I headed to my favorite South Bay Starbucks this afternoon in an effort to see if the barista training last night made a difference in quality. The front door of the shop had a sign declaring that they offered the best espresso in the neighborhood, and above the bar, there was a newly chalked sign promising perfect drinks every time. Evidently all Starbucks made similar signs in an effort to renew their pledge for perfect drinks.
When I walked in, the staff greeted me with a smile, and chatted with me as they made my grande sugar-free vanilla non-fat latte (also known as a skinny vanilla latte). I asked the barista how training went yesterday, and she said it was informative, but that there was only one aspect of training that was useful to her. She said the espresso refresher wasn't anything she hadn't heard before, but that the training on how to make foam was extensive and useful. I knew what she was talking about after taking only one sip of my drink, a drink I have ordered many times in the past.
I thought yesterday's lattes were fine, but after having one today that was topped with foam, I realize I have definitely been missing out. The added texture made my latte richer, and more flavorful. Another Starbucks barista told me that this is how lattes are always supposed to be made, but in my experience as a Starbucks connoisseur, foam has been lacking. My barista today was certainly right--her training last night in the art of making foam was helpful and made my latte today "perfect."
Earlier, we posted the insider view on the training.
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