So many coffee shops – so little time. Nicole Lamison helps you decide where to go next.
Attention all caffeinds and coffeeholics – this column is for you.
First, if you’re anything like me, you have a go-to order on hand for every establishment you frequent. Your go-to order could be a single scoop of chocolate marble from Loard’s, a veggie pizza with extra peppers at Zamboni’s, or whatever else your stomach regularly groans for.
For me, most of my go-to’s center around coffee.
You might be wondering, “Why is this teenage girl qualified to give me coffee advice?” I offer two reasons.
First, I was voted “Most Caffeinated” for my school’s yearbook Senior Superlative. Second, I spent two years working as a “bagel barista,” my self-created title, at Noah’s Bagels.
Within my first month, I completely memorized all of our specialty drink recipes; learned about the nuance that makes a macchiato different from a latte; and invented my own coffee concoction to energize me before those delightful 5 a.m. shifts.
So with background in mind, here’s my semi-professional opinion on the best coffee drinks in Orinda.
Café Teatro
This café has perfected its classics, and my favorite is the iced vanilla latte. It has a subtle sweetness and a smooth, creamy texture. It also happens to be the most popular drink, and I can see exactly why. It is flavorful, yet not overpowered by sugar and is delightful hot or cold.
Their hot mocha is equally as delicious. It is rich and chocolatey without being bitter or extreme. Served with a beautiful rosetta latte art design, this drink will start your day off right.
Geppetto’s Café
Two words: Mexican mocha. Hot or cold, this drink is smooth and rich with flavor. There’s a subtle kiss of cinnamon and a slight kick of spice. Throughout each sip, the flavor shifts from softly sweet to delightfully spiced, delivering a coffee experience unlike any other.
Another personal favorite is the hazelnut soy milk latte. The texture is unbelievably creamy and the taste is delightfully nutty and smooth. With its heavenly, exotic flavor, this coffee transports me to a Parisian café overlooking the Seine with every sip. But really, it’s hard to go wrong — this charming, family-owned café makes a mean latte.
Kibi’s Café
If I were to describe this cafe’s Vietnamese Iced Coffee in one word, it would have to be “balanced.” There are only two ingredients in this drink (if you don’t count the ice!): fresh brewed coffee and condensed milk. The bitterness from the coffee is hidden by the sweet flavor of the condensed milk and the result is a cool, silky coffee with a mild sweetness that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
Starbucks
I have been through too many different Starbucks go-to’s over the last few years. For a while it was iced blonde lattes, then hot caramel macchiatos and so on, but my current (and favorite) drink is an iced vanilla sweet cream cold brew. It is light, sweet and refreshing on any day.
Peet’s Coffee
Unlike my journey with Starbucks, I have stayed loyal to one Peet’s Coffee go-to, an iced caramel macchiato. It is a comforting, thicker drink with what I can only describe as a toasty aftertaste, perfect for a chilly morning.
But regardless of where you go in Orinda, there is one constant: Our baristas have some serious skills – so try something new. Odds are you won’t be disappointed.