I'll Have a short drip half-caf with milk?

Anyone who doubts Seattle's reputation for being coffee-crazed with coffee is mistaken.

After taking coffee orders as an intern this summer, I thought I knew my way around the barista's menu. So when my supervisor Helen took me out to coffee for a meeting, I was ready to order with New York speed. What came out was...gibberish.

Turns out I knew nothing about coffee. As the barista stared at me blankly, I frantically explained to Helen how I like my coffee and she translated. "Americano with room for milk."

Before we could start our meeting, Helen embarked on a twenty-minute coffee tutorial, explaining the difference between lattes and cappuccinos, mochas and drips.

Now I know what I prefer: Café Latte, please.