I love 3 day weekends. Customers are all so happy the day before the holiday break. I'm skipping on air because I'm taking an extra long weekend!! Woo hoo!!!
Be back Sept 2!
Staying Caffeinated,
Dee
Friday, August 28, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
New guy turns hugger...the story of Neil continues
He's been with us a while now and is officially through his training. But Neil the New Guy still seems new to me. We haven't gotten past the extremely superficial part of our "getting to know each other" stage...
He's still extremely excitable and friendly. Chats up the customers and colleagues nonstop. Occasionally I find it over the top, sometimes funny and every now and then it's annoying too.
Still don't like the hugs before I leave, but with his last request, I said, "How 'bout a side arm squeeze" and gave him one of those instead.
I guess I will have to wait and see how this relationship develops...
Bye for now,
Currently Caffeinated, Dee
He's still extremely excitable and friendly. Chats up the customers and colleagues nonstop. Occasionally I find it over the top, sometimes funny and every now and then it's annoying too.
Still don't like the hugs before I leave, but with his last request, I said, "How 'bout a side arm squeeze" and gave him one of those instead.
I guess I will have to wait and see how this relationship develops...
Bye for now,
Currently Caffeinated, Dee
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
2 irritating orders
Maybe it's just me, but there are two coffee orders that really irritate me. Both a version of a cappuccino.
Cappuccino:
The cappuccino quality can immediately be gleaned from the weight of the cup. A cappuccino made correctly is light. Much lighter than a latte as a latte has less of the foamy microfoam described above. Lattes, as steamed milk are heavier.
So Mr., an 'extra-wet' cappuccino is....wait for it....a LATE.
And Mr., you really want an iced cappuccino? Really? Read the full Wikipedia article about Iced Cappuccinos. A real one does not have ice. Here in the US when it has ice - it's actually not safe to put foam on top of it!!! So, no Mr., I won't do it that way. Either no ice, or ice with no foam. You pick. And, by the way, again, it's an iced LATE because even if I add a layer of foam on top, the proportions are that of a latte with foam not a cappuccino.
So next time you order something that actually makes all the baristas question what it is you are asking for, take a hint and order something else!!!
Cappuccino:
"Besides a shot of espresso, the most important element in preparing aHere is a video showing how to make a cappuccino. Though he's "top UK barista" I disagree with timing... The longer a shot of espresso sits, the more bitter the taste becomes. The best flavor comes by steaming the milk and knowing when in that process to start the espresso drip so it completes just before the milk can be poured. The espresso shot shouldn't sit the entire time the milk is being steamed.
cappuccino is the texture and temperature of the milk. When a barista steams the milk for
a cappuccino, microfoam is created by introducing very tiny bubbles
of air into the milk, giving the milk a velvety texture and sweetness. The
traditional cappuccino consists of an espresso, on which the barista pours the hot
foamed milk, resulting in a 2 cm (¾ inch) thick milk foam on top. Variations of
the mixtures are usually called cappuccino chiaro (white cappuccino, also known as a wet cappuccino) with more milk than normal, and cappuccino scuro (dark cappuccino, also known as a dry cappuccino) with less milk (and typically more foam) than
normal."
"Attaining the correct ratio of foam requires close attention
be paid while steaming the milk, thus making the cappuccino one of the most
difficult espresso-based beverages to make properly. Moreover, a skilled barista may obtain artistic shapes while pouring the milk on the top of the espresso coffee. An essential step in steaming the milk is to remove ("blow") all water left as a result of
previous steaming from the steam nozzle before introducing it into the milk."
The cappuccino quality can immediately be gleaned from the weight of the cup. A cappuccino made correctly is light. Much lighter than a latte as a latte has less of the foamy microfoam described above. Lattes, as steamed milk are heavier.
So Mr., an 'extra-wet' cappuccino is....wait for it....a LATE.
And Mr., you really want an iced cappuccino? Really? Read the full Wikipedia article about Iced Cappuccinos. A real one does not have ice. Here in the US when it has ice - it's actually not safe to put foam on top of it!!! So, no Mr., I won't do it that way. Either no ice, or ice with no foam. You pick. And, by the way, again, it's an iced LATE because even if I add a layer of foam on top, the proportions are that of a latte with foam not a cappuccino.
So next time you order something that actually makes all the baristas question what it is you are asking for, take a hint and order something else!!!
Bye for now, I'm off to get a cappuccino!
Currently Caffeinated, Dee
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
maybe he's drunk?
Tan Loafer Louie lives in the neighborhood and comes in every day for his jolt of coffee. He was in today wearing sunglasses. This is something he does quite often, though I don't think I noticed it until today though.
Today, he leaned over the counter to tell me how good business is for him. As he said, "biznissss is goooood" he pulled down his sunglasses. I noticed immediately his eyes were extremely bloodshot. I mean red, not just pink.
As he turned to leave I got back to my business of making a "wet" cappuccino...a post for another day...and didn't think any more of it.
Moments later my co-worker came over and said, "I think TLL was drunk!"
"Why?" I asked.
"Didn't you smell the booze?"
"Nope. Of course I am standing above steaming milk."
Today, he leaned over the counter to tell me how good business is for him. As he said, "biznissss is goooood" he pulled down his sunglasses. I noticed immediately his eyes were extremely bloodshot. I mean red, not just pink.
As he turned to leave I got back to my business of making a "wet" cappuccino...a post for another day...and didn't think any more of it.
Moments later my co-worker came over and said, "I think TLL was drunk!"
"Why?" I asked.
"Didn't you smell the booze?"
"Nope. Of course I am standing above steaming milk."
"Explains the shades."
So, now I imagine I'll pay attention to it on the days he leaves his sunglasses on...
Currently (de)Caffeinated, Dee
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Caffeine-steam-facials
I've always been told I have good skin. It's been described as "peaches and cream" complexion. Now I wish I had taken a "before" close-up of my face/wrinkles to make myself a case study. If caffeine is good for my skin, then my caffeine-steam-facials at the coffee shop should be doing wonders for my skin! Check this out.
Currently (de)Caffeinated, Dee
Currently (de)Caffeinated, Dee
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
4 day work week
Seriously - I LOVE this idea!! Even though I work in a coffee shop and not the typical 9-5 grind (which I left because it was really a 7a-7p grind!!), I have worked in the full time professional world and think implementing this notion (and why not additional vacation time like the Europeans?) would help with overall morale and productivity.
My only question is - what about the fact that many people already work a 10-hour work day, or more? I know I did. I know I wasn't the only one.
Anyway, just an interesting thought...
Currently Caffeinated, (and waaaaay off base from my typical topic) Dee
My only question is - what about the fact that many people already work a 10-hour work day, or more? I know I did. I know I wasn't the only one.
Anyway, just an interesting thought...
Currently Caffeinated, (and waaaaay off base from my typical topic) Dee
Stimulate this!
OK, so it's true caffeine is a stimulant, but that's not what I mean... Have you noticed how the economy or various versions of stimulus packages have taken over the advertising campaigns for nearly every industry sector? Well, here's a quirky example of how coffee is joining this ride...
I think this "trade in" type idea is an excellent benefit to offer loyal customers at a small coffee shop. I'm not sure how it would work for say, Starbucks, but think it could be great for a local shop.
I can visualize this local shop alerting the regulars that if they turn in their Starbucks cup (or any other competitor) they will get one of their branded mugs free. Or, get a free drink plus a special discount card for 10% off every drink for a year. Or something similar.
Either way, it's a marketing gimmick that just may work for them!
Happy sipping,
Currently Caffeinated, Dee
I think this "trade in" type idea is an excellent benefit to offer loyal customers at a small coffee shop. I'm not sure how it would work for say, Starbucks, but think it could be great for a local shop.
I can visualize this local shop alerting the regulars that if they turn in their Starbucks cup (or any other competitor) they will get one of their branded mugs free. Or, get a free drink plus a special discount card for 10% off every drink for a year. Or something similar.
Either way, it's a marketing gimmick that just may work for them!
Happy sipping,
Currently Caffeinated, Dee
Monday, August 17, 2009
Corgan likes it small!
Couldn't help it... check this out. Billy Corgan wants to play a few small coffee shops! Wish it were ours....
Alaska troopers add coffee to their tactics
Check this out. Alaska state troopers are giving out coffee on one of the highways. I've never been to Alaska but have driven across the US more than once. I've personally stopped for coffee several times during my travels, but I've never had officers give it to me!
Happy sipping,
Currently Caffeinated Dee
Happy sipping,
Currently Caffeinated Dee
Sunday, August 16, 2009
wow...it's been a while! (and Oscar the Grabber)
Just when I think I'm "in the swing" of posting every day, I go and take a week off. So many irritating (and probably some funny) stories have happened in the past week.
The annoyance that stands out the most as I look back over the week involves Oscar the Grabber.
I was at the cash register again when he came in. I've seen him before, even made him his coffee. But this time was different. I had to interact with him across from a narrow 2' counter.
"Can I have a late and a keees?" He said as he leaned in and grabbed my hand.
"What?" I asked as I literally didn't understand what he said and simultaneously pulled my hand out of his.
"Can I have a late and a keeeees?"
"A Kiss?"
He nodded and smiled, leaning in.
"No. That'll be $4.05 and your late will be down there." Pointing to the barista and standing with my arms crossed.
"Not even one little keeees?" He said with his attempt at puppy dog eyes and batting of eyelashes once again.
"No" with my stone cold stare. And as he reached for my hand across the counter, I said, "Sir, do not touch me again."
"Oh, come on, I was just being friendly I come in here every day just to see you."
"That will be $4.05. And, if you want to keep coming in here, do not touch me, or anyone for that matter, again."
I coldly stared.
He stared back.
I stared some more.
Likely only a few seconds passed, he said "Sorry" and put his $5 on the counter.
I took the cash, and put the change on the counter.
He said, "That's for you" with his dopey smile.
"No thanks." I then turned and walked into the back office, told my boss that I realize he likes Oscar the Grabber, but that if he touches me again I will ask for him to be barred from the coffee shop (that's a big deal in our coffee shop, and something that is actually stuck to!).
Some may say that was an over-reaction. Some may say it was perfect reaction. I say, it was my reaction. Not sure it would have been the same on any other day, but, there it is. In fact, years ago I was a waitress in a diner off the highway. A patron patted my butt as I walked past him. That guy got coffee poured on him with a little, "oops" to accompany my cold stare.
And, there are likely days that something similar happens and I barely notice it. I can't help but wonder though, what makes people act like such pricks? Does it actually *work* on any girl out there?!! If so, I hope I never meet her!
The annoyance that stands out the most as I look back over the week involves Oscar the Grabber.
I was at the cash register again when he came in. I've seen him before, even made him his coffee. But this time was different. I had to interact with him across from a narrow 2' counter.
"Can I have a late and a keees?" He said as he leaned in and grabbed my hand.
"What?" I asked as I literally didn't understand what he said and simultaneously pulled my hand out of his.
"Can I have a late and a keeeees?"
"A Kiss?"
He nodded and smiled, leaning in.
"No. That'll be $4.05 and your late will be down there." Pointing to the barista and standing with my arms crossed.
"Not even one little keeees?" He said with his attempt at puppy dog eyes and batting of eyelashes once again.
"No" with my stone cold stare. And as he reached for my hand across the counter, I said, "Sir, do not touch me again."
"Oh, come on, I was just being friendly I come in here every day just to see you."
"That will be $4.05. And, if you want to keep coming in here, do not touch me, or anyone for that matter, again."
I coldly stared.
He stared back.
I stared some more.
Likely only a few seconds passed, he said "Sorry" and put his $5 on the counter.
I took the cash, and put the change on the counter.
He said, "That's for you" with his dopey smile.
"No thanks." I then turned and walked into the back office, told my boss that I realize he likes Oscar the Grabber, but that if he touches me again I will ask for him to be barred from the coffee shop (that's a big deal in our coffee shop, and something that is actually stuck to!).
Some may say that was an over-reaction. Some may say it was perfect reaction. I say, it was my reaction. Not sure it would have been the same on any other day, but, there it is. In fact, years ago I was a waitress in a diner off the highway. A patron patted my butt as I walked past him. That guy got coffee poured on him with a little, "oops" to accompany my cold stare.
And, there are likely days that something similar happens and I barely notice it. I can't help but wonder though, what makes people act like such pricks? Does it actually *work* on any girl out there?!! If so, I hope I never meet her!
Saturday, August 8, 2009
9 hour knees
I worked 9 hours today. I used to work 12 hour days when I had my "real" job before deciding to quit and go on a creative sabbatical and only work part time at the local coffee shop.
But these 9 hours are different. In those 9 hours I had 2 10-minute breaks. Sure, I should have had more time on break, even a 30-minute lunch. But it didn't happen. So it goes.
I was on the cash register today so that meant standing still for 9 hours straight!
My knees ache and I'm on the couch with my feet up on the back, exhausted. I'm not sure I can express enough how much my knees hurt.
When I worked 12 stress-filled hours at the former job, I was a stressed out basket case at the end of the day, but the health ramifications were all on the inside.
So I'm sitting here smiling at my 9 hour knees! Now, the worst that happens at the end of the day is that my knees ache!!! woo hoo!
But, I'll definately say no next time I'm asked to stay late to cover for someone...
Currently Caffeinated, Dee
But these 9 hours are different. In those 9 hours I had 2 10-minute breaks. Sure, I should have had more time on break, even a 30-minute lunch. But it didn't happen. So it goes.
I was on the cash register today so that meant standing still for 9 hours straight!
My knees ache and I'm on the couch with my feet up on the back, exhausted. I'm not sure I can express enough how much my knees hurt.
When I worked 12 stress-filled hours at the former job, I was a stressed out basket case at the end of the day, but the health ramifications were all on the inside.
So I'm sitting here smiling at my 9 hour knees! Now, the worst that happens at the end of the day is that my knees ache!!! woo hoo!
But, I'll definately say no next time I'm asked to stay late to cover for someone...
Currently Caffeinated, Dee
Friday, August 7, 2009
update on Neil the New Guy
OK, Neil the New Guy isn't so new anymore... hm...where to start.
He's young. I like to believe I'm young at heart, but I can't help but notice how young this guy is. And, he's got a very different definition of personal space than I do. Frankly, I think it's the personal space difference that is what bugs me the most.
I worked a full morning shift with him today. It was his first morning shift, so I truly understand that he was not prepared for the morning rush. And that's OK. I know it could have been pretty stressful for him, and I can appreciate that.
None of that prepared me for a hug at the end of the shift! As I was preparing to leave, he came up and hugged me!!
He then said, "I think we could be friends...but we'll have to wait and see."
To which I replied, "Have a good afternoon NNG, see you tomorrow!" I tried making an excited expression with eyebrows appropriately raised and smile on my face. But confusion was running through my mind. First about the hug, then about the comment that followed. It was a strange thing to hear.
So, I'm not sure what to do with that... but I guess I'll see tomorrow!
Currently Caffeinated, Dee
He's young. I like to believe I'm young at heart, but I can't help but notice how young this guy is. And, he's got a very different definition of personal space than I do. Frankly, I think it's the personal space difference that is what bugs me the most.
I worked a full morning shift with him today. It was his first morning shift, so I truly understand that he was not prepared for the morning rush. And that's OK. I know it could have been pretty stressful for him, and I can appreciate that.
None of that prepared me for a hug at the end of the shift! As I was preparing to leave, he came up and hugged me!!
He then said, "I think we could be friends...but we'll have to wait and see."
To which I replied, "Have a good afternoon NNG, see you tomorrow!" I tried making an excited expression with eyebrows appropriately raised and smile on my face. But confusion was running through my mind. First about the hug, then about the comment that followed. It was a strange thing to hear.
So, I'm not sure what to do with that... but I guess I'll see tomorrow!
Currently Caffeinated, Dee
Thursday, August 6, 2009
friends coming in
I don't mind at all when my friends come into the coffee shop. In fact, it can really bring me a smile when I need it most during the morning rush.
When the line goes out to the door (and sometimes out the door!) it's refreshing to look up and see a friendly face that sends love in a glance, someone that won't be negative in any way, and no matter how long it takes to make the 20+ drinks in front of theirs, won't think it's too long to wait.
So what's the "but" as I'm sure you can sense it's coming as much as I know it's there waiting patiently for the good part to be over so it can burst onto the scene...
Why is it that all friends assume they will get the drink for free every time they come into the coffee shop? I call it "my coffee shop" because I work there. No, it's not my entrepreneurial endeavor, I don't own it. So worrying about the bottom line is not my primary concern.
So what's the big deal? On some level, I guess I wonder about what other customers nearby in line will think. Especially the regulars. And we have a ton of those. Several even come in many times per day. So I think they may feel concerned, or rather jealous or slighted in some way, when they notice someone getting a drink for free.
I don't think there's anything else to it, though maybe it's just the assumption it will happen? Not sure, but I'm going to give it some thought...
Currently Caffeinated, Dee
When the line goes out to the door (and sometimes out the door!) it's refreshing to look up and see a friendly face that sends love in a glance, someone that won't be negative in any way, and no matter how long it takes to make the 20+ drinks in front of theirs, won't think it's too long to wait.
So what's the "but" as I'm sure you can sense it's coming as much as I know it's there waiting patiently for the good part to be over so it can burst onto the scene...
Why is it that all friends assume they will get the drink for free every time they come into the coffee shop? I call it "my coffee shop" because I work there. No, it's not my entrepreneurial endeavor, I don't own it. So worrying about the bottom line is not my primary concern.
So what's the big deal? On some level, I guess I wonder about what other customers nearby in line will think. Especially the regulars. And we have a ton of those. Several even come in many times per day. So I think they may feel concerned, or rather jealous or slighted in some way, when they notice someone getting a drink for free.
I don't think there's anything else to it, though maybe it's just the assumption it will happen? Not sure, but I'm going to give it some thought...
Currently Caffeinated, Dee
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
catching up after being out of town and what Tan Loafer Louie has me thinking about
I've been out of town for a few days so didn't post any updates... I'm back now and have an update on Tan Loafer Louie! Before we left town, I was out running errands and decided to stop and get coffee at my coffee shop. Going in on my day off is hilarious but that's an entirely different story.
As I rounded the corner I bumped in to TLL. True, I see him every day that I work, but I haven't run into him out on the street before (I live around the corner from the shop).
I asked him if he was on his way to work. He told me it was his day off.
"But I can't wait to go in tomorrow because I'll get my bonuses!"
"Oh, I didn't know you get bonuses there," I replied.
"Yep, I get a kick-back from any tour I book at the desk." (TLL is a concierge at a really nice hotel here in town.)
He told me all about the bonuses, the tips, the hours and a few stories from his day-to-day. I realize he was excited so was only telling the positive side, after all, it is customer service. But it sounded great! I love my city and can see myself giving advice about what to do, where to go, and fun things to see and do. So, now this barista is thinking about looking into being concierge for a living. I'm about to google it to see what I can find...
Off to unpack.
Currently (de)Caffienated, Dee
As I rounded the corner I bumped in to TLL. True, I see him every day that I work, but I haven't run into him out on the street before (I live around the corner from the shop).
I asked him if he was on his way to work. He told me it was his day off.
"But I can't wait to go in tomorrow because I'll get my bonuses!"
"Oh, I didn't know you get bonuses there," I replied.
"Yep, I get a kick-back from any tour I book at the desk." (TLL is a concierge at a really nice hotel here in town.)
He told me all about the bonuses, the tips, the hours and a few stories from his day-to-day. I realize he was excited so was only telling the positive side, after all, it is customer service. But it sounded great! I love my city and can see myself giving advice about what to do, where to go, and fun things to see and do. So, now this barista is thinking about looking into being concierge for a living. I'm about to google it to see what I can find...
Off to unpack.
Currently (de)Caffienated, Dee
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