EricL wrote:Was just looking at the itinerary, The main Stumptown location is at 1115 12th ave, not too far from Cafe Vita (about 3 blocks). The roastery is there, more chance of a little shop talk.
Also, Vivace's locations are at Cafe Brix, 532 Broadway Ave E; Alley 24, 227 Yale ave N; and a walk up at 321 Broadway Ave E.

Okay guys I am still noting your suggestions!

Okay Guys,
The wife and I are heading out in the morning...
I am really looking forward to this trip... of course it is not just about espresso...
My wife is hosting a Dartmouth educational event for the alumni featuring James Aranson (One of the geologists that discovered "Lucy"...) There is family (a daughter and grandson I miss very much...)
That having been said it is going to be Blast to visit these recommended espresso cafes and roasteries! Thursday and Friday will be fully caffeinated. I don't have a trained palate to describe the flavors or essences but I sure do have a passion for espresso. I will take the digital along for a record and perhaps provide some insight to the ambiance and texture of this great city's offerings.
My wife and I also look forward to meeting with Greg Moore and anyone who may cross our path during our short tours.

Have fun. Wish I could join you, but I'm swamped at work right now. Hope you get to enjoy some the fine dining the city has to offer. Looks like the weather will be decent for you. No rain in the forecast until friday.

TUS172 wrote:Okay Guys,
The wife and I are heading out in the morning...
I am really looking forward to this trip... of course it is not just about espresso...
My wife is hosting a Dartmouth educational event for the alumni featuring James Aranson (One of the geologists that discovered "Lucy"...) There is family (a daughter and grandson I miss very much...)
That having been said it is going to be Blast to visit these recommended espresso cafes and roasteries! Thursday and Friday will be fully caffeinated. I don't have a trained palate to describe the flavors or essences but I sure do have a passion for espresso. I will take the digital along for a record and perhaps provide some insight to the ambiance and texture of this great city's offerings.
My wife and I also look forward to meeting with Greg Moore and anyone who may cross our path during our short tours.

I am going to leave the trip description to Bob---I did get to share visits to a couple of the Mecca's in Seattle( pictures too!!=TEASER)- I now know I have a person way over in Vermont that I sure have a lot in common with .....!! It was a fast couple of hours- The privilege was sure mine- To meet the creator of the Clever was an occasion-- safe times and more good visits Bob!! I will be happy to cross paths any time we are in the same local!!

Ok all back to you Bob!

Well... I know this is late and well after the trip but projects at home and work have kept me quite busy... But here is the essence of the first tour day of espresso in Seattle.


Hmm... Cafe D'Arte... The first of many... It is morning and wife is along fo the ride at this point...

The roast was Firenza and the espresso was... The first of a day of great espressos! The service was great and...

What a 'Sweet start to the day! The art wasn't too bad either.

On to the Monorail after a visit to Pike's Market. The wife is staying here! (I wonder why$$?)

Quite unique. This is Laura... ... one of a kind and an awesome shot.

Cafe Espresso Dior... Wow...

Great friendly service from John serving them up for 15 years at this location, Tarrafazione Italia Napoly blend! Hmm... Where is Greg? Well anyway onward!

Victrola?

Meet Liz and the Streamline blend... Another awesome shot.

This is Joe the Roaster of Victrola. Had a great conversation and even got a resource for greens on the east coast!

On to Cafe Vita... Where is Greg?

But anyway meet John @ Vita and the Del Sol blend... I'll stop saying awesome... I had the experience of a lifetime on this day so perhaps it clouded my untrained palate. Hey I heard from Greg he is on the way! So I walked back down to the Monorail... Oops another call Greg just had a fiasco with a rental car and has to attend to some serious business that includes a flatbed truck and another rental! Better him than me!

So onward to Stumptown!

With their Hairbender blend!

This is Stumptowns' office area just outside their roasting room. I met Mike there and had a great conversation.
Hmm... Where Mapquest told me to head South... I should have headed North to Vivace at the Brix... But by the time I realized I was some 20 blocks South and I was not about to head back. And besides Hey!!! Greg is just around the Corner from me... We have a genuinely friendly and joyous greeting and decide to head for Joe's (THE GOOD COFFEE COMPANY!)

Hey Joe!!! And some other guy...
What an experience! Joe's office?

Joe and Greg! I think Greg's question to Joe was, "So just how many roasting companies are there in the Seattle area now?"


Onward to Will @ Espresso Repair... Thank God for Greg... A minivan and someone that is familiar with the area! Thanks Greg.



Will's 'Bone Yard'

Does he have levers... Oh ya!

All kinds of goodies to tempt. And a great pull from the counter!

I must say that on this first day of touring I met the best of people. Only paid for three espressos all day and got thoroughly fired up. I met some great new friends and truly met a unique individual... Greg who shares many interests that I have especially in 'Hobbies'!
Perhaps more later but I got to go!

I don't normally post an attaboy, but I have thoroughly enjoyed following this trip. I hope there is more to come. Thank you.


Gus

Old Home Espresso Repair...the Land of Levers!! Bob you were fun to share some hours with... it is indeed a small small world....

Out of all the times I have been to H.E.R. - I have never seen the "bone pile" ..... much less get to pose beside it. And Joe from TGCC is always like having espresso with Einstein on a good hair day!

Cheers ...

Hi there

I'm hoping to take a few days to go down to Seattle and look around. Anyone have any suggestions for good cafes to visit whilst I'm there or a link to a resource of said cafes?

I came across a site a while back where someone had been reviewing various N.American cafes but can't locate it again.

Cheers
Bruce

Grab the current edition of Seattle magazine. Its suggestions for breakfast and lunch places has been golden. I've particularly like Anita's Crepes in Ballard and Spring Hill (fabulous corn beef hash if you like such things) in West Seattle. Presse (next to Stumptown on 12th and Le Pichet on 1st Avenue are also very good. The food at Lowells in the market is standard American, but the views are spectacular. Maximilians in the market is reasonably good French food with a great view. Little Saigon in the market has good "down home" Vietnamese food, as is Il Puerco Lloron on the Market Hill Climb for Mexican. If you have particular cuisines let me know, they might trigger other ideas.

As far as coffee goes: Stumptown (particularly the roasterie on 12th) , Vivace, Victrola and Uptown in Queen Anne are among the usual suspects. Some like Herkimers in the U District, good prep but doesn't meet my taste preferences.

For Dim Sum try Top Gun in Bellevue or Zen in Mill Creek. Both good but still not up to Sun Sui Wah in Richmond.