best test of a barista — if it's not balanced, the rest of the menu probably isn't either

small is the right size — anything bigger and it's really a latte in disguise

pairs well with a heavy red wine or a stout, ideal Friday night order

good crema means good beans, not over-extracted, two shots is usually plenty

flaky, buttery — ask if it's same-day baked, that's the only way to order this