Location: 10 4th St., Santa Rosa
There are multiple other locations in Healdsburg (not reviewed).
Reviewed: March 5, 2006
Espresso: My double shot was pulled somewhat as a lungo, stretching probably to ~2.75oz. The crema was moderately thick, although pale and it dissipated rapidly. The length of the shot may have been due to the barista not paying attention during the pull. The shot had some dark-fruit tones, but they were overwhelmed by a very bitter aftertaste.
Atmosphere: FG is a strange location, consisting of multiple rooms (and a staircase to somewhere); the interior made me think that it perhaps used to be a residence, but the exterior of the building gave no such indications. The walls were painted a pale green color, and the chairs were orange, which caused a bad clash of colors and was not at all pleasant.
Verdict: Perhaps a better barista could have produced a pleasant shot, but the place is just weird. Try the Healdsburg locations.
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Caffe Del Doge
Location: 419 University Ave., Palo Alto
There are multiple other locations in Venice, Tokyo, Budapest, and Buenos Aires (not reviewed)
Reviewed: March 2, 2006
Espresso: Del Doge has multiple different espresso blends/origins available. I was specifically asked which I wanted. The barista provided simple descriptions that weren't particularly helpful or detailed. I decided to go with the Doge Nero blend. Nero has a full-bodied, creamy mouthfeel; there is a bittersweet, smoky flavour with hints of chocolate. The crema was medium in tone, although flecked with red, but there was a dot of white, indicating overextraction at the very end of the pour. The shot was ground to order, but I neglected to note whether the barista tamped. It was served in a very tall, narrow cup and was extremely hot.
Atmosphere: Del Doge is a rather small shop and seating is quite limited. Be prepared not to sit down. The layout is long and narrow, and the seating is all up front, adding to the crowded feel. The walls and ceiling are painted with warm colors (oranges and yellows), such that it feels homey and inviting, assuming one can get a seat.
Verdict: The espresso was not bad at all, but it could/should have been better. It's a nice enough place and worth a stop if you're in Palo Alto.
There are multiple other locations in Venice, Tokyo, Budapest, and Buenos Aires (not reviewed)
Reviewed: March 2, 2006
Espresso: Del Doge has multiple different espresso blends/origins available. I was specifically asked which I wanted. The barista provided simple descriptions that weren't particularly helpful or detailed. I decided to go with the Doge Nero blend. Nero has a full-bodied, creamy mouthfeel; there is a bittersweet, smoky flavour with hints of chocolate. The crema was medium in tone, although flecked with red, but there was a dot of white, indicating overextraction at the very end of the pour. The shot was ground to order, but I neglected to note whether the barista tamped. It was served in a very tall, narrow cup and was extremely hot.
Atmosphere: Del Doge is a rather small shop and seating is quite limited. Be prepared not to sit down. The layout is long and narrow, and the seating is all up front, adding to the crowded feel. The walls and ceiling are painted with warm colors (oranges and yellows), such that it feels homey and inviting, assuming one can get a seat.
Verdict: The espresso was not bad at all, but it could/should have been better. It's a nice enough place and worth a stop if you're in Palo Alto.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
A brief interruption
We interrupt the regularly-scheduled coffee-related content on this blog to bring you the following public service announcement: sitting for the California Bar Exam really stinks. However, I think I am doing well.
Hopefully, I get back to the reviews shortly (and, with luck, a little more frequency).
Hopefully, I get back to the reviews shortly (and, with luck, a little more frequency).
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Mission City Coffee Roasting
Location: 2221 The Alameda, Santa Clara
There is another location (not reviewed) at 4300 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara
Reviewed: January 17, 2006
Espresso: My single shot was served in a ~3oz cup, although it was the proper ~1oz volume. However, there was no crema whatsoever; neither was there much taste.
Atmosphere: Mission City is a large shop near Santa Clara University. It is laid out in the corner of a building, and so the 'dining area' is somewhat L-shaped. There are brick walls, local artists' work, and random paint spatters on the concrete floor (Jackson Pollock-esque?).
Verdict: It is amazing to me how the coffee can be so stale at a place that roasts its own.
There is another location (not reviewed) at 4300 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara
Reviewed: January 17, 2006
Espresso: My single shot was served in a ~3oz cup, although it was the proper ~1oz volume. However, there was no crema whatsoever; neither was there much taste.
Atmosphere: Mission City is a large shop near Santa Clara University. It is laid out in the corner of a building, and so the 'dining area' is somewhat L-shaped. There are brick walls, local artists' work, and random paint spatters on the concrete floor (Jackson Pollock-esque?).
Verdict: It is amazing to me how the coffee can be so stale at a place that roasts its own.
Sunday, January 08, 2006
Java Junction
Location: 4075 Evergreen Village Square, Suite #150, San Jose.
There are two other locations (not reviewed) in Santa Cruz.
Reviewed: January 8, 2006
Espresso: My single was served in a very cool glass cup with a wire-like handle. The volume was on the high side, although I spoke with a gentleman who I assumed to be the owner, and he said he would set the superauto machine to a lesser volume. The crema was medium-to-pale and thin, although, suprisingly, it did not dissipate rapidly. The shot was mellow and thin-bodied (the latter probably due to the long shot), with a smoky dark-roast taste predominate in the cup. The barista (the aforementioned presumed owner) preheated the cup and tamped fairly hard, although the grinds were sitting in the doser (we discussed that as well).
Atmosphere: JJ is a quite small location. The physical space consists of an oblong rectangular area (wide, as opposed to deep) with a high open ceiling. The walls are painted various tones from yellow to orange (darker shades), and the front of the counter is a natural wood. There are but few tables inside, due to the size of the space; those that are there match the counters, excepting that the tables (oddly enough, not rounded) are much more highly polished. There are a couple of armchairs in one corner, and a few tables outside as well.
It is of note here that the Square in which JJ is located is a pedestrian-friendly environment, and there is a park directly across from the shop.
Verdict: Ok, although not great espresso, which may be improved if the owner makes the changes that we discussed.
There are two other locations (not reviewed) in Santa Cruz.
Reviewed: January 8, 2006
Espresso: My single was served in a very cool glass cup with a wire-like handle. The volume was on the high side, although I spoke with a gentleman who I assumed to be the owner, and he said he would set the superauto machine to a lesser volume. The crema was medium-to-pale and thin, although, suprisingly, it did not dissipate rapidly. The shot was mellow and thin-bodied (the latter probably due to the long shot), with a smoky dark-roast taste predominate in the cup. The barista (the aforementioned presumed owner) preheated the cup and tamped fairly hard, although the grinds were sitting in the doser (we discussed that as well).
Atmosphere: JJ is a quite small location. The physical space consists of an oblong rectangular area (wide, as opposed to deep) with a high open ceiling. The walls are painted various tones from yellow to orange (darker shades), and the front of the counter is a natural wood. There are but few tables inside, due to the size of the space; those that are there match the counters, excepting that the tables (oddly enough, not rounded) are much more highly polished. There are a couple of armchairs in one corner, and a few tables outside as well.
It is of note here that the Square in which JJ is located is a pedestrian-friendly environment, and there is a park directly across from the shop.
Verdict: Ok, although not great espresso, which may be improved if the owner makes the changes that we discussed.
Monday, December 26, 2005
Temple Fine Coffee & Tea
Location: 1014 10th St., Sacramento
Reviewed: December 26, 2005
Espresso: Temple is a wholesale customer of the highly acclaimed Barefoot Coffee Roasters, and on this particular day were serving their Element 114 blend. My double shot was poured as a ristretto and displayed the elements that this blend is known for: heavy body, long aftertaste, lots of chocolate flavor in the cup. The barista appeared to be in training, but did everything right under the watchful eye of his trainor. My one quibble is that they provide table service, which means that the crema will dissipate somewhat by the time it gets to you. That was not much of an issue here, as the crema was thick and dark anyway.
Atmosphere: Temple is a long narrow spot with a high ceiling, which is vaulted over half the store. The bar is all the way in the back, and walking all the way back to place your order almost feels like an event of some major significance. There is a statue of the Buddha in an alcove on one of the side walls near the back. Brick walls are a nice touch. Of particular note is that the only standard cafe tables that Temple utilizes are one or two placed outside. There are other tables inside, but they are slightly larger and square in shape; they are aranged in a row along one side of the store with built-in cushioned benches on the wall. The rest of the seating consits of lounge-style couches.
Verdict: Excellent espresso and a very cool location. The Buddha must surely be smiling at these people. Worth a visit!
Reviewed: December 26, 2005
Espresso: Temple is a wholesale customer of the highly acclaimed Barefoot Coffee Roasters, and on this particular day were serving their Element 114 blend. My double shot was poured as a ristretto and displayed the elements that this blend is known for: heavy body, long aftertaste, lots of chocolate flavor in the cup. The barista appeared to be in training, but did everything right under the watchful eye of his trainor. My one quibble is that they provide table service, which means that the crema will dissipate somewhat by the time it gets to you. That was not much of an issue here, as the crema was thick and dark anyway.
Atmosphere: Temple is a long narrow spot with a high ceiling, which is vaulted over half the store. The bar is all the way in the back, and walking all the way back to place your order almost feels like an event of some major significance. There is a statue of the Buddha in an alcove on one of the side walls near the back. Brick walls are a nice touch. Of particular note is that the only standard cafe tables that Temple utilizes are one or two placed outside. There are other tables inside, but they are slightly larger and square in shape; they are aranged in a row along one side of the store with built-in cushioned benches on the wall. The rest of the seating consits of lounge-style couches.
Verdict: Excellent espresso and a very cool location. The Buddha must surely be smiling at these people. Worth a visit!
Monday, December 19, 2005
Willow Glen Coffee Roasting Co.
Location: 1383 Lincoln Ave., San Jose
Reviewed: December 19, 2005
Espresso: My single was pulled very long, being ~2.5 oz. It had a fairly thick, albeit hazlenut-colored, pale crema which dissipated fairly rapidly. It was medium-bodied and fairly bright. Bitterness was the primary taste sensation in the cup, although there was some dark spice lurking in there as well. It is of note that the shot was on the hot side (indicating a possibly idle machine) and that the barista ground about half the shot while dosing. There is, then, a possibility of a better shot at a time when the shop and machine are busy.
Atmosphere: WG Coffee is located in two storefronts linked by a doorway near the front of the shop. There is an eclectic variation of local art on the walls and a black & white checkered floor (which reminded me of an ice cream parlor). Live jazz and blues are common on weekends.
Verdict: With the possibility of a slightly better shot when busy, I'd probably stop in on a weekend evening for the live music and a cappuccino.
Reviewed: December 19, 2005
Espresso: My single was pulled very long, being ~2.5 oz. It had a fairly thick, albeit hazlenut-colored, pale crema which dissipated fairly rapidly. It was medium-bodied and fairly bright. Bitterness was the primary taste sensation in the cup, although there was some dark spice lurking in there as well. It is of note that the shot was on the hot side (indicating a possibly idle machine) and that the barista ground about half the shot while dosing. There is, then, a possibility of a better shot at a time when the shop and machine are busy.
Atmosphere: WG Coffee is located in two storefronts linked by a doorway near the front of the shop. There is an eclectic variation of local art on the walls and a black & white checkered floor (which reminded me of an ice cream parlor). Live jazz and blues are common on weekends.
Verdict: With the possibility of a slightly better shot when busy, I'd probably stop in on a weekend evening for the live music and a cappuccino.
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Cafe Aragon
Location: 856 N. 13th St., San Jose
Reviewed: December 11, 2005
Espresso: Aragon is a wholesale customer of Barefoot Coffee Roasters and uses their Element 114 blend. At Aragon, my shot was pulled longer than I'm used to (a single reached nearly 2oz.). As a result of this, the crema was paler than it should have been, and the heavy body for which this blend is known was somewhat reduced. Nonetheless, the shot was not bitter. The barista did things right, preheating the cup, pouring directly into it, and grinding the shot individually. The single shot shouldn't have been served in a cappuccino-sized cup, however.
Atmosphere: Aragon is a very large shop, but other than a nice tile floor, it made little impression on me. Parking is difficult on the street, and it took me a little while to realize that there is a lot behind the shop.
Verdict: Worth a stop if you're in the North SJ area; alternately, if you like lungos, this could be your place.
Reviewed: December 11, 2005
Espresso: Aragon is a wholesale customer of Barefoot Coffee Roasters and uses their Element 114 blend. At Aragon, my shot was pulled longer than I'm used to (a single reached nearly 2oz.). As a result of this, the crema was paler than it should have been, and the heavy body for which this blend is known was somewhat reduced. Nonetheless, the shot was not bitter. The barista did things right, preheating the cup, pouring directly into it, and grinding the shot individually. The single shot shouldn't have been served in a cappuccino-sized cup, however.
Atmosphere: Aragon is a very large shop, but other than a nice tile floor, it made little impression on me. Parking is difficult on the street, and it took me a little while to realize that there is a lot behind the shop.
Verdict: Worth a stop if you're in the North SJ area; alternately, if you like lungos, this could be your place.
Sunday, December 04, 2005
St. James Coffee Co.
Location: 1683 Branham Ln., San Jose
Reviewed: December 4, 2005
Espresso: My "single" was served in a nearly full cup of ~2-2.5oz. The crema was pale and thin. The cup was thin-bodied and slightly bitter. Beyond that, the taste was somewhat intriguing: there was a distinct anise flavor sitting on top of a caramelly base. It is interesting to note here that the barista actually did most things correctly, preheating the cup (and the shot pitchers, which were unfortunately used) and tamping firmly (with an Espro click tamp, the first I've ever seen). I didn't notice if the shot was actually ground to order, but I did take note that the pull took about the right length of time.
Atmosphere: St. James is a small shop located at the corner of a strip mall. There are but a few tables and two armchairs. Free wifi is offered, and the yellow/orange coloring scheme makes the place feel warm and inviting, particularly on a cold December day.
Verdict: An interesting flavor profile, and perhaps a better barista could eliminate some of the issues with the shot. If that were to occur, it would be a great place to sit and study or read for pleasure.
Reviewed: December 4, 2005
Espresso: My "single" was served in a nearly full cup of ~2-2.5oz. The crema was pale and thin. The cup was thin-bodied and slightly bitter. Beyond that, the taste was somewhat intriguing: there was a distinct anise flavor sitting on top of a caramelly base. It is interesting to note here that the barista actually did most things correctly, preheating the cup (and the shot pitchers, which were unfortunately used) and tamping firmly (with an Espro click tamp, the first I've ever seen). I didn't notice if the shot was actually ground to order, but I did take note that the pull took about the right length of time.
Atmosphere: St. James is a small shop located at the corner of a strip mall. There are but a few tables and two armchairs. Free wifi is offered, and the yellow/orange coloring scheme makes the place feel warm and inviting, particularly on a cold December day.
Verdict: An interesting flavor profile, and perhaps a better barista could eliminate some of the issues with the shot. If that were to occur, it would be a great place to sit and study or read for pleasure.
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