Differences

"Long black

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A long black is a style of coffee, most commonly found in New Zealand and Australia, but now becoming available in the UK, predominantly in London. It is made by pulling a double-shot of espresso over hot water (usually the water is also heated by the espresso machine). A long black is similar to an Americano, which is made by adding hot water to espresso shots, but it retains the crema and is less voluminous, therefore more strongly flavoured.

A long black is considered by the emerging palettes to be a true espresso experience rather than what the major coffee chains have produced up to date, specifically the Americano. The order in which a long black is made (water first, espresso second) is important; reversing the steps will destroy the crema from the espresso shots."

Coffee. How can a cup of coffee be different? It comes from beans. There's water involved. It comes in a cup. Try asking for a Long Black in Canada & the US and you find out (if you don't get your face slapped first).

At Blenz in Vancouver, as I was trying to explain what I wanted for about the third time (Kiwi English apparently doesn't translate well and involves a lot of miming) a young woman came from out the back of the shop and announced:

"You a Kiwi? You wanna Long Black?"

"You're an Aussie? And yes, a Long Black"

"Nah, they don't know how. Try the Americano but it doesn't really do it"

Never a truer word said! I mean it's not awful. It's just not a Long Black. More especially, it's not a Long Black from Cesars made by John, barista extraordinaire.

For literally years I've been heading over the road every work day to Cesars, if not for lunch then at the very least for a Long Black to go. So predictable that often by the time I get to the counter John already has it made and has sometimes even decided where I'll sit and who I'll share a table with. I'd asked John if he would come with me on the trip fearing I would be lost without my morning "fix" and while he appeared amused at the suggestion he felt his wife & children may not be so keen on the idea.

Naturally my first stop on the way to work the first day back was to see John. Here he is and here is a cup of gold.