Thursday, May 25, 2006

CC: Cosi

What's a Coffee Commentary?

Subject: Cosi
Location visited: Philadelphia, PA (15th and Locust)
Free WiFi ? : yes
Rating: 1+ [see key]

Yet another example of a corporate giant (trying) to take over Philly. I've had several java experiences at Cosi (even before when they were XandOs) and every time, it's either uber weak or charcoaled-disgustingness. Recently, I stopped in around 10:30 pm with some friends (nothing else was really open) and I was really hoping for a good cup of evening java. Not wanting to chance getting charred coffee, I went for a latte. Served up in a soup bowl of a 20 oz. mug, it tasted like hot milk with some coffee residue. After inquiring our server, I find out that they only add two shots of espresso to a 20 oz latte! For you chocolate milk fans, that's the equivalent of tan-colored milk. Bleh.

The tea, well, according to their website, they don't even have tea. They do have chai, but I never tried it. Can't say I'd want to get a chai at a place that has no hot tea options (just doesn't feel right).

But Cosi's redeeming quality is that they have good sandwhiches and smores (though very pricy). Overall, I would only recommend the joint to someone looking for an overpriced sandwhich or someone with a craving for smores.

Definately not worth it for the coffee or espresso (and I'm guessing the same goes for chai). Especially in Philly, there are much better places to spend your $.



Saturday, May 20, 2006

CC: Treehouse Coffee Shop

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What's a Coffee Commentary?

Subject: Treehouse Coffee Shop
Location visited: Audubon, NJ
Free WiFi ? : yes
Rating: 4+ [see key]



Update 5/29/09

This coffee locale has been on my radar for some years now, as my first experience with it was over five years ago (it had different owners then). Back then I was less interested in coffee and more interested in entertainment; fun things to do on a Friday and Saturday night that didn't involve getting plastered. Treehouse was and still is today a good place for their open mics and live performances of different kinds. Over the years, I've seen a good share of interesting acts there, one that I oddly remember was a local artist named Sara O'Brien.

On to the coffee, I can't say that I'm excited or disappointed. The coffee is La Colombe, which is a local Philly-roaster, and I share in the sentiment that it's reeeeally overhyped. If you go over to Philly, every stinking coffee establishment with few exceptions brews it. I can't say that I've ever had an amazing cup. Back to Treehouse, they only offer 1 blend of regular coffee (they call it house blend) as well as several flavored choices. Overall, I'd say the coffee is decent.

Going to tea, I was a little stunned. They had Republic of Tea, an always welcome favorite, but they had every variety that I've ever seen. Good news for the tea-sipper.

The epresso was also La Colombe and wasn't too bad. I recently had an americano which was pretty good, so I give it a similar review to the coffee. On the other hand, I did have a latte there once that was truly poor but I give them the benefit of the doubt and say that it was just a bad day for them.

In conclusion, I definately recommend Treehouse, more for the stellar atmosphere and the entertainment but also for the coffee and tea. Plus, since it's located in up-and-coming Collingswood, there's a good deal of small boutiques and resturaunts to check out.


Update of 2/8/07

They switched their brand of coffee to Crescent Moon Coffee Roasters, as well as added several other positive upgrades.

Update of 12/31/07
The Treehouse is for sale!

Update of 8/13/08
The Treehouse has moved from Collingswood to Audubon. The information has changed above and on the map to reflect it. Next time I'm in the area, I hope to stop by to see what the new digs are like and if anything has changed menu-wise.

Update 5/29/09
In going back through my posts, I noticed I never commented on the updated menu. The coffee is still Crescent Moon and the drip often displays a tremendous cup. The espresso is pulled fairly short and as of my last visit, the shots had a good mouthfeel with nice tones of bittersweet chocolate.




Friday, May 19, 2006

More Charbucks-Initiated Misery

I don't really like paying one company a lot of attention (especially negative) but this article really packs a punch. A bit long, but sooooo worth the read.

Coke lattes?

Found this article in my late night web browsing. Coke's attempting to launch a Starbucks knock-off. I can't say I'm surprised but I just wish the day had not come so soon.
Those of you in Toronto, be wary.

Monday, May 15, 2006

CC: Corvoca Coffee


What's a Coffee Commentary?


Subject: Corvoca Coffee
Location visited: Deptford, NJ
Free Wifi: no
Rating:
3+ [see key]





*Updated 5/29/09

Another exotic treat to the South Jersey area: a drive-thru coffee bar. This place I was introduced to by a friend, though I didn't believe him at first. I've heard of drive-thru espresso before but never in our region.

So my friend guides me there (it was a little off my beaten path), to Cooper St in Deptford, next to the Burger King and down the road from the Deptford mall. I had to admit that the grab-and-go aspect is nice, especially since this place is kind-of on the way to my parents as well as down the street from my girlfriend's.

Having spoken with the owner a bit, he seems to know his stuff. Though the drive-thru feature makes it hard to get to really know employees, they mostly seem to know what they're doing. The espresso beverage quality is decent, though I have an espresso-wise friend who doesn't really care for their espresso (you'll have to be the judge). Oddly, I've never had their coffee (a phenomenon I'm not sure I can explain) so I can't really comment on it and the tea is Tazo (a good choice).

Overall, I would recommend the place if you're ever near Deptford (though you might need to get directions from the website). It's quick, convenient (pretty broad hours though no late-nights), and the quality seems to be a priority. In an area oddly lacking decent coffee houses (one recently closed down near by), Corvoca is a welcome sight.

Updated 5/29/09

This update is part of my going back through and updating many of my earlier posts that have not the same criteria that I currently look for. Corvoca overall has a leaning towards a dark coffee that proves bitter more often than flavorful. The espresso has been in my experience long shots and over-pulled. I will probably update this again soon as I have not been in some time.