Cappuccino Crisis

It all started with a cappuccino. Or actually: with too many cappuccinos and not enough money. Seriously, at some point my banking app was glowing red from all the payments at coffee shops while I still hadn’t found a favorite spot. That’s when I thought: okay, this can’t go on. This is a crisis. A cappuccino crisis.

And like any aspiring journalist would do, I decided not to treat it as just a problem, but as an investigation. A serious, in-depth mission my teachers would probably call “practice-based research.” Except instead of analyzing sources or doing fieldwork, I’m sitting in cafés judging foam. You gotta do what you gotta do.

Every week I visit a new spot in Groningen and look not only at the cappuccino itself (what’s the balance between milk and espresso, and how long does the foam hold up?), but also at the vibe of the place. Is it the kind of spot where you can study in peace, or the kind where you secretly eavesdrop for “inspiration”? And just as important: what comes on the little plate next to your coffee? Because a cappuccino without a snack is like an exam without a resit: incomplete.

Is this objective? Absolutely not. My judgment depends entirely on how hungover I am, how many deadlines I’m ignoring, and whether I can still afford to buy a croissant on the side. But maybe that’s what makes it relatable. This isn’t the Michelin Guide. This is the reality of a student who spends way too much time in cafés.

Since cappuccinos aren’t free and my student loan only stretches so far, I’ve added a “Buy Me a Coffee” button. That way you can literally support my research (and my caffeine addiction). Think of it as crowdsourced journalism.

Next week I’m starting at a breakfast spot I have pretty high hopes for. Will it be a hit right away? No idea. But one thing’s for sure: you’ll be hearing all about my very first official cappuccino crisis soon.

Published on: 19-09-2025 19:47 Edited on: 19-09-2025 19:47