Actually, I do mind.
(warning: rant ahead)
I have worked as a barista and never once commented to a customer on their drink choice. Now, I don't find a lot of things rude but for some reason it just never felt right.
Of course, inwardly I wondered why on earth someone would bother to get the 'skinny-milk' option on a mocha-with-cream-and-marshmallows-plus-two-sugars, but I digress... I would never SAY that to the person who was ordering it.
I'm a strong coffee gal. I cannot STAND milky coffee. I've been drinking (real - not instant) coffee since I was 13 or 14 and I know what I like. I also have the ability to be able to drink a (strong) cup of coffee and then go to bed immediately after - I don't get that 'no coffee after 3pm or I'll be awake through the night' thing that other people seem to get. Have I over-consumed caffeine? I have no idea. I've never felt that rush or alertness that people describe when they have a coffee, or a Red Bull or some other 'energy device' invented recently. Never. Never Ever.
Why do I drink it then? you ask. Well, I like coffee. I like the smell and taste of it, and the good memories associated with it. Coffee is like a culture. For me it's not about the pick-me-up or the 'get me through the day' approach. I don't HAVE to drink coffee every single day and sometimes I don't - I just like a good cup of coffee.
Anyway.
So as I mentioned, I don't like milky coffee. So, I usually order a double-shot flat white or cappucino. Which is normal enough.
However, I frequent a place with a friend (who doesn't even drink coffee) where they serve their coffee in GIANT cups (they are like mugs, but in a cup shape). To compensate, all coffees are double-shot as standard. So when I ask for a flat white with an extra shot, every single time they explain that to me, I have to say 'Yes - I would like an EXTRA shot, please.'
And then they fluff about, stutter, raise their eyebrows, elbow each other, give a shrieking laugh and/or say some stupid comment like:
- Ooooh. Switch to decaf, girl.
- you know that's THREE shots of coffee?
- I don't think I've ever made a coffee that strong before.
- You'll be buzzing all afternoon.
- Why not just stick a caffeine drip in your arm?
- Don't feel like sleeping tonight?
- Had a long day?
- Gosh I don't think I could handle that much caffeine.
- It's not our fault if you decide it's too strong.
- Are you that tired?
- Our coffee is quite strong, you know.
Take your pick, it's all been said to me before. And not just at the place I went to today - MANY places have said that to me.
I don't need your opinion on my drink, it's not going to influence my decision, I've been drinking the same type since I was in high school. ARGH!
Anyway, I'm not really sure where this rant is heading, it's just that I'm annoyed. Is it really that difficult to shut your yap and just make me my damn coffee?
Judge me on my coffee choice, I don't mind.
November 22nd, 2009 at 07:54 am
November 22nd, 2009 at 09:30 am 1258882236
(Spoken from someone who cannot drink coffee much after 10 am else I can't sleep, but loves coffee.)
November 22nd, 2009 at 11:38 am 1258889888
I can relate to that, I can wake up 2am drink a cup of coffee and then go back to sleep, I have done this for years. If I drink it in bed I can also go to sleep with the cup still my hand which is not safe! I need to sit on the side bed which when in hospital can be a problem.
In fact coffee at night after 9pm is a like a sleeping draft.
Kitty
November 22nd, 2009 at 04:52 pm 1258908737
November 22nd, 2009 at 05:58 pm 1258912729
November 22nd, 2009 at 10:55 pm 1258930526
I've had cashiers ask me if an item was really good before (like an Amy's frozen burrito), but never have had anyone comment on say, the amount of chocolate I might be buying at one shot.
I think I'd make it known to the management of the place(s) where this is taking place. An unhappy customer quickly becomes a non-customer!
November 23rd, 2009 at 04:41 am 1258951283
November 24th, 2009 at 04:40 pm 1259080841
by the way, what is a flat white?
November 27th, 2009 at 08:01 am 1259308882
NOT a latte, cappucino, long black, short black, mocha or machiato...