I'm talking about a first world problem - nothing serious. The earth will not stop turning if it doesn't get sorted. But it's enough of a problem for me to come to my loyal, long-suffering readers for advice.
The burning question? Is it too late to say something?
I go to the same coffee shop most days to get my one, daily indulgence. Actually, if I'm being honest it's not my only daily indulgence. My evening cookie or
I go to the same place because I know I'm going to get a consistent, quality coffee made by people who know my order and greet me with a friendly smile.
But lately the girl who makes my coffee has been getting the order wrong. I order a medium soy cappuccino extra hot (I've put it out there just in case someone wants to surprise me with one some day) and I've been getting a medium soy latte extra hot.
I know it really isn't a big deal. Effectively it's just a delicate dusting of chocolate powder on top of the foam. But I miss that little hint of chocolatey goodness. It's what gives me that mmmm moment as I contemplate the day ahead.
The first time she made the mistake I just brushed it off. Who hasn't made a mistake in their lives? No big deal. But by the third time I realised that this mistake wasn't really a mistake on her behalf. I think she genuinely believes that I'm a latte drinker.
Seriously, do I look like a latte drinker? Not that I'm saying that there's anything wrong with drinking lattes. One of my best friends is a latte drinker and I don't hold it against her. But you only have to look at me to realise that I'd be a cappuccino drinker.
How can you tell a cappuccino drinker from a latte one? Cappuccino drinkers are the dags of the cafe-set. We never did conform to the stylish latte trend because dags tend to be a little stuck in their ways. We like our coffee milky and with a subtle frosting of that gift from the Gods - chocolate. I could never be accused of being stylish. I turn up for my coffee in a denim skirt and t-shirt in summer and jeans and jumper in winter. The closest I get to stylish is when I throw on a scarf - which is usually covered in dog hair, thereby negating any stylishness that would otherwise been attained.
So now you understand my dilemma, what do I do about it? Do I just stay quiet, become a latte drinker and up my game as far as dressing and accessorizing are concerned? Do I say something and wipe the lovely smile off her face that she gives me every time she hands over my coffee? Or do I start carrying a purse-sized shaker of chocolate powder so I can add my own?
Like I said - first world problem.
no matter how trivial, id say something because you simply are not getting what you're ordering.
ReplyDeleteYou are clever and funny. Just tell her in a nice funny way so she doesn't feel bad. But I would definitely say something! Get what you want!
ReplyDeleteI would just say, "I'm going to try something new today" -and order you cappuccino!! Tell her you're branching out by switching from a latte to a cappuccino!!
ReplyDeleteI would definitely say something or who knows what you may be drinking in the future. ;)
ReplyDeleteNow I just have to sit here and wait for your story on how you transformed into a cappucino drinker again!
You must say something! This is your big indulgence for the day so you can't let it slide. Please post a follow up!
ReplyDeleteIs she the same staffer who takes your order? If not, it's a bit harder, but...if you're willing to play naive, you could ask her the difference between a latte and cappuccino, then specifically note that you'd like to try a cappuccino. Or say something like, "You know, I recently got a drink here that had a bit of chocolate powder on top. I'd really like to have that today! What was it?"
ReplyDeleteI have an American sense of customer service, but you *should* be getting what you ask (and pay) for, so speak up!!! [And let us know how it goes.]
Signed, A Latte Drinker Who Wouldn't Want a Cappuccino....
I agree with everybody else - you definitely need to say something. Heaven knows I could never up my game with the scarves and whatnot, so I wouldn't wish that on you. I like the idea of passing it off like you're trying something new. What a fun whimsy - a cappucino!! :)
ReplyDeleteYou've got to get what you want. You're paying for it! Be polite (of course you would be) but somehow let her know what you want. Or find a new shop!
ReplyDelete1. Always say something about coffee, for pete's sake. It's sacred.
ReplyDelete2.I must not know what a cappuccino is. I thought it latte had hot milk, maybe kind of frothy, and cappuccino had steamed, foamy milk. What do I know, though. I never drink either!
If prices of lattes and cappuccinos are the same there as they are in the US, then it's definitely a first world problem of epic proportions. I pretty much don't like confrontation so I completely understand your hesitation. Good luck!!
ReplyDeleteI think next time you order both a latte and a cappuccino, then then call her over and say, after a couple of sips, I like this one...
ReplyDeleteI have a plan:
ReplyDeletePerhaps you could say, "I think I'll try a cappuccino today," and see what she does. Then the next day, "I loved your cappuccino so much yesterday I'll have another."
She'll think she turned you into a cappuccino drinker because of her exceptional cappuccino-making skills. Or something.
We are talking about coffee here (cappucino for me too please) and it doesn't matter if you break her heart of if she bursts into tears after you told her she's doing it wrong. Again: we are talking about coffee here.
ReplyDeleteDon't mess with our coffee, just do it right!
And on a serious note: I guess I'm your only rude reader. Why bring it to her gently. She's paid to do her job, she's paid to let you leave as a happy customer, she's just not doing her job right. You have every right to say something, you pay for it.
ReplyDeleteCertainly a problem that needs to be addressed! I'm a cappuccino drinker myself and would not drink lattes. I would just tell her straight that she's getting it wrong...while smiling and really being friendly :)
ReplyDeletePlease say something! I certainly would. I am not human until I have my first coffee of the day, and multiple incorrect orders would probably tip me over the fine line between sub-human and rage.
ReplyDeleteSo you're asking for capuccino and getting Latte?? Being the queen of evasion that I am, I'd find another shop. If not that, then you do need to say something no matter how sweet she is she's making a mistake and should get what you ordered.
ReplyDeleteNo question ... this is coffee. This is important. You must tell her. Point out very gently that you want a cappucino. Not a latte. And you are really looking forward to that foam with some chocolate on the top ....You can use flattery and say you know they do the best ones there. Good luck. Be strong. As strong as good coffee.
ReplyDeleteHeh, I'm a mocha drinker. What does that make me? ;)
ReplyDeleteIf you were to visit me in Italy I would offer you soy cappuccino ... you can be sure :)
ReplyDeleteCompletely agree with Teamarcia: if I were you I would find another shop!