Michael Barnes descended on Austin in 1984. He has been exploring its multiple personalities ever since. For 15 years, he wrote about the arts for the American-Statesman. Now he's the Entertainment Editor, overseeing XL, Movies and Television. When not in the newsroom, he's sampling restaurants, clubs, bars, coffee houses, museums, movies, galleries, theaters, concerts, DVDs, CDs, parties, festivals, outdoor activities and sporting events. Michael lives with his partner, Kip, two dogs and two cats in South Austin.
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The entry titled "The best four coffees in Central Texas."
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2007 > January > 25 > Entry
By Michael Barnes
| Thursday, January 25, 2007, 01:48 PM
Drinks: What lingered on the tongue during our long tour for “10,000 Coffee Shops”?
Java Dive: This Lakeway joint makes the most luxurious espresso-based drinks we tasted.
Pacha: On multiple visits, complex coffee with a cultural context.
Mozart’s: Smelled and tasted so fresh and toasty, it was like carrying a mini-coffee roaster out the door,
Casa do Brasil:
“Casa Brasil would have to win out as my favorite for having both great coffee and a great atmosphere. (The best latte was at Cafe do Brasil.)” — co-writer Perry Gettelman
For more information, see the big XL coffee package this week and next.
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By Michael Barnes
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By Carl Swanson
February 2, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this
I'm not sure who told Mr. Barnes he knows enough about coffee to criticize, in fact, I'm sure he doesn't. His rag on JP's java was baloney. JP's uses the finest coffee in the world, the Paladin blend, that's used all over the world in competitions. I would suggest if someone wants to play Coffee Critic he might actually want to learn at least a little about coffee and the blends used in the finest coffee houses in the world before he goes out bad mouthing someone's product.
By Guy Smiley
February 1, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this
I have to disagree with you about Mozart's. Although they have a good thing going with their lakeside feel, the coffee is horrible and horribly overpriced. I have never had a decent cup of coffee there.
By Clancy
January 29, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this
I can't argue too much against Java Dive at least but i feel not enough attention was paid to the new Caffe Medici on West Lynn. They actually use the same specialty micro-roaster as Java Dive. Caffe Medici is a shop based only around coffee, but since that's what the reviews were about, attributes such as exclusively french pressed coffee, stellar service and attention to each customer, Coffee Education, and outstanding barista training directly through the leading specialty roaster of the SW Region, Cuvee Coffee, Caffe medici undoubtedly already stands out among most other locals.