To me, coffee is like a friend want to get closer to but can’t work up the nerve to approach. I tried an iced Americano out of curiosity because people I know drink it at cafes. But it was way too bitter for me. I wondered how people could enjoy a drink that tastes like oriental medicine.
Still, wanting to drink coffee, I trained my palate with caramel macchiatos.
And by now, I’ve finally come to understand the true flavor of a cafe latte.
When I first visited coffeehouse chains, I used to order like I didn’t know what I was doing. It’s still not much different, but at least I can customize my order.
I need to remember to order a tall, grande, venti, or trenta size without getting all mixed up.
work up the nerve - overcoming fear or hesitation to take action
palate - a person's ability to taste and judge good food and wine
get all mixed up - a state of disorder or chaos where things are not properly arranged or understood
be big on sth - to like something very much
내게 커피는 가까이 다가가고 싶지만 선뜻 용기가 나지 않는 친구 같다. 지인들이 카페에서 아이스 아메리카노를 마신다고 해서 호기심에 도전해 봤지만 내게는 너무 썼다. 나는 한약 맛이나는 음료를 사람들이 왜 좋아하는지 의아했다.
그래도 커피를 마시고 싶어서 캐러멜 마키아토로 입맛을 단련했다. 그리고 이제야 카페라테의 진정한 맛을 알게 되었다.
처음 커피전문점 체인을 방문했을 때 아무것도 모르는 사람처럼 주문했었다. 여전히 크게 달라진 건 없지만 적어도 내 취향에 맞게 주문할 수 있게 되었다.
톨, 그란데, 벤티, 트렌타 중 어떤 사이즈를 주문해야 할지 헷갈리지 말고 잘 기억해서 주문해야겠다.
- I couldn’t work up the nerve to go and talk to him. / I finally worked up the nerve to enter a tournament.
- You should train your palate before you eat something so spicy. / You can enjoy wine more if you train your palate.
- I still do not know what I am doing. / I have to help him because he does not know what he is doing.
A: Don’t you drink coffee?
B: No, I’m not really big on coffee.
A: Oh, I see. Is there any particular reason?
B: I’ve tried it, but the bitter taste didn’t agree with me.
A: There are also various types of coffee drinks that are sweet, too.
B: I sometimes order those when I get together with people.
