The other hot caffeniated beverage...

Te Cafe • Squirrel Hill • April 7th, 2008

The Te Cafe is a charming little shop, located right on the corner of Beacon and Murray. I really like this place, even if it doesn't sell coffee. Sometimes its nice to go out for a cup of tea.

Today I tried the pommegrante rosehip black tea. Awesome, nice blend of fruitness and black tea. Served piping hot in your own little tea pot. You get your mug, and a tea timer, so you can brew your tea to taste. For someone who likes strong tea taste, this is a very important feature.

Te Cafe has somewhat of the indy look, more like kiva han's little sister who shops at Ikea. For a small shop they do their best with seating. They have counter seats, tables, and comfy chairs. The big windows are very nice in this weather, you almost feel like you're outside without the chill from the wind.

The staff is friendly and swift. Te Cafe also offers free wifi (seriously how does starbucks stay in business when they charge for it.) The store is also very clean (no crumbs on the table).

The Te Cafe has over 100 types of tea, serves tea lattes, smoothies, lemonades, french and italian soda, and a variety of hot chocolates. No coffee though...


four and a half beans!

Something New

Arefa's Espresso • Squirrel Hill • Thursday, March 6th, 2008

Walked in to the two month old Arefa's Espresso on Forbes Avenue this afternoon. I was immediately impressed with the layout and decor. The was plenty of seating without looking jammed in, the tables were laid out sporadically. This form was refreshing to see, as most shops line their tables up like desks in a classroom. The decor was artsy, but in a classy way. It was clean, with large panels filled with a design. Nice earthy color pallet too.

The service was friendly, in the you are a customer sort of way. I didn't feel the barista went out of the way to talk to me. My drink was made quickly, but in a fashion unfamiliar to me. I ordered an iced americano, eager to taste their espresso. I traditionally use to iced americanos, that are espresso over ice. Although they made it the way posted here, I feel the icy water took away from the espresso taste! The espresso, despite being watery from the ice water, was configured right (didn't taste burnt or like an aspirin!) and a delicious blend.

To add note about Arefa's, they have live music , always an interesting bonus. And free wireless!



four beans!

61C revisited

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61C Cafe • Squirrel Hill • Thursday, March 6th, 2008

This morning I found myself with some extra time this morning, and decided that on the way to the bus stop to get a soy vanilla latte (you guessed it!) I went for the 61C cafe, as I promised it a second chance, much sooner than I would have thought.

The 61C was much quieter this time, as much shops in the morning. The barista was super friendly, kept chatting with me beyond making my latte. If you are looking for a friendly cup of coffee, this is the place to go.

My latte was perfect, nice blend of vanilla, espresso, and milk. The only thing I wished is that the to go cups were not styrofoam, as I feel that is more harmful to the environment than paper.

Overall, excellent the second time around.


four and 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!