The Quest for the Perfect Coffee Shop: Part 1

I love coffee shops. Whenever I go home, my mom and I go to this amazing coffee shop called Ross’s Bread where they not only have amazing bread (and amazing croissants, scones, and sandwiches), but also amazing lattes and tea. Therefore, for the past year, I have been searching for the perfect coffee shop. I have learned in a city like Baltimore, there isn’t just one perfect coffee shop, but different coffee shops are for different times. Over this treacherous task (of trying many different coffees (and sometimes having a burnt one)), I have developed a method better than Zagat or the New York Times.

Alkimia

Yum. It's so good that I repeated a picture from the last blog entry!

Hot Chocolate Ranking: 4 (Kinder Surprises)

I love the hot chocolate here! It’s really delicious. It’s like the Goldilocks of hot chocolates- it’s not too sweet; it’s not too bitter; it’s just right. It’s also made relatively quickly- which is something that’s important when you really want a hot chocolate.

Coffee Ranking: 4 (Gingerbread Lattes- aka very delicious)

I love the coffee here! It’s really yummy. They make the whole slew of fritalian drinks; they have great lattes (and chai tea lattes as well) and cappuccinos.

Coffee Art Ranking: 5 (Picasso of Java)

They have awesome coffee art; I’ve gotten a heart and even a leaf!

Sweets Ranking: 5  (Cookie Monster’s Paradise)

They have great cookies; they’re really yummy and moist. They’re also huge (like the size of  my hand!) Their scones and muffins are also quite delicious. However, you really do need to ask a little about what’s in the scones because one time I thought I was getting a chocolate chip scone, but I actually got a currant scone. It was still good, but nothing replaces chocolate in my heart.

Snack Ranking: 5 (Empanadas)

Yes! They have empanadas, so automatic 5.

Cost Ranking: 3.5 (Treat Me)

It’s a little expensive, but the quality is so good!  It’s definitely for those days when I want to treat myself (or it’s a little cold outside).

Distance Ranking: 4 (Hop, Skip, and a Jump Away)

It’s on campus! It’s very close and convenient when I’m running around during the day.

Atmosphere: 5 (Hot Spot)

It’s in Gilman which is a gorgeous building where you can study or hang out with friends!

Carma’s

Hot Chocolate Ranking: I’ve actually never tried it.

Coffee Ranking: 5 (Chai Tea Lattes)

They have great coffee here! This was actually the first place I tried a gingerbread latte (and I’m never turning back). They also have a make-your-own-latte where you can add whatever you want. The additions are really cool like honey or chocolate- yum!

Sweets Ranking: 5 (“Oops I ate the entire bag” good)

The cookies here are outstanding! I actually tried them when I went to a graduate student coffee hour (yes, I know I’m not a graduate student)- and fell in love. They have a great white chocolate and craisin cookie.

Snack Ranking: 4 (Thanksgiving Stuffing Level)

The noodles are great. I literally haven’t found noodles like these. They also have great granola.

Cost Ranking: 3.5 (Treat Me)

Distance Ranking: 3.5 (Close)

It’s right on St. Paul Street! It’s very close.

Atmosphere: 5 (Hot Spot)

It’s very small, but very quaint and fun. When you dine-in, they give you a spoon with a number on it, so they know where to deliver the food.

Chocolatea

My friend drinking a coco-latte!

Hot Chocolate Ranking: 5 (Godiva Truffles)

This is the prime hot chocolate location. They have amazing things called coco-lattes, “100% real chocolate melted then infused with milk. Afterwards fresh fruits or spice is added to create the perfect cup of hot chocolate”. Some of the flavors include ginger (dark chocolate with ginger), peanut butter cup (milk chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and marshmellow), and Banana Split (dark chocolate with banana puree). It’s crazy good.

Ginger Coco-latte!

Coffee Ranking: 3 (Pumpkin Spice Latte)

The coffee here is really good. They have really interesting like mocha lattes (with you guessed it…chocolate) and amazing pumpkin spice lattes. However, the coffee here is pretty strong; I once drank before a study sesh and they stated that I was almost jumping off the walls. Watch out! :)

Sweets Ranking: 5  (Godiva Chocolate Shop)

You can also buy a variety of truffles from Chocolatea. My friend got them for me for my birthday. I told myself that I would only eat one a day, but that kinda didn’t work. Whoops.

A sampling of their truffles!

Snack Ranking: 5 (A Full Refrigerator)

Chocolatea has  great food. JHU_Sydney and I go to Chocolatea to “study” sometimes and we normally stay for breakfast and lunch. Here are some of my favorite things from the menu: smoked salmon sandwich (Avocado, tomato, spring mix w/ wasabi mayo), the tuna melt (Avocado, tomato, spring mix w/ wasabi mayo), the noodle bowls, the pancakes, and the dumplings. You have to come early for the dumplings because they go fast.

The smart and funny JHU_Sydney at Chocolatea! :)

"Studying" at Chocolatea! As you can tell by JHU_Sydney's blank screen, she's hard at work. P.S. I don't know why I have demen eyes.

Cost Ranking: 3 (Pretty Penny)

It’s a little expensive, but I think the coco-lattes are worth it. And the food is so good.

Distance Ranking: 3 (Not too far)

It’s right by the lacrosse field (aka it’s really close for the freshman, but not so much for sophomores).  I love to walk, so it doesn’t bother me.

Atmosphere: 4 (Colors Galore)

I really like how the store looks. It has a balcony to sit on (as well as outdoor seating).