New Zealand is a cafe culture, and coffee is a national passion. They really, really like their coffee here. And they do it right-- just the right beans, just the right hot water, just the right additions. And as with most things, New Zealand enjoys a few eccentricities regarding its coffee.
If you want a small (50 mL?) shot of espresso, you ask for a Short Black.
Want some frothy milk layered on top of your espresso? You want a Flat White. (This is my favorite.) If you want to be healthy, ask for trim, not skim, milk.
Or maybe you want double-strength espresso with the milk mixed in. This is a Latte and it always comes in a short, fat water glass, not a mug.
If you'd like an American-style coffee, --I know what you're thinking, 'you ask for an Americano!', right?-- you ask for a Long Black, which is actually espresso with hot water added.
Brewed coffee, the hot-water-filtered-through-grounds-stuff ubiquitous to kitchens, offices, and conference centers across the US, is not typically available in cafes. It just doesn't seem to be the thing.
Saturday, October 09, 2010
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5 comments:
I remember that lovely photo you had a while back of some frothy "flat black" with a flower design swirled in. Not only good, but beautiful, too! Your blog was a nice morning read, coffee and all.
I MEANT flat white....very early morning here...I need some more long black with some creamer (ugh!)
Has Starbucks invaded NZ yet?
Saimi Auntie-- yes, *$ is here. But, not on every other street corner, at least. I haven't had any since leaving the US... I am a little curious to try it again in December. I suspect that it will no longer taste good to me.
We will try *$ together in December - can't wait. We don't have many options in Houston since it is not big on coffee shops.
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