Don Senneville and Jim White
Think Barbie or Emily in Paris on the Rue de Champs Elysees looking for an espresso. Wow, unexpectedly, we finally found Little Snitch. Tucked in the cool El Pedregal type surroundings with pink umbrellas, private tables and busy baristas. The “Morning Bar” was impressive, as was the coffee bar, which we thought would be a better choice at 8am. (Although, the Tequila Morning Express looked tempting; there was also a drink called the Little Snitch. Hmm.)
The bar area looked a little like it was designed by Barbie – pink umbrella and all. So we moved to the coffee and pastry bar, ordered coffee and peach scones (which were exquisite), and watched a mom and three very little kids pick out $100.00 worth of outrageous pastries and tap their American Express card. Pastries here are otherworldly, otro mundo. Good coffee, too. We pondered the origin of the name, “Little Snitch”. Feeling a bit out of our league, we immediately returned to Coffee Row. There are 3 good outlier coffee experiences in this area, though: Little Snitch, Press macchiato in Sprouts while shopping, and Einstein’s dark roast drip with an everything bagel.
One inspiration taken from our trip down Scottsdale Road was the importance of really nice patios. The Little Snitch version was comfortable, but a trip to the Grotto in Cave Creek matched anything we have seen. Shade, private tables, trees, and artistic landscaping create the perfect atmosphere to enjoy a top notch breakfast burrito and coffee. We are glad to be back, and we now see that our next task on Coffee Row is to report on patios and breakfast burritos. Now that the mornings are pleasant enough to sit outside and greet the day, we plan to immediately initiate the “burrito wars”. From the Grotto to Brunch, to Local Jonnys, to Janeys, to Blk Mt. Cafe, to Carefree Coffee Roastery, to Heart and Soul Cafe, to Indian Village, to Fantasticos, we will report on the breakfast burrito likenesses and differences. Any tips or advice would be appreciated. Do burrito bowls qualify? Chimichangas? Egg Rolls? Gyros?
What is a breakfast burrito anyway? We may have to delegate. Any volunteers?
Our next concern is Starbucks. The new CEO is formerly the CEO of Chipotle. He is tasked with redesigning Starbucks, because it appears that too much choice has created too little profits. (A former barista from Starbucks listed his 30 favorite drinks.) The lines are too long because the menu is overwhelming. The new CEO wants to get back to coffee and the idea of coffee shops. (Would you like chips and salsa with that Americano?) So maybe now, humans will get back to sitting down and talking to each other. We think this was the original intent. Remember the “penny universities” and “salons” of the 1700-1800’s? These were places that hatched new ideas by simply providing the environment. Just like Coffee Row! Power to the beans.
Our last concern is pumpkin lattes. Really! As the October “chill” approaches, pumpkin proliferates in the coffee shops. This should be against the law. Pumpkin flavoring and coffee are not compatible and are as offensive as tiny marshmallow Easter egg chicks. Try just a little cinnamon if you must, or Army coffee and pumpkin pie. Maybe our local Happy Bee Meadery bar would be a better choice for October celebrations. Mead seems like Fall. We will be happy to listen to those who support the pumpkin lattes or mead. Contact us at The CUP at [email protected].
