the search for perfection

i am one of those people that always orders a particular caffeinated beverage. nothing fancy or special. none of these half-caf, no whip, extra foamy, dash of vanilla, soy milk, mocha-chino thingies. i just like a plain old tasty latte. BUT, i am very picky about my latte.

must be strong enough to really taste the espresso (but absolutely not bitter... the shot has to be pulled just right), nice and foamy (but not airy foamy, more on the thick and creamy side), and the perfect temperature (not burn my tongue scalding hot and not half-assed luke warm). sounds complicated, but it's really not that hard people. i spent some time as a barista in college (at a certain corporate coffee place that i choose not to name) and i mastered the art of the espresso machine. all it really takes is a certain amount of care, and that's what these crappy NY joints are lacking.

i don't know what it is about the lattes i've purchased in ny recently. they've been really really bad. they've either been way too bitter, way too hot or just not strong enough. ugh! i think i was spoiled in new zealand... the land of the perfect latte. they just got it right. every single time. i think i had one bad latte in my 5 weeks there (and i admittedly got one every single day). and the megan t hill award to the best latte in the universe goes to the vulcan cafe in auckland (amanda's fine recommendation). SHEER PERFECTION. they even made the national fern leaf in the foam! amazing.

ok, so if anyone out there reading this can recommend their favorite latte shop in nyc, please tell me. i'm desperate. granted, it'd be great if the place was on my walk to the subway (fort green, brooklyn area) but if it's that good, i will make the effort to seek it out.