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The Ten Most Recent Comments By Gabbs

From Serious Eats

Espresso on Ice Is Not OK, and Other 'Restaurant Policies'

While Starbucks or another corporate coffee chain might serve the ice without flinching, he doesn't want Murky Coffee's top-notch beans to taste like a "ghetto latte."

The problem with the ghetto latte from the owner's view is not taste -- it's cost. It means the customer is saving money by not paying for milk and instead filling his/her cup with free milk or cream from the bar.

Someone said maybe the shop doesn't sell iced drinks -- not the case, if you read the full story you'll see that they offer other espresso drinks iced including iced Americanos. The difference is that this customer didn't want the extra water. Hence, leaving space in the cup and allowing him to make a ghetto latte (which he apparently had no intention of doing). I suspect this is the main reason the shop has this policy and not because they are worried about the taste.

Gabbs at 2:30PM on 07/17/08

Responses to Comments by Gabbs

From Serious Eats

Espresso on Ice Is Not OK, and Other 'Restaurant Policies'

Not everyone wants to make a "ghetto latte" - some people just want a stronger iced coffee drink. An americano is, by definition, more diluted than espresso, and that makes for one weak iced drink.

piccola at 7:43AM on 07/22/08

From Serious Eats

Espresso on Ice Is Not OK, and Other 'Restaurant Policies'

The whole problem could have been avoided if the barista had simply said, "We don't serve espresso over ice here. But how about an iced Americano instead?" (And as the customer found out, he did enjoy an Americano the second go-round -- he just didn't know he could order it the first time.)

This is far better than the provocative "This is against our policy." You can still preserve the integrity of your business while offering good customer service.

One incendiary comment leads to another -- both coffee shop and customer were at fault for passive-aggressive douchebaggery, and for blogging it out of proportion.

MiniMe at 2:32PM on 07/21/08

From Serious Eats

Espresso on Ice Is Not OK, and Other 'Restaurant Policies'

I would actually be more likely to frequent a business that sticks to their guns like this. Similarly, there is a restaurant in L.A. that does not cut their pizzas, and offers zero substitutions on anything on the menu. There are plenty of places that pander to bullshit requests, and people should go there instead. Would I reject a request for a welldone steak? Depends on how badly I needed the business. If I'm a hopping neighborhood joint and I'm getting the good stuff, Marin Sun Organics or something like that, hell no I'm not going to insult the life of that animal or the farmer by serving it well done. Money is not a substitute for integrity.

fooddude37 at 1:30PM on 07/19/08

From Serious Eats

Espresso on Ice Is Not OK, and Other 'Restaurant Policies'

@gabbs -- i think you're onto something! that's the only way in which this whole thing makes sense. otherwise it seems irrational from a quality perspective that they would offer an iced americano and not an iced espresso.

megannesta at 5:23PM on 07/18/08

From Serious Eats

Espresso on Ice Is Not OK, and Other 'Restaurant Policies'

"Customers are not entitled to have whatever they want at any time, just because they're customers."

But reasonable accomodation is key to return customers. The publicity generated by this non-incident is massive.

Tonecat at 11:38PM on 07/17/08

From Serious Eats

Espresso on Ice Is Not OK, and Other 'Restaurant Policies'

I am ambivalent on the immediate subject. But I find myself deeply uncomfortable with the phrase "ghetto latte". Yes, it's Googleable, but that doesn't make it any more excusable.

Can we be a little kinder here, please?

lemons at 6:44PM on 07/17/08

From Serious Eats

Espresso on Ice Is Not OK, and Other 'Restaurant Policies'

My issue is that this place does make iced coffee beverages, and one with espresso no less. Why they are making a fine distinction on this one point is beyond me.

But hey, it's there right, and their business. Just don't expect to see me there -- I'm one of those awful iced espresso drinkers, because between the hours of breakfast and dinner, I like my coffee -- all coffee -- chilled. That's just the way I am.

onalark at 3:43PM on 07/17/08

From Serious Eats

Espresso on Ice Is Not OK, and Other 'Restaurant Policies'

@ Gabbs. I was wondering if that was the case. When I want an iced latte, I order a double iced espresso in a large cup and then add a little cream myself: usually saves about $2, which certainly adds up. I've always felt a bit guilty about this, since it is really exactly the same thing for cheaper. Then again, I tip well and buy often.

@LunaPier The ghetto comment irked me too. I can't believe people still think its ok to talk that way.

rrakes at 2:45PM on 07/17/08