Pruss2ny Senior Member Joined: 30 Dec 2011 Posts: 1 Location: Oregon Expertise: Just starting
Posted Fri Dec 30, 2011, 10:54am Subject: Re: espresso profeta in westwood?
Always thot the rationale for not serving espresso in a paper cup was that the mass had no way to retain it's temp, which is important to the taste profile of the espresso....paper cup, add a couple ounces of hot water and shazaam-u have some mass, a stable temp profile, and a prayer to get 3 feet away from the counter before your drink gets ice cold. Think most shops will tell u they prefer not to sell espresso to go, but do so to avoid alienating overly sensitive customers. I've been to profeta in Westwood a couple times, think the baristas are more than chill, and don't think their policy of no-to-go-espresso is an offense to mankind. I did ask for one once (espresso to go) running to a dinner, they countered Italiano, and the world kept rolling
JasonBrandtLewis Senior Member Joined: 9 Dec 2005 Posts: 6,099 Location: Berkeley, CA Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Elektra T1 - La Valentina -... Grinder: Mahlkönig K30 Vario -... Vac Pot: Yama 5-cup Drip: CCD, Chemex Roaster: No, no, not another...
Posted Sat Dec 31, 2011, 7:53am Subject: Re: espresso profeta in westwood?
I cannot speak to Espresso Profeta . . . ain't never been there; they tell me it's nice . . . but
JimWright Said:
Well, this one issue aside (and this doesn't really affect me, I basically always order a shot and a breve latte and even if I'm on my way out I take the shot for here and the latte to go) . . .
+1 How long does it take to "down" an espresso? Approximately 98 percent of the time, the barista makes the espresso and hands it to me, then makes the latte. By the time that drink is made, I've finished the espresso and I'm out the door. Every once in a while, however, they make both at the same time, or worse -- the latte first. Sigh!
Now, I don't get the whole "ghetto latte" thing. I've never seen it (though I have no doubt it happens). Then again, I don't go to *$, and (FWIW) I'm in the "Gourmet Ghetto" of Berkeley.
I sometimes make an "espresso-to-go" for myself, but I put it in a shot glass and it's usually gone between my front door and the car. But I can't wrap my head around the idea of espresso in a paper cup. It's me, I'm sure, as i have no problem with a latte to go (in a paper cup), but the thought of an espresso in a paper cup just causes me to shudder. So, on the one hand, I can understand (as long as it's done tactfully) a coffee house/café refusing to serve espresso in a paper cup, but I cannot understand either changing the customer's order (to an "Italiano" from an espresso), or refusing to explain the "why" behind the policy. On the other hand, having spent most of my life in retail, I have a hard time not following the age-old dictum, "the customer is always right."
JimWright Senior Member Joined: 17 Jan 2006 Posts: 252 Location: SF Bay Area, CA
Espresso: LM GS/3, Estro Profi Grinder: Macap M7KR Vac Pot: Yama Drip: Other: Eva Solo, Press Pot
Posted Sat Dec 31, 2011, 8:27am Subject: Re: espresso profeta in westwood?
I've never actually seen anyone do it either. I sometimes like an Americano with lots of cream and that's my wife's regular drink (which is by no means the same drink as a breve), but never seen anyone order a shot and add cream. Probably happens at Starbucks though (and I guess they're fine with it), and I'd like to imagine the folks frequenting Profeta and places like it are not really the same customer base.
auxpomme Senior Member Joined: 5 Mar 2012 Posts: 88 Location: los angeles
Posted Sat Jun 16, 2012, 8:41pm Subject: Re: espresso profeta in westwood?
Haven't been to profeta in a year or so but can't imagine so much controversy as is in this thread. First time I went, I chuckled that they had a sign that says they only server dopio ristretto espresso and they do not make them to go. With that said, I've never had a problem, but could definitely symphasize with people that have. The people that often work there are "too cool for school" dudes and you can tell they're looking down their noses at everyone. Even considering that, the rest of westwood is just a terrible terrible wasteland and I'll accept some attitude to get a (majority of the time) damn good shot of espresso. Really, the product there outshines any of the other LA places like handsome, intelli, congni, etc. I'm just glad I don't have to go to westwood on a regular basis anymore, the traffic there is the worst, and that fact can not possibly generate any debate. :)
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