Kiva Han • Oakland-Craig Street • Thursday, February 28th, 2008

Today I decided to try Kiva Han for the first time in over a year. The last few times I went there I was confronted with poor service, and therefore stopped going there, until now. With Mega (the clever blogger over at Rick's Cafe Americain) I visited Kiva Han.

The space is open and artsy, with flyers around. They make the place seem artsy and liberal, but like all businesses they do support the corporate. Our clutches contained advertisements for Sprint. I personally believe they do the artsy thing to compete with the Starbucks across the street. They have a lot of seating available, in three different areas, making it an ideal place for studying or a meeting. If I had the time, I would certainly would've liked to have the time to sit down and study.

Mega and I were impressed with the customer service. Mega was swiftly served his cappuccino, and my vanilla soy latte was up moments later. I was pleased with the blend of vanilla and espresso, it was the perfect balance. No complaints from Mega on his cappuccino either. I was impressed.

Whether it's a new staff or we just got lucky, I was impressed with Kiva Han. We got excellent drinks in no time, and I think I will go back again.

5 beans!

Something to try...

http://www.slate.com/id/2133754

Next time I am at a Starbucks I will try this, and I encourage my readers to do the same. I want to know if a 'short' is really better...

third review (i am on a roll!)

Eat Unique • Oakland • Tuesday, February 26th, 2008



This morning I popped into my favorite sandwich shop in Oakland to try their coffee. For those of you who don't know, Eat Unique was once Craig Street Coffee. They still sell Craig Street Coffee beans. They have amazing sandwiches, but I had yet to experience their coffee and hoped it would be just as amazing. $5.13 later, I watched my barista make a Vanilla Soy Latte (double shot).

I first have to say, I have never seen a latte made in that order before. Steamed milk, then flavoring, then espresso. Just a little backwards! (See Instructions ) My latte, as much as i like vanilla, was very un-coffee tasting. If you have ever had a vanilla steamer, that's what my hot latte tasted like, (for those of you who don't know, think of hot vanilla milk.) Basically if you want to taste the espresso in your latte, don't go here. If you don't like to taste espresso, this is the perfect place for your cup of coffee.

Eat Unique is pretty crowded, especially during the winter months, as the outdoor seating is gone. They have additional seating out one of their doors (but you have to discover how to get there.) There is no comfy seating! The decor is typical cafe, plain walls, no real decorations. It can get loud during busy food hours, as more people go to Eat Unique for food than coffee.

Although my drink was made weird, un-coffee tasting, and expensive, the service was great. The girl went right to work making my drink, and i was in and out of Eat Unique in no time.

[Just a side note, I gave up chocolate for lent, so that is why I have not personally reviewed a mocha (which I know is a favorite.)


three beans!

Review Number Two

Starbucks • Oakland-Craig Street • Monday, February 25th, 2008

Even Britney Spears goes to Starbucks!

I have spent the last 5 years going to this Starbucks, but have yet to review it. I wasn't sure if I should focus on all my experiences or a specific one. I have decided to just focus on my trip tonight.

Although there was a line, it was a short line, my drink order was placed quickly. This trip was a decaf white mocha, and a soy, half-calf, lite whip, honey latte (yes, sometimes I am that girl...) I would like to say that the Honey Latte is fantastic, perfect blend of sweetness and espresso. It has a nice nutty undertone (they say pecan.) If you're looking for something a little different from Starbucks, try the Honey Latte. The white mocha appeared to be up to par, as far Starbucks goes.

This Starbucks is inviting, it has several tables to sit at, although only small tables. This would be inconvenient for working with another person and a laptop. Two walls are filled with windows, bringing lots of light in (often the complaint is that Starbucks is cave-like). As far as Starbucks go, this one is a good one.


four and a half beans!

The First Review

61C Cafe • Squirrel Hill • Sunday, February 17, 2008

I walk past the 61C Cafe almost everyday, but had yet to experience it. I always sat in awe of the people outside at night with twinkling lights while walking up Bartlett. While waiting for the bus I also thought about venturing in to warm up, but timing never worked out. Finally this past Sunday, my friend and I took a chance on the 61C Cafe.

We walked in, finding the cafe quite full. Luckily they have plenty of seating, and lots of small tables for those doing school work (almost every table had a laptop!) We were quickly taken care of, which is always a plus. Unfortunately they only take cash, which personally I find as a negative for any business.

We each ordered a chai tea latte. Our drinks arrived in about two minutes, and were served in cool glasses (seriously I want buy them, they were glass mugs, that didn't burn your fingers when you touched them!) The Chai Tea Latte were served with nutmeg or cinnamon on top of them (I couldn't determine.) I would probably order something different, the Chai was not bad, but a little too cinnamony for my taste.

The music was at an appropriate level, cool and funky, but not overpowering. The artwork was simple and pretty, mostly nature photos.

I would definitely go back again, the atmosphere was great, the service was great, and I think I just need to find my drink there.


three and a half beans!

Welcome

As a former barista for a local coffee shop, i suddenly realized how much coffee was out there to try. My goal is for this blog is to get out there and experience Pittsburgh coffee shops, to help you skip a bad cup of coffee, and find neat, unique shops.

A coffee shop is an essential part of our society. We meet friends there, skip out on work in them, have a job interviews and business meeting there. A cup of coffee, latte, or a mocha can perk up your day. A quality cup of coffee makes any experience better (the date was terrible, boring, but atleast my chai tea latte was good!)

I promise to provide you with names of the shops, what I ordered, and what I thought on quality, service and atmosphere. Enjoy!


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As pointed out to me by the witty Mega over at Rick's Cafe Americain, I need a rating system. To keep it simple I am doing a 5 bean system, 5 beans being the best, and 0 beans beings the worst.