Comments | tampa: Where can I get real espresso in this city?

xv in tampa

Where can I get real espresso in this city?

May 19, 2011 15:16

I've sort of always understood that the espresso I get around here isn't quite right. In part because most everyone spells it with an "x," like the Cuban "expresso," instead of the Italian "s." Also, there seems to be a local consensus that espresso shouldn't be served on its own, but as the base for another drink, like cafe con leche. In fact, ( Read more... )

Comments 15

camelot_one May 19 2011, 22:06:15 UTC

Nope, you have to leave Florida. There is a conspiracy against coffee growers, but don't tell anyone I told you about it.

no_need_to_know May 19 2011, 22:10:37 UTC

camelot_one

sheilamarie May 20 2011, 00:26:35 UTC

I Googled Italian coffee shops and found this: http://www.gelateriadelduomo.com

It looks promising. I've never been there, thinking about going for some gelato now.

xv May 20 2011, 00:47:21 UTC

Thanks for the link, I'll have to try it. I forgot I'd been to an Italian gelato place in Wiregrass. Their espresso was pretty good. Not mind-blowing, but pretty good.

stolen_identity May 20 2011, 03:02:08 UTC

Have you tried Mazzaro's in St. Pete's?
http://www.mazzarosmarket.com/

The only other suggestion I have is to come over to my parent's place when they're around. We're from Toronto, but my parents were born in Italy. My dad makes the best espresso ever. It's the only thing in the kitchen he's allowed to do.

xv May 20 2011, 03:13:48 UTC

Ah, wow. Yeah, that's a better suggestion. According to their site, they roast every day, and they also have "expert baristas." The place I mentioned on Kennedy has the former, but I'm so sure about the latter judging from their site. I'll try both anyway. Thank you.

xv June 2 2011, 01:10:05 UTC

Finally got over to Mazzaro's today. Very cool marketplace, unfortunately the barista on duty was incompetent. There was no artistry to the shot, and it wasn't fresh. :( Incidentally I went to another micro-roaster in St. Pete today (Kahwa) and was similarly let down. Buddy Brew seems to be it for the moment, although Alba is still a contender. Thanks for the help.

singingnettle July 14 2011, 06:33:46 UTC

Well, darn.

Thread 6

singingnettle May 21 2011, 06:45:50 UTC

Should I be sorry that I'm laughing? Having moved from Seattle to, sequentially, Austin, DC, and St. Petersburg, I so empathize.

I'm extremely fond of the espresso that Mazarro's, in NE St. Pete, serves. It'll put hair on your chest.

singingnettle May 21 2011, 06:47:59 UTC

Oh, I see you've already discovered Mazzaro's...it really is worth the trip. Also it has very cool art and is just a fun experience, and the desserts are heaven. But DON'T GO ON SATURDAY. Everyone in St. Pete is wedged in there on Saturday morning.

xv May 21 2011, 20:56:59 UTC

I appreciate a second opinion. As it happens, I may have already tried the "Buddy Brew," as it's what's purported to be served at the "Library Coffeehouse" on south Dale Mabry, an establishment I had high hopes for because the word "espresso" is emblazoned on all their signs. It was ok, better than what I've had here so far, but still not quite it. I'll go to Mazzaro's probably Monday and report back.