Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Panama Bay Coffee Co.

Location: 2115 N. First Street, Livermore

Reviewed: August 24, 2008

Espresso: The girl running the register responded to my request for a single espresso with an inquiry whether I wanted it short or long. I specified short and ended up with about 1.5 oz. of liquid in the bottom of a cappuccino-sized cup (albeit one with straight sides and not a properly curved shape). The barista did grind and tamp the shot. The crema, which had started to break up by the time I managed to make it to a seat, was a pale-to-medium brown. The shot had a creamy mouthfeel and a primary taste of milk chocolate, which turned toward bitter in the aftertaste.

Atmosphere: Panama Bay is a large shop, with a long and narrow layout on a street corner in downtown Livermore. It's well-lit with large picture windows along each side that faces either street.

Verdict: Neither the best nor the worst.