I got into the Starbucks line this morning going back and forth between my usual standbys as of late: pumpkin spice latte, or triple espresso…? After chastising myself for being so boring and predictable, something caught my eye. The chalkboard had a picture of what looked like a latte with the words ‘Flat White’ on it. It went on to describe smooth ristretto shots of espresso topped with steamed whole milk. I then said out loud (and to no one), “Ooh. I want that.”*
I got very excited. A ristretto shot is a smaller, smoother, sweeter pull of espresso that you can actually get at any time if you ask for it. I’m sure I’ve mentioned it on this blog before. My old barista in DC, Alex, used to only make my drinks with ristretto, and I think that’s one of the reasons they were so amazing. I asked for ristretto shots a few times when I first moved back to Chicago, but I’m already high maintenance enough and didn’t want to overly-complicate things. And after a few baristas didn’t even know what I was asking for, I just gave up.
Oh Alex… I miss you every day.
Anyhoo. The Flat White did not disappoint. Just think of the smoothest, creamiest latte you’ve ever had. It’s nothing fancy or complicated. It’s just delicious. Oh, and don’t order it with anything but whole milk. It’s worth the extra calories. Now go get one.**
*I also tried to take a picture of the chalkboard, but I couldn’t zoom in enough without looking like a crazy*** person.
**This direction is specifically for Steve Szafranski. I love you, and thank you for always drinking what I tell you to.
***I know I am crazy, I just try to hide it in public.
Filed under: Coffee of the Day Tagged: coffee, flat white, humor, starbucks 