SoHo Is So-So

 Anticipation was running high on our first visit to SoHo Cafe and Gallery.  Maybe it was the billing as 2013 AList #1 Coffee Shop!  Maybe it was the location in downtown Carmel in the Monon Square shopping center.  Maybe it was the fake fireplace.  Whatever it was, the experience at SoHo was so-so. Corny?  You bet…but it effectively communicates the average latte's, the average atmosphere, and the average barista.  The one highlight was the chocolate croissant from Rene's Bakery.  Props to Rene for making an exceptional croissant!

So, without further ado, these coffee newbies rate SoHo as follows:

Coffee Essence:  Folger's.  Ok, maybe that is a bit of an exaggeration…but I'm a lawyer, so I'm prone to exaggeration.  Maybe a 3 out of 5.  Maybe.

Accoutrements:  Being the highlight of the experience, Rene's chocolaté croissant was a tasty 4.8…you get the picture.

Brew Masters (aka Baristas):  I love a big smile and warm greeting.  Brew masters can make or break the experience…sometimes regardless of what's in the cup--it's what's behind the counter.  We stopped in for our coffee experience around 1:30pm on a weekday…clearly we interrupted the Brew Master's nap.  The lack of personality might have been a result of the lack of caffeine, which then leads me to wonder why she isn't drinking her own coffee!  

Coffee House Ambiance:  This had more of the feel of a coffee WAREHOUSE!  The rooms were large, with a lack of cozy seating.  We were drawn to the fake fireplace for some semblance of a cozy coffeehouse feel.  Ambience rates 2 out of 5.

Although this experience left us "in the grounds"…we are continuing our quest for the best coffee house experience this weekend.  Also, in March we are taking this show on the road and traveling to sunny (and hopefully warm) SOUTH BEACH AND MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA!!  Our search will continue in the Sunshine State!

Manna From Heaven!

Three words:  Best.  Coffee.  Ever.  I realize that might not mean much coming from a rookie to the coffee drinking culture.  In fact, to emphasize my rookie status, my husband (who is reading over my shoulder)  just pointed out that it was actually a LATTE that I had…and NOT a coffee??  Really?  Well, some may call it a latte, but I call this particular cup of coffee MANNA FROM HEAVEN!  Yes, this sugar-free hazelnut latte from Hubbard & Cravens was so tasty that I actually wanted to lick the inside of my cup…and would have done so had we not been in an upscale Carmel coffee house!  Rich and tasty crema and microfoam topped this warm mug of heavenly grounds!  Where had this delightful coffee-house experience been all my life?  My sweet, slavic grandmother had LIED to me throughout  my formative years!  As she sipped her cup of joe with a smile on her face, she informed me that coffee stunted one's growth, stained the teeth…AND PUT HAIR ON YOUR CHEST!  And thus began my aversion to the beverage that has been described as "good to the last drop"!  The last thing I needed was HAIR on my chest!  Well, Hubbard & Cravens has started my journey as a budding coffee connoisseur and has set the bar high!

Michael and I have developed a rating system we believe captures the crucial aspects of an excellent coffee house experience!  With great fanfare (insert confetti in the air and balloon drop) we rate H&C coffee house experience as follows:

Coffee Essence:  Wanted to lick the inside of my cup.  I don't need to say any more!

Accoutrements:  Michael enjoyed a banana walnut muffin that he describes as warm and tasty and a perfect accompaniment to his french press coffee.  I scarfed down a cranberry scone that had me licking my fingers after dipping it in my latte.  H&C offers really delicious baked goods that pair perfectly with the hot beverage of your choice.

Brew Masters (aka Baristas).  Our Brew Master was warm and friendly, with a great smile and mad brewing skills!  On our scale of 1-5 Michael and I rate her a 4!  The only reason she didn't receive a 5 was the lack of crema/microfoam art.

Coffee House Ambiance:  While the coffee was fantastic, the ambiance was more of a bar/cafe atmosphere rather than a true coffee house vibe.  Regardless, Michael and I recommend a visit to Hubbard &Cravens on a Saturday during the Farmer's Market for a truly enjoyable coffee house adventure.