Score:
Atmosphere: 4/5
Food: 4/5
Service: 4.5/5
Total: 12.5/15
Summary: Better than average food, great service and a cozy atmosphere make this one of my favorite coffee shops in the area.
For the full review, hit the jump!
Showing posts with label coffee. Show all posts
Showing posts with label coffee. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Starbucks to Introduce Larger Cup; My Bladder is Too Small
Taking a page from their awesome April Fools joke, when they announced the creation of a 128oz. "Plenta" cup, Starbucks has announced that they are actually introducing a larger cup.
This new cup size, known as a "Trenta," will be (only) 31oz. and will be used for cold drinks only. But to give you an idea of the size. It is over 50% larger than their "Venti" cups which are only 20oz. The additional price should be about 50 cents more than a "Venti."
To be honest I'm glad about this. Whenever I've ordered an iced coffee, I've always felt a little jipped, due to the fact that 70% of the drink appears to be ice. Fortunately, now I'll get plenty of caffeine. Unfortunately, I don't think my bladder can handle the extra volume of liquid -- time to grab a table close to the bathroom!
This new cup size, known as a "Trenta," will be (only) 31oz. and will be used for cold drinks only. But to give you an idea of the size. It is over 50% larger than their "Venti" cups which are only 20oz. The additional price should be about 50 cents more than a "Venti."
To be honest I'm glad about this. Whenever I've ordered an iced coffee, I've always felt a little jipped, due to the fact that 70% of the drink appears to be ice. Fortunately, now I'll get plenty of caffeine. Unfortunately, I don't think my bladder can handle the extra volume of liquid -- time to grab a table close to the bathroom!
Monday, January 10, 2011
The Nook
Score:
Atmosphere: 4.5/5
Food: 4/5
Service: 4.5/5
Total: 13/15
Price: $ (under $10)
Kid Friendly: Yes. A hi-chair and a kids meu are available.
Conclusion: Yay, I have a nearby non-starbucks coffee choice!Warm decor, good food (and coffee) and a friendly staff make this place worth visiting again and again. Next time I'm coming here for lunch to try the Pesto Turkey sandwich!
Click the jump for my detailed review and info about The Nook:
Atmosphere: 4.5/5
Food: 4/5
Service: 4.5/5
Total: 13/15
Price: $ (under $10)
Kid Friendly: Yes. A hi-chair and a kids meu are available.
Conclusion: Yay, I have a nearby non-starbucks coffee choice!Warm decor, good food (and coffee) and a friendly staff make this place worth visiting again and again. Next time I'm coming here for lunch to try the Pesto Turkey sandwich!
Click the jump for my detailed review and info about The Nook:
Monday, August 10, 2009
The Coffeehouse (Denver)
This morning I'm sitting in the newest coffee shop within a 10 minute drive of my house. It's called The Coffeehouse, and is in a new strip-mall between the Midtown Sundries and the Lowe's Hardware, in Denver.
I have a real weak-spot for locally-owned coffee shops. I'll go to a Starbucks or Caribou when needed -- and sometimes I absolutely need a Caramel Mocha -- but if given the choice, I'll choose the local alternative.
So, imagine my excitement when I went to Lowe's the other day, and I found a new, locally owned, coffee shop! It was sorta like finding out that one of my old friends had moved into town. So, in an effort to get to know my old friend, I found myself sitting down over a cup of coffee.
The moment I entered, my senses approved. The aroma of coffee and pastries delighted my nose. While my eyes were treated to the warm colors on the walls, ceiling, and floors. In addition, my ears approved of the good, but not overly-hyper music playing. There's a big leather couch when you enter, and an assorted arrangement of tables, chairs, etc. To be honest, I really wanted to lay down on the couch, place the laptop on my expanding tummy (one of the hazards of this pseudo-job), and hang out for a few hours!
Now all that was left was for my taste buds to weigh-in.
I placed an order for a caramel mocha, and again heard it referred to as a "Royal Moose." The only other time I heard it called that was at the Dilworth just a short distance away. To my knowledge, the term Royal Moose -- when referring to a Caramel Mocha -- is only used in this area. But if you've heard it in other places, let me know!
I looked over their pastry display case, and was overwhelmed with choices. From muffins, to croissants, to cinnamon rolls this place has everything you need for a morning pick-me-up. Many of the pastries are pre-made, and then baked right here. While some of the muffins are made at a local bakery.
The drink was brought to my table, and I took a sip. The Royal Moose is very good! Not too much chocolate or caramel, and there is a good amount of espresso to milk. The drink perfectly hits the delicate mix of bitter, sweet, and creamy! YAAY!
In addition, my blueberry croissant was amazing. I nuked it for about 15 seconds, so it was warm. Just what I wanted! A top notch pastry -- even if it was pre-assembled. The fact that it was baked here does give it a better texture.
It was good to find this place. It was like visiting an old friend, and I know I'll be coming back to enjoy my friend's camaraderie again.
Score:
Atmosphere: 4/5
Food: 4/5
Service: 4/5
Total: 12/15
Price: $ (Small espresso drink and and pastry about $6)
Kid Friendly: Unknown. I don't see any high chairs or kids menu.
Conclusion: This place is everything a coffee shop should be. I recommend that you give it a try if you're in the area. I know that I'll be back again and again.
Restaurant Info:
The Coffehouse at Denver
7260 NC Highway 73
Suite 105
Denver, NC 28037
p) 704-827-1601
e) coffeehouseatdenver@gmail.com
I have a real weak-spot for locally-owned coffee shops. I'll go to a Starbucks or Caribou when needed -- and sometimes I absolutely need a Caramel Mocha -- but if given the choice, I'll choose the local alternative.
So, imagine my excitement when I went to Lowe's the other day, and I found a new, locally owned, coffee shop! It was sorta like finding out that one of my old friends had moved into town. So, in an effort to get to know my old friend, I found myself sitting down over a cup of coffee.
The moment I entered, my senses approved. The aroma of coffee and pastries delighted my nose. While my eyes were treated to the warm colors on the walls, ceiling, and floors. In addition, my ears approved of the good, but not overly-hyper music playing. There's a big leather couch when you enter, and an assorted arrangement of tables, chairs, etc. To be honest, I really wanted to lay down on the couch, place the laptop on my expanding tummy (one of the hazards of this pseudo-job), and hang out for a few hours!
Now all that was left was for my taste buds to weigh-in.
I placed an order for a caramel mocha, and again heard it referred to as a "Royal Moose." The only other time I heard it called that was at the Dilworth just a short distance away. To my knowledge, the term Royal Moose -- when referring to a Caramel Mocha -- is only used in this area. But if you've heard it in other places, let me know!
I looked over their pastry display case, and was overwhelmed with choices. From muffins, to croissants, to cinnamon rolls this place has everything you need for a morning pick-me-up. Many of the pastries are pre-made, and then baked right here. While some of the muffins are made at a local bakery.
The drink was brought to my table, and I took a sip. The Royal Moose is very good! Not too much chocolate or caramel, and there is a good amount of espresso to milk. The drink perfectly hits the delicate mix of bitter, sweet, and creamy! YAAY!
In addition, my blueberry croissant was amazing. I nuked it for about 15 seconds, so it was warm. Just what I wanted! A top notch pastry -- even if it was pre-assembled. The fact that it was baked here does give it a better texture.
It was good to find this place. It was like visiting an old friend, and I know I'll be coming back to enjoy my friend's camaraderie again.
Score:
Atmosphere: 4/5
Food: 4/5
Service: 4/5
Total: 12/15
Price: $ (Small espresso drink and and pastry about $6)
Kid Friendly: Unknown. I don't see any high chairs or kids menu.
Conclusion: This place is everything a coffee shop should be. I recommend that you give it a try if you're in the area. I know that I'll be back again and again.
Restaurant Info:
The Coffehouse at Denver
7260 NC Highway 73
Suite 105
Denver, NC 28037
p) 704-827-1601
e) coffeehouseatdenver@gmail.com
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Dilworth Coffee (Denver)
In keeping with the travel theme I started yesterday, today I will post about my recent travels to a coffee shop in Denver. No, not THAT Denver, I'm talking about Denver, NC.
The other day I drove across the Catawba River, and headed to the Dilworth Coffee in Denver. It's sorta hard to find. Nestled in a little crook of the strip mall, to the left of the Harris Teeter, it took me a second to find.
It's a small coffee shop, configured in a triangle(ish) shape, one wall has the table, one has the coffee bar, and the other is mostly windows and has a couple of big comfy chairs. When I walked in I noticed a mural on the wall saying "Home of the Royal Moose." I'd learn what the royal moose was in a few minutes.
I waited in a slow moving line about three customers deep (it probably wasn't too slow, but when I'm waiting for coffee I get cranky). While in line, I checked out the display case -- nothing looked great until I spotted what looked like a yummy cinnamon roll. So, when I got to the cashier, I ordered the cinnamon roll, and a caramel mocha. The cashier looked at me and said, "Oh, a Royal Moose." Apparently they revere my favorite coffee drink to such a high extent, it has been elevated to a position of royalty!
After I paid for my breakfast, I took the cinnamon roll to the microwave, and nuked it for just over a minute. After I got it to my table, my coffee was ready. The Royal Moose was delicious, but almost a little too sweet.... almost. Next came the warm, gooey, cinnamon roll. Aside from Cinnabon, this was the greatest cinnamon roll that I've ever had. The frosting wasn't too sweet, and slightly warmed, it soaked into the roll making it moist, sweet, and gooey, all at the same time. What a way to start the morning!
Score:
Atmosphere: 4/5
Food: 4/5
Service: 3/5 (average speed at the register)
Total: 11/15
Price: $ (Coffee and cinnamon roll for less than $10)
Conclusion: If you're in Denver, this is a great option for morning coffee. The interior is small, but feels cozy, and the cinnamon rolls and coffee are darned tasty!
Restaurant Info:
Dilworth Coffee House
145 Cross Center Rd
Denver, NC 28037
704-827-0007
http://www.dilworthcoffee.com/
The other day I drove across the Catawba River, and headed to the Dilworth Coffee in Denver. It's sorta hard to find. Nestled in a little crook of the strip mall, to the left of the Harris Teeter, it took me a second to find.
It's a small coffee shop, configured in a triangle(ish) shape, one wall has the table, one has the coffee bar, and the other is mostly windows and has a couple of big comfy chairs. When I walked in I noticed a mural on the wall saying "Home of the Royal Moose." I'd learn what the royal moose was in a few minutes.
I waited in a slow moving line about three customers deep (it probably wasn't too slow, but when I'm waiting for coffee I get cranky). While in line, I checked out the display case -- nothing looked great until I spotted what looked like a yummy cinnamon roll. So, when I got to the cashier, I ordered the cinnamon roll, and a caramel mocha. The cashier looked at me and said, "Oh, a Royal Moose." Apparently they revere my favorite coffee drink to such a high extent, it has been elevated to a position of royalty!
After I paid for my breakfast, I took the cinnamon roll to the microwave, and nuked it for just over a minute. After I got it to my table, my coffee was ready. The Royal Moose was delicious, but almost a little too sweet.... almost. Next came the warm, gooey, cinnamon roll. Aside from Cinnabon, this was the greatest cinnamon roll that I've ever had. The frosting wasn't too sweet, and slightly warmed, it soaked into the roll making it moist, sweet, and gooey, all at the same time. What a way to start the morning!
Score:
Atmosphere: 4/5
Food: 4/5
Service: 3/5 (average speed at the register)
Total: 11/15
Price: $ (Coffee and cinnamon roll for less than $10)
Conclusion: If you're in Denver, this is a great option for morning coffee. The interior is small, but feels cozy, and the cinnamon rolls and coffee are darned tasty!
Restaurant Info:
Dilworth Coffee House
145 Cross Center Rd
Denver, NC 28037
704-827-0007
http://www.dilworthcoffee.com/
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Quixote Cafe
Since I moved to the Lake Norman area a year ago, I've been in search of a locally owned coffee house that felt friendly, had good coffee, AND had great pastries. My search finally ended when I entered Quixote Cafe.
The Cafe is owned and operated by a husband and wife team, who also happen to have a computer repair service next door. The cafe is open, but small (I counted about six tables inside, and a few more outside.) and the locals are friendly.
Once I entered, I smelled home-made pastries (Gabby makes all the pastries herself) and the welcome aroma of coffee. On my way to the small counter, I passed the pastry case which quite simply played with my emotions. After all, how can I choose just one of the many tasty options? So, upon some deep thinking, I chose the cream cheese danish (GOOD CHOICE), and ordered my espresso favorite -- a caramel mocha.
The cream cheese danish was perfect. The crust light and flaky. The filling tasty, and not gooey. In addition, the Mocha wasn't too sweet or too bitter, and hot enough so that I could read the entire paper and it remained warm.
Score:
Atmosphere: 3/5
Food: 5/5
Service: 4/5
Total: 12/15
Price: $ (coffee and pastry for less than $10)
Conclusion: The coffee and food were both better than I could make at home, and I was out of there for only $5 and change. They also have several available computers for browsing, and WiFi. If it were two or three miles closer to my house, I'd practically live there.
Restaurant Info:
Quixote Cafe
19900 S Main St # 2
Cornelius, NC 28031
704-895-8600
The Cafe is owned and operated by a husband and wife team, who also happen to have a computer repair service next door. The cafe is open, but small (I counted about six tables inside, and a few more outside.) and the locals are friendly.
Once I entered, I smelled home-made pastries (Gabby makes all the pastries herself) and the welcome aroma of coffee. On my way to the small counter, I passed the pastry case which quite simply played with my emotions. After all, how can I choose just one of the many tasty options? So, upon some deep thinking, I chose the cream cheese danish (GOOD CHOICE), and ordered my espresso favorite -- a caramel mocha.
The cream cheese danish was perfect. The crust light and flaky. The filling tasty, and not gooey. In addition, the Mocha wasn't too sweet or too bitter, and hot enough so that I could read the entire paper and it remained warm.
Score:
Atmosphere: 3/5
Food: 5/5
Service: 4/5
Total: 12/15
Price: $ (coffee and pastry for less than $10)
Conclusion: The coffee and food were both better than I could make at home, and I was out of there for only $5 and change. They also have several available computers for browsing, and WiFi. If it were two or three miles closer to my house, I'd practically live there.
Restaurant Info:
Quixote Cafe
19900 S Main St # 2
Cornelius, NC 28031
704-895-8600
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