stlbites.com – st. louis food blog of bill burge

So I’ve ordered and here I sit awaiting my cappuccino. I’ve been specific about what it is I would like — the traditional 6oz double cappuccino. I have requested that I would like it “for here” which seems to be some sort of secret codeword amongst some shops to break out the china because we’ve got a man that knows what he likes and plans to stay a while.

They’re playing the Where in the World is Carmen San Diego theme song. I swear.

If you’re not familiar, Northwest Coffee has the freshest coffee in the area West of the Mississippi. Formerly buying their coffee from Intelligentsia in Chicago, a few years ago the owner bought himself a Probat roaster, got some training, and got to work roasting his own beans. He roasts every Monday and Thursday in small enough batches that they get through them in a couple days. (that’s literally a shot of all the coffee they have on hand)

I had initially hoped the Intelligentsia thing would bring a certain level of quality to their offerings because they are one of the best roasters in the country. I assumed, if you were going to go out on your own after buying that, there was a standard you weren’t looking to drop below. I’m not sure how it was when they first started, but over the two years I’ve occasionally been buying their beans, while I still consider it the best choice on the West side of the river due to freshness, it’s sometimes roasted a little on the dark side reminding me of a certain green loving mermaid’s brew.

If it’s espresso and cappuccino you’re after, I have had some good ones at the Central West End location. Clayton, however, has always been pretty spotty as to what your cup might turn up — I’ve had a lot of scorched milk and poorly extracted espressos over the years.

As for todays? It’s not a cappuccino but fortunately it at least tastes pretty good.

Sadly there seems to be a real disconnect in the local St. Louis coffee shops where baristas are concerned. The quest for good cappuccino West of the Mississippi continues…

They’re playing Disney music as I leave. Weird.