're expected to conduct themselves as such.
--Tip, tip, tip. Generous tipping is a good rule in general. It's good karma, and helps make your life easier and more pleasant. The local espresso bar is no exception. . Not only is tipping the decent thing to do, but it is an investment"particularly in any place that youll be patronizing regularly. A dollar tip for the counter help will ensure that your order is prepared quickly, accurately and courteously. Do this enough and youll start to get preferential treatment. If you go to a place on a daily basis, or even several times a week, its a good idea to throw in a big tip every now and then. Give them $10 at Christmas, for example. It will pay dividends throughout the year, and youll quickly become a preferred customer.
--If you have a special request, explain it while you order. Don't assume that drinks are made the same way everywhere that they're made at your local espresso bar. There are some accepted standards, but also regional and local variations. If you're in doubt, ask.
--Finally, the word is ES-PRESS-O and NOT EX-PRESS-O. Theres no X in the word. Regardless of how much or how little you know about coffee, theres no excuse for stupidity.
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