Spinnaker007 Senior Member Joined: 24 Apr 2003 Posts: 1,778 Location: Chicago! Expertise: I like coffee
Posted Mon Aug 23, 2004, 6:30am Subject: Lavazza is coming to Chicago
I was surprised to see this sign on my way to the train station last Friday afternoon. This location is sandwiched between Chicago Board of Trade and Intelligentsia’s loop location.
I am curious and I cannot wait for its grand opening, but my expectation of their quality is no better than the national leading coffee company.
Posted Sun Aug 29, 2004, 3:15pm Subject: Re: Lavazza is coming to Chicago
There's one out in Aurora, west of the Fox Valley Mall. I was driving by one day and decided to try it. I ordered a machiatto and received OK espresso with soap bubble foam on top...
espressoDOM Senior Member Joined: 1 May 2003 Posts: 2,189 Location: Bay Area Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: WEGA Lyra (vibe) Grinder: Mazzer Mini Vac Pot: (no more coffee equipment) Drip: French Press Roaster: Hot Top Roaster; Fresh Roast...
Posted Mon Aug 30, 2004, 8:23am Subject: Re: Lavazza is coming to Chicago
I had a cappa at a restaurant in New York when I was out there earlier this year... the cups are pretty SWEET.... very thick.... it is currently my favorite espresso cup...want a cappa cup.... (zoxx has them...but I am on a buying freeze until Intelligentsia black cat cups)
DOM...evil genius ...Up to no good in espresso at all times... VIVA la parts de Espresso
Spinnaker007 Senior Member Joined: 24 Apr 2003 Posts: 1,778 Location: Chicago! Expertise: I like coffee
Posted Fri Feb 18, 2005, 9:34am Subject: Re: LavAzza is coming to Chicago
LavAzza had quietly grand opened this location yesterday. I was on my way to Intelligentsia’s downtown store after work, and quite flabbergasted to see it was opened for business. The fact is that I met a friend of mine in front of it last Friday, and I didn’t notice any signs for as when it would be open except that the windows were all covered up.
I walked in curiously, and the place was filled with a handful of suits, I guess they were the people from the LavAzza. Some were sitting down and the rest were on their feet, and just about all got cell phones in front of them, if not, already using them. One guy was having a LATTE, and another one was drinking some milky-white icy thingy in a tall glass. The crew all were in their store logo navy polo shirts.
I was looking at the cups, picking them up and checking for the prices, but there were none. One of the suits and a guy(store manager?) in the uniform approached me, and ask if I needed help. “How much are these?” I asked, with one demitasse cup (made by Ipa), and a 3oz shot glass in my hands.
They were apologetic and said “We just opened, and we don’t have the prices for them yet.” The suit right away flipped his cell open started to dial, and said to me, “I’ll find out right now.” While they were converting the currency rate, he gave up, or he didn’t want me to wait any longer, so he gave them to me at the price of a large latte. So, I got 2 espresso cups and a 3oz shot glass for under $11.00 with taxes, not bad at all!
It looks like LavAzza has a big plan for Chicago. There are 2 more locations within 6 blocks from one another, getting ready to open.
Posted Sun Feb 20, 2005, 10:18pm Subject: Re: Lavazza is coming to Chicago
When I was in Saudi, we had satellite t.v. and one of the channels was the Fashion Channel. All fashion all the time-imagine that. Anyway, they did little pictorial documentories on the Pirelli and Lavazza calenders. All I have to say is it helped to keep me sane. That and we had a little espresso bar which was inconsistent. Many times I've wanted to jump over the counter and show them what's up.
I drink espresso so I can work longer, so I can make more money, so I can drink more espresso, so I can work longer, so I can make more money, so I can drink more espresso...
Posted Sun Feb 20, 2005, 11:08pm Subject: Re: Lavazza is coming to Chicago
Well, I dunno. I'll withhold judgment for awhile. I suppose the quality will be high if corporate maintains some degree of control over barista training and supply, but I'm not holding my breath. Before the Illinois Tollway Authority began revamping the tollway oases (which have--gack!--*$ and Krispy Kreme as their espresso bars), the Des Plaines oasis used to have a Lavazza concession. The baristas (if you could call them that) had no idea of how to deviate from the standard espresso & cappuccino; they didn't even know how to pull doubles because "the register had no key." Sheesh.
I've had good Lavazza in Paris and great Lavazza in Boston. Time will tell for Chicago. But given the choice between that and a steady source of freshly roasted Metropolis or Intelligentsia, it's not rocket science to figure out where my allegiances will continue to lie.
Sandy www.sandyandina.com ------------------- Life's too short to drink lousy coffee, play crummy guitars and write with ballpoint pens.
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