Toffee Coffee

Camille's Sidewalk • Oakland - Craig Street • Wednesday, March 12th, 2008


For months I have seen Camille's Sidewalk Cafe advertise their Toffee Coffee. Today I decided to try it.

I was greeted to wet floors (I understand at closing, but not at 4pm.) Fine, whatever. Went to the counter to order toffee coffee, which I was very excited to try. Which they told me they were out of, (did I mention that their sandwich board outside said to try it.) Okay, I figured Hey I'll try something else, the girl recommended a Cappuccino Chill. I was curious, because it is pretty weird to make a cold cappuccino.

Lets first define Cappuccino (thank you wikipedia):

Cappuccino is an Italian coffee-based drink prepared with espresso, hot milk, and milk foam. A cappuccino differs from a caffé latte in that it is prepared with much less steamed or textured milk than the caffé latte with the total of espresso and milk/foam making up between approximately five and six ounces

In case your interested, here is how to make one: http://www.ehow.com/how_1855_make-cappuccino.html

I asked her what a Cappuccino Chill is, she explained it was water with cappuccino flavor. Now, someone please tell me what cappuccino flavor is? A cappuccino is espresso and milk, you can't have cappuccino flavor.

I told the girl I was not interested, and left the cafe. I am very disappointed in my coffee experience at Camille's.



one bean

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!

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!