This month, two new cafes opened in downtown San Jose. I know because I have a knack for noticing these things. These things being things that are new and coffee-related. Of course, if something has been around for ages and has nothing to do with coffee, then I probably have no clue it exists and will remain clueless until some kind person politely pokes me in the ribs and points it out.
The first place I noticed was eMocha Cafe. It's located on the first floor of an apartment building at the corner of Sixth and Santa Clara Streets.
The cafe is about the size of a walk-in closet with barely enough room for a coffee bar, a small refrigerator, and two benches. Actually, they aren't really benches. They're window ledges covered with cushions. I think they're more for show than for use.
The two times I've been to the cafe, I've ordered the drip coffee. They serve Bluebottle Coffee, a rare brand in town, and every cup is individually brewed.
For two dollars, one of the baristas will grind exactly forty-five coffee beans, carefully transfer it to a filter, and slowly pour 11.25 ounces of 200-degree-Fahrenheit water evenly over the grinds. He or she will then personally supervise and inspect every drop that drips into your twelve-ounce cup, ensuring it achieves the optimal level of extraction, thereby producing the perfect cup of coffee.
At least that's what I hope they're doing for that price. I couldn't really say since the barista's back was to me during the four-minute process.
Seriously, though, the coffee is good. It's also strong. I'll probably go back just because they open early (6 AM) and they're near the office. For anyone visiting downtown, the cafe is a few blocks out of the way and probably not worth the walk. There are plenty of cafes closer to the heart of the city that offer good coffee for less money.
One of those is Cafe Stretto, the other new cafe, which is located on the first floor of the Fairmont Hotel. It faces the alley that separates the original hotel from the new annex, closer to the Market Street side. To be more precise, it's situated between The Grill on the Alley and the new South Bay offices of the Earthquakes and Oakland Athletics.
In terms of size, it's about six square feet larger than eMocha. They do wonders with that extra space. They somehow manage to fit two tables-for-two and a window bar with stool-seating for four inside without stacking any furniture. They also have outdoor seating for those brave enough to sit outside and watch their espresso develop a layer of ice.
I tried Stretto for the first time yesterday. I ordered a doppio mocha that would have cost me $13.57 if I hadn't counted the change the barista gave me.
In the two seconds between the time I pointed out the mistake and the time she began serious button-pushing negotiations with the register to open the cash drawer, the barista gave me a look that made me doubt myself. For a brief moment, I actually considered the possibility that the drink might cost that much. This was the Fairmont Hotel after all and they served Illy coffee, another hard-to-find brand (at least in downtown San Jose). Luckily, her expression quickly shifted from accusing to apologetic and my doubts faded.
The drink was very tasty and I'm pleased to report that it took much longer to develop a layer of ice than I thought it would. If you plan to venture downtown, perhaps to visit Christmas in the Park or skate at Downtown Ice in the Circle of Palms, the cafe is worth a try.
