We've Bean Busy

I've never been a particularly big coffee drinker.  For many years, I've been fully Team Tea.  I love the tiny pots it comes in when you order it out, the breadth of options and flavor profiles you can choose from, and even the slower parts of the process, such as boiling water and steeping.  In fact, I've been known to love tea SO much that I stationed a personal mini Keurig on my desk at my old office to use as a hot water dispenser to keep cups refreshed throughout the workday.  Commitment.

But then March came, and everything changed.  With few options of things to do outside of the house, "coffee walks" became our weekday highlight.  I'm not quite sure why "tea walks" didn't take -- but so it went.  Jack and I fully embraced our call to duty to support our local cafes and bakeries, and did so with gusto.  In the months before our departure to Amsterdam, I stumbled my way upon Americanos, and there's been no looking back. 

Since being in Europe though, something just feels wrong about being American and ordering an Americano.  I can't shake it.  And so, after much trial, error, and googling "coradto vs. long black vs. cappuccino" in a panic at the takeaway counter, I discovered my new love.

The Flat White.

I mean, how could I not be smitten by this beverage?  She's frothy, creamy, and of course, picturesque.  Sold.

Fully anchored in my new identity as a Coffee Drinker, our relocation to Amsterdam came at an opportune time.  Since moving abroad, our café takeaway adventures have continued in full force.  If anything, perhaps even more now, as they are conducted under the guise of "exploring" and are the ideal interruption from a long bike ride.

According to my memory (and a comparative consult of big brother Google Maps), below is a running list of the cafés I've enjoyed a flat white at since our arrival:
​
Lot 61 --- Bocca --- Brandmeester's --- Coffee Concepts --- Pipes & Beans --- Coffeeroastery Oud-West --- Back to Black --- Scandinavian Embassy --- The Coffee District --- Coffee & Juices --- Back to Black --- Espresso Yourself --- Coffee Company --- Hummingbird

Pretty impressive, right?!

​But.... anyone can buy a flat white. ​

Driven out of an interest to "learn a new skill" and "stop spending 7 euros on beans every day," Jack figured it was time to learn how to make our own flat whites, at least some days of the week.  

And that's the story of how Jack took it upon himself to become our home's personal barista.   

And guess what?  They're actually pretty darn good! 

​We're definitely not using the most enviable equipment, and please don't ask to see what his "latte art" looks like, but they're a far cry from Keurig pods and I swear they're getting better as each week goes by. And in a year where little joys have made all the difference, I genuinely find myself looking forward each day to the 2 pm cup we enjoy together in this tiny apartment that's quickly become home. 

Sorry -- I meant 14:00.

Proost,
- Lou