Every time I visit a café, whether I’m strolling side by side with a friend or wrangling my complaining preteens, I’m always eager for my go-to drink: a flat white, which, as you might already know, is essentially a latte with less milk. Absolutely delightful!
Not everyone has been a fan of my coffee preferences, though. A few years back in Paris, I popped into a quaint café in the Marais and ordered an Americano with a bit of milk. “No,” the barista replied. I paused briefly, and when she did not elaborate, I assumed she might not have a standard charge for that particular request. “I’m willing to pay for a latte, or whatever you recommend,” I offered, attempting to be accommodating. “No,” she reiterated, with conviction. “If I make that, our coffee will end up tasting burnt, so I’m not going to do it.”
I have to admit, I appreciated her fierce stance. She clearly knew her coffee, so I inquired about her suggestion, and she brewed me two shots of espresso, executed flawlessly.
Shopkeepers in New York do this as well—“you can’t put Parmesan cheese on shrimp pasta,” or “the chef won’t make a steak well done,” or “we don’t toast bagels; they’re already served warm.” I admire anyone who cares so deeply about their craft that they stand their ground firmly.
I’m curious—what’s your coffee order? Any suggestions? I’m still fairly new to coffee (I began drinking it during the pandemic), so I’m always looking for advice. xoxo
P.S. Featuring photos from my trips to Paris, along with two enchanting Paris itineraries.
# Navigating Coffee Orders (And a Funny Parisian Incident)
Coffee is among the most cherished beverages globally, yet ordering it can sometimes feel like picking up a new dialect—especially abroad. Whether you’re in a U.S. coffee house, an Italian café, or a Parisian bistro, the terminology and customs can vary tremendously. In this piece, we’ll clarify some typical coffee orders and recount a humorous incident involving coffee in Paris.
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## **Understanding Coffee Orders Across the Globe**
### **1. The Essentials: Espresso vs. Coffee**
In numerous countries, particularly in Europe, if you ask for a “coffee,” you’re likely to receive an **espresso**—a small, robust shot of coffee. If you want a large, drip-style coffee like they serve in the U.S., you will need to clarify.
– **Espresso** – A small, concentrated coffee shot.
– **Americano** – Espresso diluted with hot water, making it resemble American drip coffee.
– **Long Black** – Similar to an Americano but made differently (popular in Australia and New Zealand).
### **2. Coffees with Milk**
If a creamier, smoother drink is your preference, you’ll want to choose something that includes milk. However, names and ratios can differ:
– **Cappuccino** – Espresso topped with equal parts steamed milk and froth.
– **Latte** – Espresso combined with more steamed milk and a light foam layer.
– **Flat White** – Comparable to a latte but with a silkier texture (popular in Australia and New Zealand).
– **Macchiato** – Espresso marked with a small dash of milk.
### **3. Local Favorites**
Various regions boast their own distinct coffee creations:
– **Café au Lait (France)** – Coffee mixed with steamed milk, customarily served in a large bowl.
– **Cortado (Spain & Latin America)** – Espresso combined with an equal amount of warmed milk.
– **Affogato (Italy)** – Espresso poured over a scoop of vanilla gelato.
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## **A Comical Coffee Blunder in Paris**
With a clearer perspective on coffee orders, let’s delve into a light-hearted tale about a coffee mix-up in Paris.
Some time ago, my friend Mark took his first trip to Paris. He was eager to dive into French customs but was not fluent in the language. One morning, he wandered into a lovely café close to the Seine, intent on ordering a **latte**.
Mark bravely approached the counter and said, “Un latte, s’il vous plaît.”
The barista stared at him with confusion but nodded and vanished into the kitchen. Moments later, she returned—not with coffee, but with a **glass of warm milk**.
Perplexed, Mark attempted to clarify that he wanted coffee, but the barista merely gestured to the milk and grinned. That’s when it dawned on him: in France, ordering a “latte” simply gets you **milk** (as “lait” translates to milk in French).
What he should have asked for was a **café au lait**—coffee with milk. A valuable lesson learned!
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## **Final Advice for Ordering Coffee Like an Expert**
1. **Familiarize yourself with local terminology** – A “coffee” may differ from one nation to another.
2. **Be precise** – Specify the amount of milk you want and its form (steamed, foamed, etc.).
3. **Enjoy the adventure** – Even if you stumble, it’s all part of the fun of exploring!
So, the next time you find yourself in a café—be it in Paris, Rome, or New York—you’ll be well-prepared to place your order. And if you ever happen to mistakenly order warm milk, just chuckle, have a sip, and relish the experience. ☕😄
