…wherein we test those products placed by the checkout to catch us at our weakest moment–when we are already buying something.I go to the West Seattle Thriftway espresso bar often, and I’ve wanted to give it a nod for a while. They serve a mean latte (Caffe Vita–at low, low prices). Bar manager Lisa is dead serious about her coffee, and her staff is really sweet. They have some fancy vitamin mix-ins and signs for blended drinks that I always ignore in favor of my double short, but a few weeks ago they put a sign up advertising a Humzinger malt as “the only base you’ll ever need. ” Do I need a base? I asked. Hmmm… Malt powder comes from dried barley grain. It was a common fortifier (a la Ovaltine) before it became a soda fountain novelty. Malt makes me think Whoppers, old timey chocolate shakes, and beer. So malt in my latte? Yes, please. I know many people are coffee purists. How nice for you. I don’t even have a defining drink. In the afternoons I sometimes order something a little sweet. A malt latte at Thriftway is my new afternoon beverage, a treat without the cloying sweetness you get from flavored syrups. It smells like mocha stout and graham crackers, and the malt somehow makes the latte feel thicker. And did I mention the extra vitamins and minerals?

West Seattle Thriftway Espresso Bar California Ave SW @ Fauntleroy opens w/ the store, closes at 7:00pm (Happy Hour M-F, 3:00 to 5:00pm, 50% off all espresso drinks)