Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Carlos Martin

Please read this article and then donate.

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Cafe Mediterraneum

Location: 2475 Telegraph Ave., Berkeley

Reviewed: February 10, 2008

Espresso: Cafe Med uses coffee from Barefoot, specifically the Sweetness! blend. They do a reasonable job with it: grinding and tamping to order and deliberately taking time with it. The result was a perhaps 2oz. drink (this being a double) in a white ceramic cup of perhaps twice that volume. The crema was thick and persistent, although not particularly dark. It tasted of upfront berry-tones fading into a more bitter note. Syrupy, although not heavy-bodied.

Atmosphere: Very old (since 1958) and very bohemian, this is a large shop with lots of space, a half-balcony across the back, mismatched tables and chairs (that can wobble). Of note (if only for trivia parlor games) is that this very shop is rumoured to have invented the caffe latte.

Verdict: Can this lay claim to the best of Berkeley? Possibly so.

Monday, February 04, 2008

Dr. Illy's passing

Ernesto Illy
July 18, 1925 -- February 3, 2008.


R.I.P.