D&D (2024) Overthinking Long Rest in 2024

[Charlaquin]

What is a flat white? I've never heard the term used except when describing colors.

It kinda depends where you’re getting your coffee. Historically, the cappuccino gets its name from its color, which is supposed to match that of a capuchin monk’s robes, as an indication you have the ratio of coffee and milk right. These days, it basically means equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam. A latte is mainly steamed milk, with one or two shots of espresso, and a thinner layer of microfoam on top. A flat white… is supposed to be kind of a midpoint a cappuccino and a latte, but there’s really no hard and fast rules, and the ratios of all three will vary from one coffee shop to another. At chains like Starbucks the difference between a flat white and a cappuccino can be pretty subtle, and all three drinks are probably drowned in sugar syrup anyway.

 

[Zardnaar]

It kinda depends where you’re getting your coffee. Historically, the cappuccino gets its name from its color, which is supposed to match that of a capuchin monk’s robes, as an indication you have the ratio of coffee and milk right. These days, it basically means equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam. A latte is mainly steamed milk, with one or two shots of espresso, and a thinner layer of microfoam on top. A flat white… is supposed to be kind of a midpoint a cappuccino and a latte, but there’s really no hard and fast rules, and the ratios of all three will vary from one coffee shop to another. At chains like Starbucks the difference between a flat white and a cappuccino can be pretty subtle, and all three drinks are probably drowned in sugar syrup anyway.

Good flat white has minimal foam.

Might go get a starbucks one today for research purposes.

 

[Charlaquin]

Good flat white has minimal foam.

As does a good latte. A thick foam layer is cappuccino territory.

 

[mikeburke]

It sounds like, to me, Starbucks then is the Seattle version of the way Australians feel about Fosters. My understanding is No True Aussie drinks the oil can of it.

You are 1000% correct on the Fosters. (Caution: subjectivity) More complex on the Starbucks side. There’s plenty of them around (I’m in Seattle this week) and they are well frequented. There’s definitely a set of folks more loyal to local chains like Ladro, Herkimer - those who reject “Big Coffee”.

 

[Zardnaar]

As does a good latte. A thick foam layer is cappuccino territory.

Flat whites less than latte. Generally low, medium, high (flat white, latte, cappuccino).

Bit more to it than that but that's the obvious one.

You can get an ANZAC style one in USA but it's down to certain stores or the barista who has been trained or worked in Aus/NZ.

 

[Charlaquin]

Flat whites less than latte. Generally low, medium, high (flat white, latte, cappuccino).

Bit more to it than that but that's the obvious one.

You can get an ANZAC style one in USA but it's down to certain stores or the barista who has been trained or worked in Aus/NZ.

Like I said, it depends where you get your coffee from. Ratios vary from one coffee shop to another.

 

[Zardnaar]

Like I said, it depends where you get your coffee from. Ratios vary from one coffee shop to another.

Heresy in Australia. Probably here as well coffee and chocolate is serious business.

 

[Charlaquin]

Heresy in Australia. Probably here as well coffee and chocolate is serious business.

Well, the flat white originated in Australia, didn’t it? Makes sense that they’d be more particular about how it’s supposed to be made. But, yeah, it definitely isn’t “supposed to” have much foam. Then again, a cappuccino is “supposed to” be the color of a monk’s robes. Recipes evolve, and the turtle moves.

 

[Zardnaar]

Well, the flat white originated in Australia, didn’t it? Makes sense that they’d be more particular about how it’s supposed to be made. But, yeah, it definitely isn’t “supposed to” have much foam. Then again, a cappuccino is “supposed to” be the color of a monk’s robes. Recipes evolve, and the turtle moves.

Australia or NZ. NZ got it's tradition from Australia.

Boring history bits.

1930s. Italian immigrants in Melbourne
1940s Americano invented. Italian coffee style doesn't appeal to American troops.
1950s spreads through rest of Australia post war
1980s. Reaches NZ. Flat White is invented in Wellington NZ (via a mistake) or Australia.
Early 2000s Starbucks sends staff to Australia iirc. Flat White reaches USA.

Think that's the pop culture version.

Starbucks coffee is weak and bitter comparatively and they were one of the big trendsetter in USA.

I didn't know what a latte was until 1996. By 1990s you could find thrm in snall towns. 80s options were black or white generally. Personally and couldn't tell you the difference with cappuccino until years later.

 

[Xeviat]

You are 1000% correct on the Fosters. (Caution: subjectivity) More complex on the Starbucks side. There’s plenty of them around (I’m in Seattle this week) and they are well frequented. There’s definitely a set of folks more loyal to local chains like Ladro, Herkimer - those who reject “Big Coffee”.

I live in Seattle. Everyone SAYS they don't drink Starbucks and that they drink local coffee houses only, but every star bucks DriveThru is constantly full, so either those drivethrus are filled with tourists or everyone is a liar.

Also, why is this thread about coffee and not long rests?