Signs your barista cares

Baristas come in many forms, but the best baristas have great attentiveness at their disposal at all times. It is an undeniable fact that a quality-minded barista will be clean, kind, and above all willing to make the customer happy no matter the request.

• He or she has a nice, sincere greeting when you come to the counter.
• Listens carefully to all orders and takes an order from a customer who is ready instead of waiting for an indecisive customer.
• Gives the espresso group and cup a rinse before making an espresso shot.
• Asks, “What size latte, cappuccino, or chai?” and “What kind of milk?” before starting the drink.
• The barista asks again, “What’s in the drink?” when he is unsure of the order.
• Heats a cup or glass so the drink stays hot.
• Espresso shots flow smoothly in a thin, circular ribbon from the porta filter. A bad shot will literally gush forth or barely extract from the porta filter.
• Pulls the shots out from the group before the bitter end (bad extraction) fills the cup.
• Makes a flat or extra hot or tepid or foamy drink and asks if it makes the customer happy. Never a scalding hot drink to a child or lukewarm latte to a grown up.
• Makes a drink over if it is not exactly right.
• Designs latte art (a majestic aspen leaf, rosetta, or heart in the milk foam).
• Never reheats milk!
• Pours your drink to the rim. If the contents are short of the rim the caring barista will ask if you desire more.
• Puts the exact amount of coffee a customer desires, whether or not it reaches the brim.
• Supplies a top and Java Jacket for anyone who needs it at the counter.
• Puts a top on drinks left on the counter by customers.
• Reheats a glass for a refill drink.
• Thanks you for a tip.
• Cleans empty glasses from your table, even when you are still seated.
• Assists customers with any need!
• Wishes you a good day on your way out the door.

Editor’s note – Phillip and Dawn are the purveyors of the newly-opened café dawn, located adjacent to the Green Cat Gallery in the space previously occupied by the West End.