The Best Cappuccino Deal in Town

First cappuccino

I have resisted writing about Cafe Docanto because every time I've been there I have been the only female patron and it kind of bothered me that it was such a male dominated establishment.  But they are always very friendly and I can accept that certain places appeal to or are by tradition favored by one sex or the other.

When I was a kid, my father said the same thing every evening when he came home from work: "Did anyone send us any money today?" Well someone (the state franchise tax board) sent me some money yesterday and I wanted to celebrate by going out for coffee. So I headed over to Cafe Docanto and had TWO cappuccinos and some sort of creme filled pastry.

Second cappuccino

 The cappuccinos are strong and robust with just a hint of bitterness and each one costs just $2.  Cafe Docanto also serves Portuguese sandwiches starting at $2. The owner provides free morning newspapers for the customers to read which I really appreciate. There were men sidled up to the coffee bar drinking espresso shots like they were tequila shots and every seat in the cafe was taken and everyone was watching a futsal game.

 A lively discussion ensued when I asked what "futsal" was.  They were having trouble agreeing on a definition so I asked for an English translation and someone said "futsal" is "futsal" in English.  Well almost.  Futsal is like soccer (football) played on a smaller surface and indoors and with a harder, less bouncy ball. For the record, Brazil's and Portugal's futsal teams are internationally ranked first and fifth respectively.

Red Berry Coffee Bar, I Think I Love You

Who cares if I'm down to my last few dollars until payday, I had to try the latest (and greatest) coffee place in town.  I heard about Red Berry from the people at Veggielution who sang their praises.  Apparently Red Berry donates all their coffee grounds to the grateful people at Veggielution for their worm bin.  But this is not about worm bins, it is about the best latte in San Jose.  I ordered a latte made with Barefoot beans and it was a cup of sheer bliss.  The milk was perfectly heated and foamed, giving the latte a mellow sweetness and it was rich and smooth.  The only downside (and this is more about me than Red Berry) is that it is impossible for me to wait until 9 a.m. (Red Berry's opening time on weekends) for my first cup of coffee. While I was there a gentleman ordered the Belgium waffles with fresh fruit and real maple syrup (weekends only) and so I had to wait around to see how they looked.  They looked scrumptious and smelled even better. The interior of Red Berry is luxurious but small and intimate with beautiful finishes everywhere and striking artwork on the walls. I love that Red Berry looks out onto my favorite public building, San Jose City Hall, and I love that it brings the nearest coffee place just a few blocks closer to home.

Philz! Coffee

Today was a rare mid-week holiday and I started it off with a walk down Guadelupe River Park then went in search of  a much needed cup of COFFEE.  Couldn't park anywhere near peets because of the parade but I remembered seeing a little coffee place on Paseo de San Antonio and so I headed over there.  I became an instant devotee of Philz.  The guy making the coffee was just about as personable and upbeat as a person performing their job could be.  He guided me through the somewhat different approach to coffee and I walked away with a rich, strong but mellow cup of coffee.  He even talked me into a bit of their cream and sugar, which I never have, and I loved it.  They really do make the coffee one cup at a time with a vast menu of different blends.

As I was driving home I spotted these men who were running laps around San Jose State.  One man was carrying the P.O.W. flag and the other the American flag.  Made me think of the little memorial plaque on campus near the chapel and also what a nightmare it must be for family members of P.O.W.'s.

A Welcome Addition to the Coffee Scene - Roy's

Thinking about Roy's gives me another reason to be sad that my summer vacation is ending. No more long walks in the morning or leisurely cups of coffee. I'm in "power up and work" mode now. But some Saturday, I will get back to Roy's Station at 6th and Taylor because it is absolutely divine. About a month ago I wrote about the coffee counter at Santo's Market which is a grab and go kind of place. Well Roy's is the exact opposite. From the sleek, shiny, gorgeous red espresso machine to the beautiful tile work and landscaping, Roy's is so beautifully turned out that you won't want to leave. They have all the usual coffee drinks and pastries plus a perfectly restored vintage Coca Cola vending machine, a remnant of the days when Roy's was a gas station. Hence the name Roy's Station. Go enjoy!

A Two-for-One: Espresso and Shaved Ice

When I was a kid there was a little store, down the street from my elementary and middle schools, called "Handy Market."  In the 18 years I lived in San Lorenzo I only went INTO Handy Market once and I'm pretty sure it was on a dare.  Kids were not welcome in Handy Market.  If you entered, you better have orders from your parents to buy a specific item and money in your hand to pay for it.  Kids had their own "entrance," a window counter on the side of the store which opened (conveniently) just as school let out and on Saturdays.  My girlfriend and I loved this kids' candy counter.  One of the most glorious moments of our childhood was the the time we went there with a whole dollar and proceeded to select 100 pieces of penny candy, taking the time and care one might use when choosing a new car.  The owner must have loved it.  The window counter on the side of Santos Market at 6th and Taylor in San Jose brought back the preceding memory.  The window counter opens at 6 a.m for coffee, espresso drinks and donuts. They serve a steady stream of customers who stop for coffee on their way to work.  Then in the afternoon the window becomes a shaved ice counter selling spectacular shaved ice.  I always thought snow cone when I heard shaved ice but snow cones are a pale, sorry treat indeed compared to shaved ice.  This morning I had an espresso (quite good) and this afternoon I had a fluffy and delicious cherry/bubble gum shaved ice.  There are 3 variations: regular, with ice cream and with bean. The ice cream variation sounds kind of decadent but started to look irresistible when the man ahead of me ordered it.  Next time.

A Gem of a Coffee House

I first discovered Lowry's Irish Coffee House when my dog made friends with another dog while we were walking on River St. nearby the place.  After walking together for awhile the other dog's owner asked if I wanted to go get coffee at Lowry's.  I said I never go inside because I don't want to leave my dog tied up near all those people eating pastries.  The dog owner said he'd be happy to "babysit" my dog so I could go in!  It worked out great.  Although I don't know what precisely is Irish about this coffee place, it is a delightful change from the usual chain coffee places and bagel places.  The breakfast menu is vast and includes a bunch of vegetarian options. The oatmeal pancake special sounded delicious but I was in the mood for something savory. I had one of their "bites" which are breakfast sandwiches on an egg bun.  An egg bun is the size and shape of a hamburger bun but is made from something like a brioche dough.  It is less buttery than a croissant and less dense than a bagel.  I enjoyed relaxing in the warm but spacious shop, eating and reading the newspaper (provided).  There are tables out on a pretty, sunny porch but it was a bit chilly for that this a.m.  A great spot for relaxing while you enjoy your coffee.

Shelter from the Storm

I know House of Bagels is a chain, but this particular shop does not look or feel anything like a chain.  The great coffee, fresh warm bagels and friendly people make this place a magnet for local residents, San Jose State students and all manner of folks on their way to work.  They may not know every customer by name but they know us by our orders.  I gave up buying espresso drinks for about six months and when I returned to House of Bagels after the six month hiatus they remembered my "regular" order!  This morning's post was supposed to be about the Tour de California leaving from San Jose but I missed it by a few minutes.  When I decided to stop by House of Bagels and walked in dripping wet, I was handed some towels to dry off with.  Talk about friendly.  You'll love this place.  Located on E. San Carlos between S. 12th and S. 11th St. They open at 6 A.M.