Challenge #4 Catch & Release Baristas

Starbucks, Pasadena, California, USA
Corner of Allen & Washington Blvd.

My request for a "venti Fair Trade drip" got a puzzled look, and a back and forth head tilt, sort of like a cocker-spaniel earnestly trying to understand human speech.

"We aren't brewing that today, but we are brewing . . . huh?" Barista # 1 began.

"Sure, I'll have to press it, it will take 4 or 5 minutes," gushed Barrista #2, verbally shoving #1 out of the way. "Now that's the way to say 'yes,'" I said, and smiled.

Barista #2 then explained to Barista #1 about which coffees were Fair Trade, and that they could always brew a pressed cup --

"Ah, someone read the email!" I said pleasantly, chortling a little in the direction of Barista #2.

Then, suddenly, I remembered my last pressed cup (shudder) , so asked if I could have the coffee in three minutes -- not that I was in a hurry, but I had found that four minutes made some awful dark (shudder, shudder) coffee. No. 2 said OK, and then I did the evil social engineering thing.

See, I figure its not fair to trap 'em and stuff 'em and display the barista carcases here. Not really a sustainable practice, as I see it.

So I leaned in and said, quietly and conspiratorially to the not-so-knowledable Barista #1 "You know, you are going to get shopped pretty heavily for fair trade over the next sixth months, so you will want to be sure you are up on the product details. Let the other partners know. But quietly, " I added as an after thought.

Rofl! The combined look of horror and gratitude was priceless.

"Thank you! I will!" she said quietly, and then louder "enjoy your coffee!"

See, the the way I see it, this Catch & Release SBX Challenge is far more eco-friendly, and sustainable to- boot. Saves on Barista burn-out and retraining, while naturally improving the the local politico-ecosystem for the next SBX visitor.

Catch & Release. I like it.

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