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!
First....I like the Barista reviews. My favorite part since I'm not a coffee fan. Second...where are you looking? LOL
ReplyDeleteGlad you like the Barista reviews…I am a people person, so people can make or break the experience--coffee or no coffee! I was not a coffee fan either as noted in our first blog piece--too afraid it would stunt my growth and put hair on my chest! Now I am enjoying the experiences, but still cannot drink it straight up! I need the flavors! But who knows where I will end up later in this adventure!
DeleteAs for the camera shot…ya, let's just chalk that up to iPhone-challenged! I'm a dork….