by Kate La Point
In
the land of lattes, one may find it surprisingly difficult to find
a decent cappuccino. Either it’s too milky, not creamy enough,
lacking in flavor or (heaven forbid) served in a paper cup. Rather
than sit back and take it, I decided to take to the streets of Seattle
in search of the perfect cappuccino. So you don’t have to bloody
your feet in the same search, I’ve compiled my results into a
nice tour of Seattle’s very best places for the heavenly beverage.
Espresso Vivace Roasteria
101 Denny East
Phone: 206.860.5869
www.espressovivace.com
One of many reasons David Schomer is famous worldwide
for his coffee expertise: preparation. The baristas at Schomer’s
Capitol Hill neighborhood roasteria are impeccably trained in every
step of crafting the perfect espresso beverage–especially cappuccino,
in my opinion. The beverage is creamy, rich and (I swear it) tastes
just like it smells. No need for sugar in an Espresso Vivace cappuccino–just
sit back, take in the sights and sounds and sip away. Hands down the
best cappuccino this side of the Atlantic and, quite possibly, in
the world. Capitol Hill is great for shopping, eating and drinking
and people watching.
Torrefazione Italia
320 Occidental S.
Phone: 206.624.5847
www.torrefazioneitalia.com
Traditional Italian is what Torrefazione is (and
always has been) about. Walk into any Torrefazione Italia location
and order a cappuccino served in the company’s fine Italian Deruta
ceramic cups and you’ll be transported. The company’s Pioneer
Square location is wonderful because of the neighborhood’s history
and its proximity to several of Seattle’s best sights for tourists.
Torrefazione also has locations in Seattle’s financial district
(downtown on 1310 4th Ave., between Union and University), the quirky,
ever-changing Fremont neighborhood on 701 N. 34th, and a small but
classy location at 622 Olive Way. You can also purchase the beautiful
Deruta ceramic ware to take home at Le Ceramiche Italia, right next
to the location on Occidental.
Caffé D’arte
200
Stewart
Phone: 206.728.4901
www.caffedarte.com
Again, traditional Italian is the key to Caffé
D’arte’s success. Step off the bustle of the street (perhaps
a break from shopping?) and into Caffé D’arte’s downtown
retail location. Order a cappuccino for a rich, robust pick-me-up.
Have a light snack along with your cappuccino (they offer wonderful
pastries) and you’ll be on your way. Just a few blocks from the
world-famous Pike Place Market.
Caffé Vita Coffee Roasting Co.
2621 5th Ave.
Phone: 206.441.4351
www.caffevita.com
Another great location for tourists on the go.
Near the Space Needle, Seattle Center and EMP (Experience Music Project).
Right under the Monorail. Order a rich and creamy cappuccino and sit
at one of the tables outside (unless, of course, it’s raining).
Art for sale inside and friendly baristas to boot.
Noteworthy locations outside of the city:
Fidalgo Bay Roasting Company
1600 East College Way
Phone: 360.428.7002
www.fidalgobayroasting.com
In
Mt. Vernon, one hour north of Seattle. Go in the spring and find yourself
in the middle of the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival.
Batdorf & Bronson Coffee Roasters
200 Market St. N.E.
Olympia, WA
Phone:
360.754.5282
www.batdorf.com
About an hour south of Seattle in the
state capitol. Some of the best coffee and friendliest staff around.
Grab a pound of coffee to take home!
Kate LaPoint is owner of To The Point Business
Imaging, a company specializing in marketing, public relations, writing
and editing for companies primarily in the specialty coffee industry.
She can be reached at 206.418.9958 or katel@tothepointbi.com.
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