Becoming a Regular
21 Sep
Ever since I first fell in love with the show Friends, I have always wanted to become a regular somewhere. I’ve always wanted to have a place where I could walk in, the barista would know my name and have my order on its way out. Moving to a new city, I thought that it would be a good goal to have: become a regular at a local coffee shop. What better way to feel more at home in a new city than by having your own go-to spot?
When setting this goal, I neglected to note that coffee in Australia is a million times better than coffee in America… and to take a step even further, coffee in Melbourne tops the list. There are endless cafes within the CBD, not even counting the shops that I pass through in my favourite neighborhoods. It’s easy to find good coffee, which makes it a little difficult to find a place to call your own.
I’ve been working my latest temp job for about five weeks now, and it was here, not at one of the million places that I have passed through over the last several months, that I achieved “regular” status. The staff knows my name, my order, and even my plans for the weekend (Perth trip, anyone?), which is more than I can say about my flatmate! It’s a really nice feeling to walk into the shop and be greeted with a smile and a “How you going, Lindsay?” first thing in the morning.
And with that, I can check 36. Become a regular at a local coffee shop off of my 101 in 1001 List!
how do you take your coffee, incidentally?
Great post. What’s next a ‘Cheers’ bar…”Where Everybody Knows Your Name”?
@caity I’ve been on a soy latte kick!
@Jan I have yet to establish my “Cheers” bar in Oz! Have one at home, maybe that should be next on my list
Hi! This really has nothing to do with this specific blog entry (unless you count the fact that my name is Phoebe and there was a Phoebe on Friends? ha
)but I came across your blog while searching for Work and Holiday Visa info. and was wondering if you could possibly give me a little insight. I’m planning on going to Australia in June of 2010 and I’m looking to book my flight, but from what I’ve read, you can only book flights one year in advance from the date you purchase the ticket. How did you finagle a return flight? Or did you just buy a one way? Or do you have to buy a return and forfeit the return portion?? Sorry for all of the questions but this whole thing has me baffled! Thanks for any help you can provide! 
and if you’d rather respond via e-mail, mine is phoebe41@gmail.com
Being a regular is a great feeling. In Spain there were a couple of places that the minute they saw me the order was being made. The only problem with that was on the days that wanted something different!! Still haven’t hit that point here in Australia, but I don’t think I go out as often for coffee.
@maya There are days that sometimes I want a skinny cap not a soy latte, but I almost feel guilty for tripping them up! I always get the same thing at this place to avoid that kind of thing. It’s tricky.
Such a great goal to have. I have a few little cafes right downstairs and I always think the same thing- but I’m not even the biggest fan of coffee or spending that much money on coffee
I was really excited when the guy at the fruit and veg shop gave me a free onion. I think he finally recognizes me after nearly 2 years.
YAY!! I love being a regular at places.
Mine are never coffee shops – usually juice shops, grocery stores, convenience stores etc – but it’s nice when the staff recognizes you. Feels like a community.