Alright...anyone else out there? Big goings-on in the coffee world in this neck of the woods over the next year. Any diamonds in the rough?
I've been hitting the Cambridge/Somerville indie joints - some of the cups have been quite respectable although the quality of shots has depended upon the operator, I think.
I've found the best espresso in Boston/Cambridge at Cafe Paradiso - both locations: Harvard Square and North End. They're pretty consistent and they have great desserts, too.
1369 Coffeehouse in Central Square can deliver a decent espresso, but as you note, it depends on the person pulling your shot.
I live in Harvard Square and have been frequenting Cafe Paradisio for a long time. The Cambridge and North End locations have been serving the best espresso I have been able to find (outside of my own kitchen).
;)
The Harvard Square location changed espresso machines earlier this year from a Rancilio to a Faema, and the espresso quality declined a bit until they got the machine properly dialed in.
I would love to hear about any other cafes that those in the Boston area rank highly.
I've not hit too many of the North End spots -had a serviceable shot- at Vesuvio but nothing much.
I've had really good shots at Cafe Cezanne in Central Sq...and really lackluster ones. Seems to be operator dependent. Same thing with 1369 (although my son has just started working there). The Someday Cafe can also pour some great stuff.
Nothing as good as what I'm getting in my kitchen these days.
Posted Sat Jul 6, 2002, 4:58am Subject: Re: Boston/Cambridge
How about local roasters?
I can't roast in my apartment - so lately I've been getting my beans from Bread & Circus on River St in Cambridge. They roast daily right there in the store.
I'm also waiting to see what George Howell (former owner of Coffee Connection) does in his new store in Lexington... However, it would have to be pretty good in order to get me out to the 'burbs.
Greg Senior Member Joined: 19 Dec 2001 Posts: 19 Location: Framingham, MA Expertise: Intermediate
Espresso: Silvia Grinder: Rocky
Posted Sat Jul 6, 2002, 5:04am Subject: Re: Boston/Cambridge
Hello, I've been scoping out coffee shops around town for a while as research for opening my own cafe. There are alot of cafes near you guys, many more than out my way in the western burbs. There's a place in Harvard Square I haven't been to yet that a freind just told me about, called Darwins. It's on Mt. Auburn Street, heading toward Watertown, just past the post office on the other side of the road. I guess they were a tiny place for a while, and just expanded. I'm told they're good. I have been to Someday Cafe in Somerville, Davis Square. It's quite the hip place, lots of students. Good coffee, good espresso and decent bakery goods. The barrista there had her techinique down pretty well. One other place to check out is Uncommon Grounds, again on Mt. Auburn Street, in Coolidge Square, Watertown. They have a full sandwich shop, coffee and baked goods. I've had a few good cappas there, and a very tasty sandwich.
Greg Senior Member Joined: 19 Dec 2001 Posts: 19 Location: Framingham, MA Expertise: Intermediate
Espresso: Silvia Grinder: Rocky
Posted Sat Jul 6, 2002, 5:11am Subject: Re: Boston/Cambridge
Hi again, RE roasters, I imagine there are some in town, although I know of one that has excellent micro-roast in Westboro called Armeno. They have a retail store and do phone/web orders. Turn around is a couple of days. http://www.armeno.com/ There's another place called Red Barn in (Southboro?) on Rte 9 that has a retail operation. Don't know if they have a web page.
Posted Sat Jul 6, 2002, 5:51pm Subject: Re: Boston/Cambridge
I just spent some time at the Bread and Circus on River Street looking at the roasting operation and checking out the roasts. I haven't been roasting for very long but I was quite impressed. They seem to adhere to roast guidelines similar to those laid down in Sweet Maria's and their stock seems to be no longer than two days after roast. Allegro Beans? Are they of good repute?
I haven't purchased anything at Armeno's yet but a friend of mine has been getting stuff from them and has been very pleased. He's another espresso freak and really likes their blends, their responsiveness and their overnight packages. We're thinking about a field trip to see their storefront in Northborough.
What is the story with Coffee Connection and George Howell?
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