Espresso with an 'X'

Back again in the familiar caffe latte territory of my home town after a week of family festivities on the Sunshine Coast. Alas my caffe latte experiences were as bad as my last visit. I did have my stove top espresso machine with me to fall back on but on one occasion when Mum started to wave the International Roast tin in my direction, I decided it was time to make a quick exit in search of a cafe that may be able to make a drinkable caffe latte.

Being only a couple of days after Christmas, there was very little choice as only two cafes were open. I should have seen the warning signs as I saw the sign eXpresso emblazoned on a bright banner outside the first. With courage I made my approach. This latte was much worse than I could have imagined - headless, scorched milk and with coffee dregs descending as it was placed in front of me. It was also presented in one of those wire cage frames that indent the fingers. After my first bitter sip that scorched the lips and left a sour taste, I looked to my latte companion for help. She suggested a quick exit as the only possible solution. We both understood the meaning of the 'X' in espresso as we high-tailed it out of there.

Not to be beaten we approached the only other cafe/grease bar open in town with an espresso machine. I should have asked upon ordering, however, if anyone actually used it, as this latte, presented in a handled glass, was another sad looking creation with a few milky soap suds on top. Taking my first sip, I swear I'd been duped as what lay beneath could only have been a local favourite - International Roast!!

Please note: My mother is not holding an empty mug. She likes to drink her International Roast macchiato style - short with a dash of milk.

Bargain Basement Latte

This is the name I give to the caffe latte sometimes forced upon us through desperation when we find ourselves trapped in one of those souless, all under one roof, shopping plazas.

I remember this latte experience well in a shopping centre in Melbourne's north. Hanging out for my morning latte and nowhere else to turn, I ventured into the only cafe I could find that had an espresso machine. The cafe itself, with grease bar and square vinyl chairs, offered little respite and was devoid of any ambience.

The caffe latte was both cheap in price and presentation. It came served with a plastic spoon and paper sugar sachets thrown onto the saucer, giving it a very down-market effect. The Bargain Basement Latte lacks style. Only recommended for those desperate for a coffee hit and with nowhere else to go.