Flat white: When was the last time you took a photo with your barista? Don’t answer that. During a recent visit to Intelligentsia Coffee, I was surprised to see two women snapping away at the flummoxed dude who brewed them a flat white, a latte-like coffee drink popular in New Zealand, these tourists’ home country.
Intelligentsia is serving flat whites ($3.50) all week in celebration of the NZ All Blacks vs. USA Eagles rugby match at Soldier Field Saturday, but come Sunday I see no reason for the aficionado-tailored coffee chain to take it off the menu. It’s delicious, mate.
The big difference between a flat white and most stateside lattes is a refreshing restraint with milk foam. The foam is much denser here than the bubble bath they serve at Starbucks and sits with dignity in a svelte layer at the top, keeping the coffee the center of attention. You’re provided a spoon, but let it idle. Allow the drink to blend gradually as you savor each sip.
The sumptuous espresso is Intelligentsia’s Black Cat Classic. It’s strong, yes, but flavorful like a dark, unsweetened chocolate; not burnt. It won’t put hair on your chest, but might grow stubble on your cheek. The mature coffee blends with the foam in a manner so relaxing and spa-like. The last sip is bittersweet.
On Saturday I’ll be rooting for the Eagles, surely with a flat white in hand.
Find a location near you at intelligentsiacoffee.com
—Johnny Oleksinski
