The coffee experience

Ordering an american-style coffee isn’t always as easy as you think…

Coffee bar conversation

Meg: Let’s start your first day in New York with a coffee.

Karl: Great! I’ve never been to an American coffee bar.

Meg: Really?... I’m sure you get them in Europe nowadays.

At the counter

Counter assistant: Hi, how are you doing?

Karl: Great How about you?

Counter assistant: Yes, I’m good. What can I get you this morning?

Karl: A coffee... black, please.

Counter assistant: Would you like small, medium or large?

Karl: Small is fine, thanks.

Counter assistant: OK. What’s your first name?

Karl: My first name? Why?

Counter assistant: We’ll call you when it’s ready.

Karl: Oh, OK. It’s Karl. Oh, and can I have it in a cup?

Counter assistant: Of course.

Karl: No I mean a china cup.

Counter assistant: We only have paper cups. Can I get you anything else?

Meg: I’ll have a large latte with half and half.

Counter assistant: That will be $6.50.

Karl: Here you are.

Counter assistant: Thanks. Would you like change from that?

Karl: Pardon?

Meg: It’s for the tip. In the US, you’ll have to leave a tip.

Person serving: Black coffee and a latte for Karl!

Karl: Do I give him a tip, too?

Meg: Well, you’ll can if you want. No one ever refuses a tip!

Essential phrases

The conversation

china cup = tasse en porcelaine

latte = café avec beaucoup de lait

half-and-half = moitié lait entier moitié crème liquide

Would you like change from that? = Je vous rends la monnaie ?

tip = pourboire

Extra pronunciation

coffee beans = café en grains

coffee break = pause café

coffee filter = filtre à café

coffee-maker, coffee percolator, coffeepot = cafetière

coffee grinder, coffee mill = moulin à café

coffee table = table basse

coffee table book = beau livre grand format pour faire de l’effet

coffee whitener = succédané

decaf (coffee) = déca

decaffeinated = décaféiné

ground coffee = café moulu

white coffee = café au lait

You grab a table and I’ll get the coffees.

Do you have a drinks menu, please?

Do you have any sweetener? = (Avez-vous de l’édulcorant ?)

Is it table service or do we order at the bar?

Do you take milk in your coffee?

You can choose between filter coffee and espresso.

Would you prefer brown or white sugar?

Would you rather sit inside or outside?