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The Ten Most Recent Posts By srphayre

From Talk

Is it impolite to tell your food preferences your hosts?

Posted by srphayre, September 27, 2007 at 6:46 PM

When you have been invited to the home of a new friend or acquaintance, is it impolite to tell them that you don’t eat meat, or don't care for sea food, or that you are allergic to nuts?

Does it matter if you know the people for some time? Does it make a difference if its a preference versus an allergy?

When we give parties or invite guests to our house we ALWAYS make an effort to ask up front if there are any preferences or allergies that we should be aware of.

31 Comments | Tags: etiquette, Question of the Day

The Ten Most Recent Comments By srphayre

From Talk

Am I wrong about my definition of a cappuccino?

HeartofGlass is correct - A Cappucino is espresso topped with foam. A Latte is espresso, warmed milk and can be topped with foam (although it is not required to make it a Latte).

srphayre at 12:57PM on 08/15/08

From Talk

What is your best kept secret in Seattle?

Sound Soups between 3rd and 2nd Ave in the Wells Fargo building. They have fresh, home-made soups (many varieties each day). Really fast and great value.

srphayre at 6:36PM on 09/27/07

Responses to Comments by srphayre

From Talk

Am I wrong about my definition of a cappuccino?

Thanks everyone for the interesting distinctions between cappuccinos and lattes. I always thought I preferred lattes but after reading this, I've found, it's cappuccinos I like! Bring on the foam.

Chew on That at 3:20PM on 08/15/08

From Talk

Am I wrong about my definition of a cappuccino?

Wet Cappuccino = Espresso + Steamed Milk + at least 1/3 of cup volume is foam.

Dry Cappuccino = Espresso + Foam on top (no steamed milk)

Latte = Steamed milk + Espresso + maybe the slightest dollop of foam to dress it up - no more than that.

In the hand, a cappuccino (either style) weighs much less than a latte if made in the same volume cup.

therealchiffonade at 2:54PM on 08/15/08

From Talk

Am I wrong about my definition of a cappuccino?

Based on many barista jobs (not Starbucks) and six months living in Rome, a cappuccino is 1/3 espresso, 1/3 milk, 1/3 foam. A macchiato is espresso topped with foam. A latte can have foam or not (usually American lattes do), but it is more like 3:1 or 4:1 milk:espresso. Cafe au lait is 2/3 milk, 1/3 coffee (not espresso).

I'm sure other Serious Eaters who've been to Italy experienced the funny time-etiquette for ordering drinks: cappuccino is only for breakfast or after dinner - caffe (espresso) or caffe latte were the only appropriate options for the afternoon. And all the neighborhood bars though I was insane for wanting "caffe latte con latte frigo" - caffe latte with cold milk!

producestories at 2:22PM on 08/15/08

From Talk

Am I wrong about my definition of a cappuccino?

I should clarify, for a capp you want the least amount of milk possible... you want it mostly to be foam. The problem is getting enough good foam is tricky and you often end up with a little bit of light foam/milk.

lexophile at 2:18PM on 08/15/08

From Talk

Am I wrong about my definition of a cappuccino?

I used to be a barista. Cafe au lait is no foam. Latte has mostly hot milk with a thin layer of foam on top. Capp should be small amount milk, mostly a nice thick foam. As Chelley said, the foam should be like whipped cream not big frothy bubbles.

lexophile at 2:16PM on 08/15/08

From Talk

What is your best kept secret in Seattle?

thanks

savvy savorer at 11:37PM on 11/18/07

From Talk

What is your best kept secret in Seattle?

Not really a secret for any one at UW, but Thai Toms is AMAZING. Tamarind Tree is also really good Vietnamese Food and the best cupcakes are at Trophy Cupcakes (my mom and I went bakery hopping one day) Tilth is a great restaurant, St. Clouds is also really good, theres some good places in Ballard that I still need to investigate. Also, you can't go wrong with any tom douglass place (Etta's, Dahlia's, Lolita, Palace, Serious Pie, etc.) And the U District Farmers market is the oldest and one of the best. I really like bread from a bakery called Tall Grass. I'm sure there are other things and sorry I posted a little late, but I hope you get this!

lola27 at 6:46PM on 10/02/07

From Talk

What is your best kept secret in Seattle?

Carmelita in Greenlake (amazing vegan/vegetarian fare). Crave on Capital Hill (delightful cheese course, even better entrees). Serious Pie makes tasty pizzas, yum!

watchforbears at 8:28PM on 09/28/07