Latte Talk

Latte recipes, coffee news, and the best places for a good cup of joe

Starbucks Supports Gay Marriage

Makes me want to go buy more coffee right now!

I know that Starbucks-bashing is a vigorous sport in many circles, and I get that. Personally, my own feelings on the company are more moderate. But I think even the Starbucks-bashers may take pause from learning that Starbucks has officially endorsed gay marriage.

Starbucks has long been a gay-friendly company, from the earliest days. The company began offering its benefits to same-sex domestic partnerships 20 years ago, when it was virtually the only company to do so. And now Starbucks has unexpectedly joined ranks with Microsoft in an official corporate letter to all Starbucks partners, explaining that the company is backing "Washington State legislation recognizing marriage equality for same-sex couples."

Caffeine Boost or Morning Ritual?

I look forward to my morning espresso drink. My two mainstays are lattes and Americanos. My choice for the day just depends on whether I want to taste the beans or need something with a touch of sweetness. I’m hopelessly addicted to caffeine, it’s true. I look forward to my morning drink and it helps me brave the morning. Some of it is that I need the caffeine to keep a headache from forming. I wonder how much of my love of my morning espresso is simply the ritual of it.

Starbucks' New "Blonde Roast"

To be perfectly blunt, these people don't hate your coffee, Starbucks. They hate YOU.

Oh Starbucks, why must you bow to peer pressure? Why must you try to be all things to all people? First you started serving what are basically milkshakes, in order to capture the "non coffee-drinking fatass" crowd. (P.S. I myself am a fatass, so I'm allowed to use that word.) And now you are trying to cater to people who think your coffee is "too strong."

You know what we call people who think your coffee is "too strong"? Chumps. Punters. Whiners. Babies. There are a lot of terms you could use. But I assure you that one thing we would never call them is "coffee lovers."

Instant Espresso – Use Only in an Emergency!

I remember a time last year when my espresso maker broke. I was no longer able to make my beloved Americanos and lattes. I really wasn’t in a place to replace it right away and I wasn’t even sure what to buy next. I live near some great coffee places and so I just bought my espresso daily. But, it got spendy and sometimes I just wanted to make my drink at home. I then stumbled across instant espresso.

Bubble Tea Lattes = Delicious

Bubble tea has become hugely successful here in the United States, especially in areas with a large Asian population. It originated in Taiwan originally and has made its way all over the world. Tapioca has always been popular in desserts in that region. Adding that tapioca to tea and ultimately a slew of other types of drinks has formed the wildly popular and delicious Bubble tea.

What are the Differences Between Lattes and Cappuccinos?

The strong flavor of espresso is either intriguing or revolting, depending on the person. For those of us that like our caffeine and flavor strong, espresso is the way to go. It’s easy to get confused about the different espresso drinks, such as lattes and cappuccinos. Let’s explore the differences.

Christmas Gifts for Coffee Connoisseurs

What to get the pickiest drinkers

There are coffee drinkers and then there are coffee nuts. Most of us have at least tried the stuff. A fair majority of us are hooked on it. But there's a difference between someone who pops a capsule in the Keurig every morning and someone who takes the time to grind their own carefully chosen, organic, fair trade beans. These people wake up early just to savor the smell of the beans before they turn them into powder. They're always trying new, exotic blends imported from all over the world. They know not to keep coffee in the freezer and they probably scoff when you invite them to Starbucks. Maybe they're snobs, but we all need something we can feel like experts in. For those of you whose loved ones worship the bean, here are a few toys they might appreciate seeing in their stocking on Christmas morning.

Gingerbread Lattes: A Taste of the Holidays

My holiday season begins with the emergence of gingerbread lattes. While I do visit Starbucks, I also look out for the gingerbread latte at my local coffee establishments. They tend to appear at the same around the same time as they do at Starbucks. My regular order at coffee shops is typically an Americano with a splash of half and half, preferably iced. I deviate from that and order a gingerbread latte once or twice a week during the holidays.

World's Best Coffee Comes from Animal Poop

Luxury brew made from beans in civet droppings

I like a good bean. I like smelling coffee beans, grinding them, pouring water through the grounds, drinking what results. Sometimes I splurge and get expensive, fair trade, organic blends. I like to think I have a pretty decent nose for the stuff. I can tell the difference between a cheap, sour cup and a rich, smoky one. But I'm not sure I'd like the most expensive cup in the world--the kind brewed from beans pooped out by animals.

Cherry Street Coffee House: A Latte Landmark

"If you are in the Seattle area, or just visiting, take a swing by Cherry Street Coffee. "

The Emerald city of Seattle, Washington, has a reputation for a love of the coffee / espresso bean. It is not just a myth. You can barely do a karate kick in any direction without hitting a coffee stand or coffee shop. However, if I had to name a “latte landmark” in the downtown Seattle area, it would be none other than Cherry Street Coffee House.