How much caffeine could a coffee columnist consume if a coffee columnist constantly consumed caffeine?
Previously in Café Culture, we’ve visited numerous purveyors of finely roasted coffee plant pits. This month’s episode spotlights two campus-area cafés whose proprietors take pleasure in presenting customers with perfectly brewed, lovingly prepared cups. Bottoms up!
Hub of student activity and excellent people-watching spot Caffé Lucé, located at 943 E. University Blvd. #191, is also the Southern Arizona distributor for Italy’s La Marzocco commercial espresso equipment. Lucé recently imported a brand-new machine for installation at Malibu Yogurt & Ice Cream down the street. Owner/artisan coffee roaster Michael Foster takes pride in his work; latte art comes gratis on all orders. His baristas, despite serving countless drowsy students each day, remember names and faces. A custom piece by local artist Donovan White towers above the tables. Huzzah!
Popular with: undergrads, paraprofessionals, laptop users.
A signature element at Espresso Art, 942 E. University Blvd., is their piano. Its tuned keys entice wandering music students and would-be rock stars to lend a melodic tickle to the atmosphere. Within EA’s walls it’s common to hear hushed conversations in Russian, Arabic or German. A vibrant scene exists here, from the sidewalks outside to the farthest corners of the long room. As the name implies, Espresso Art is also a gallery; framed photographs, sculptures and other art fills every wall, nook and cranny. Sweet.
Popular with: romantics, dreamers, international students.
Next month we visit CaffeNation and what may be Tucson’s most unusual coffee spot, Black Rose Caffe!
