Not Quite The Crema Of The Crop, Part 3

Coffee Shop, Impossible Demands, USA | Right | August 14, 2023

Customer: “Single shot americano.”

We make it for her and when she comes to grab it:

Customer: “Where’s the stuff on top?”

The ‘stuff’ that she’s referring to is crema, a natural occurrence in espresso that results from the oxidation of espresso with the air. Over time, the crema dissipates and dissolves back into the espresso. On drinks like americanos, the crema dissipates slightly faster than usual, and a single shot americano can see the crema dissipate within seconds, no matter what the size.

I try explaining this to the customer, but she insists:

Customer: “No, if you gave me less hot water it would be there!”

Me: “Okay, it’s your call.”

We remake it half full, single shot. Still no crema. She comes back to the counter.

Customer: *Shouting.* “Are you so incompetent that you cannot do your job?!

Me: “Ma’am, I am happy to oblige any and all drink requests but not when it comes to changing the laws of chemistry.”

Customer: “I’m going to go somewhere that gives the customer what they want!”

Me: “Sorry, ma’am, I don’t know the directions to the nearest chemistry lab!”

My manager had a little word with me, but it was worth it.