Sunday, January 14, 2007

Coffee Condiments Bar

OK, condiments are normally thought of as ketchup (or is it catsup?), mustard, mayo, salt, pepper. But it's the closest name I can think of for this tiny fixture at coffee houses where you can get sugar, sugar alternatives, cream, and cream alternatives (all dairy, natch).

How big is this condiment bar?

It's frickin tiny. At any point, only one, maybe two, people can stand there. Otherwise, you're forced to wait as the person opens the cap, finds some appropriate sugar, stirs, and so forth. There's something about waiting that the coffee places like.

I suppose it could simply be appearance. Imagine the condiments bar being wide enough for 3 people, that is, triple its current width. It would seem very much like a cafeteria, thus lowering the high brow status coffee houses want to convey. But, you could create two such tables, and that would at least make it that much more pleasant.

The situation is akin to many people standing outside the lavatory, waiting for an open spot.

My rant of the day. Make them condiments bar bigger!

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