Rabid romantic diatribe.
I’m going to declare that I was a coffee lover way before I ever knew what a Starbucks was. I have fond memories of 45 minute drives just to sip coffee lounging homeily* on what obviously was someone’s discarded (w/ good reason) sofa or easy chair, gazing at art worse than the peeling paint on the walls they were covering. My friends and I reveled in the neo-bohemian aspect of it all; scribbling in worn, black sketchbooks the words and images of a new beat generation.
Flash forward to today, where the “Big Green” is more ubiquitous than McDonald’s swallowing up all of the dark, original shops whose decor wasn’t decided in a boardroom. Like all of us that enjoy real coffee that isn’t push-button spewed into unclean espresso pitchers topped off w/ re-burned frothless milk, we’re ecstatic when we find solo shops that truly get it.
Diatribe over.
My wife found the reason for this post a while back, telling me that I had to check it out. I’m glad I have. While I still love the charm of sitting in someone else’s old furniture, it’s nice to actually get some customer service, rather than the tattooed, “hip”-shirted indifference that you typically get (one con of cool coffee shops). Now don’t get me wrong, you have to remember that I was a Fine Art Degree having coffee pouring, barista extraordinaire myself once. I just want your decision to look at me through your thick, black-rimmed glasses not to be because I have the latest Sub-Pop or Polyvinyl t-shirt, but because you might just care. (btw- I just got a Mates of State tee; I’m IN!!!)
Buzz coffee is just outside of the heart of Alexandria, VA or at least it feels like it. They’re part of the Neighborhood Restaurant Group (pardon the atrocious website) and are right across the street from an affiliate, Rustico.
You are going to talk about coffee, right?
They serve the Illy brand for all espresso and coffee drinks. Illy may seem like a strange choice for a shop like this, but it makes sense. The Italian brand produces impeccable quality beans assuring that every shot or cup will taste as you want and expect it. This and the fact that the coffee shares the stage w/ some of the most decadent desserts you’ve ever seen; beyond most chocolatiers and bakeries. I’m a huge fan of their “Buzz Bombe” (semi-sweet chocolate & peanut butter mousse coated in a rich chocolate glaze!) They’ve even added dessert friendly wines, beers, and martinis to their ever increasing menu.
My wife and I stopped by a few days ago around 8:00 PM, and while they had customers, the vibe was very chill and unpretentious. We were able to relax and enjoy injecting some sugar powered calories into our bloodstream. I had my usual doppio macchiato, and as usual it was made to perfection. If you ever want to test a shop’s expertise, ask for that drink. You’ll be amazed at the variations you’ll get; some good, most are awful.
Anyway, enough of my love fest. You can see I like their design aesthetic as well; these pictures are from their card and menu/flyer. It’s been very well done w/ the menu providing a little tongue-in-cheek humor as well.
*homeily (adv.)- in a manner or behavior that befits your own home.
Yes, I made up a word.
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