A working knowledge of the location of the best coffee hang outs in my geographical area is something I consider my duty to possess. So whenever I hear about a spot that I haven't been to, I make it my business to get there. What follows is a thorough report on two places that have recently been brought to my attention.
I began my study at Crows Coffee, where I discovered the Gibraltar and a group of extremely nice baristas.
It turns out the Gibraltar is a rich smooth combination of equal parts espresso and steamed milk. I would consider it equivalent to the Cortado or the Flat White.
When I arrived and ordered our drinks the barista on the left told me he would make mine but hold on the other one until my friend arrived because the microfoam is best when you drink it right after it's made. Say what? Someone who wants to make sure my coffee experience is the best it can be? I'll be back here for sure. With a sketchbook.
Next stop: Quay Coffee, in the river market area.
As soon as I saw they also had a Gibraltar on the menu, my selection was made. I wanted to do a head to head comparison with the one I had earlier. I was extremely tempted to get the v60 pour over when I watched the care this fellow took as he made them. But there will be another visit for that.
I did not get a decent photo of my drink, but you get the idea (the Gibraltar was apparently named for the glass it is served in). It was also well prepared here. Rich and strong but still smooth and creamy. A perfect coffee drink.
Crows Coffee and Quay Coffee get high marks from me. They each had a good atmosphere and the people who were working were friendly. BUT the best thing about both places is the reason you go to a coffee shop is to get GREAT coffee. The coffee was excellent and my Gibraltars were skillfully prepared.
I wish you were my next door neighbor. Seriously.
Posted by: Pam | 03/15/2015 at 10:36 AM
I envy you the many choices of coffee houses to rate. We have 2, yes in a city of over 2 million people we have Starbucks and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf ( where the coffee is weak) Don't get me wrong, I'm a serious Starbucks latte fan and so grateful to have that one. We used to have a third one, Jitters, which was very nice and a place where local artists could hang their work. Gone for several years now.
I'm now hooked on Caramel Flan iced lattes...SOOOOOO good.
Posted by: Joan | 03/15/2015 at 12:22 PM
I'm with Pam (above). Let's have coffee!
Posted by: Pamela | 03/15/2015 at 01:14 PM