Cocoro Café

A couple of weeks ago my girlfriend and I met up to try out a coffee shop in TienMou. Mind you, it's Friday afternoon and my son is whipped, cranked out and REALLY not in the mood for me to go on yet another coffee bender. The whining started instantaneously upon being seated. I was in the process of doing the infamous eye roll at my kid and silently mouth to my friend that this was not going to work when she saw it. Behind the middle of the support beam in the middle of the room was a tiny oasis for mother and child alike. A Lego table. I swear to you, I think beams of light were shooting out of it- it was that magical. Wyatt was ecstatic. I was ecstatic- and I had not even ordered my coffee yet. The coffee! The menu was a mini scrapbook…. adorable, but one that I couldn't read because it was all in Chinese and Japanese.* There were some scattered pictures throughout, but I figured I was safe ordering a latte. Hot, foamy, adequate creaminess with a touch of raw sugar, it made for a lovely afternoon treat. To clarify for my friends sans kids, just because the café is home to a Lego table does not by any means turn this coffee shop into a daycare. It must be a well-kept secret, as there were only 2 kids in the whole place. The decor was country/colonial-y with wooden rafter beams, shelves of crafts for sale, and overhead lights that looked to me like they could be watering can spouts. Cocora gave off that kind of comfortable warmth that made you want to stick around for awhile, like you were in someone's home. Shoot, it's probably good they didn't have a couch in there; I could have been there all afternoon. Cocoro Cafe is definitely a place I'd go back to. I mean, if my son can stay entertained throughout a leisurely cup of joe- I'm THERE. 

 *After taking some pictures of the menu, my girlfriend in all her awesomeness translated the coffee selections for me. Cocoro uses Italian brand coffee beans, Segafredo, and they have a number of coffee options ranging anywhere from an Americano to a banana mocha latte. Served iced or hot, prices range from 110NT to 140NT.

Address:

Lane 166 Zhong Cheng Road No. 7 Section 2 ShihLin

Verdict?

See also Centered on Taipei Link listed below:

Black Bean House Coffee

This little coffee house is a gem…..a diamond, sapphire-whatever precious stone suits your fancy. I found it kinda/sorta by accident; as the coffee shop, along with slightly obscure directions were given to me in passing conversation. I was browsing some retail shops with my son in the general described vicinity when shockingly he had to use the restroom. Even more shocking, the salesclerk said no, we most certainly couldn't use theirs. Upon our journey to find a bathroom we had a happy accident. Not in the way you may be thinking- we actually ended up arriving at our destination! I think I can speak for my son when I say it was a win-win. I walked into the shop and the smell of fresh coffee beans hit me like a load of acme anvils. The decor? Charming. It was everything a coffee house should be; quaint, a bit eclectic replete with a window front full of unground beans, grinders, coffee pots and a slew of coffee gadgets. Wooden beams with billing floral cloth overhead added softness and a homey feeling that made you want to settle in for awhile. The tables that flanked the walls each had lamps, perfect for bringing a laptop and finishing up homework, work or a really good book. Oh yes..and the coffee. Well, at the risk of sounding desperate, I really needed an afternoon pick me up- and it did the job. You all will be proud to know that I ordered a plain, no frills coffee. Just black.I believe the exact brew was Guatemala Huehuetenango SHB (for 150 nt) What is happening to me?????? The coffee was good, strong and hot. I could sip it without squinting, shuddering or involuntarily sucking in my breath. When drunk hot there was not really much of an acidic aftertaste which I appreciated. It was exactly what I was looking for. The prices ranged from medium to high depending on your roast (100NT-300NT). They had coffee from Middle and South America,Africa, Middle and South America and Asia. Seemingly something for everyone. Oh and they sell bags of beans there which = awesomeness. So you may ask, was my blind date with Black House coffee a love match? Indeed.

Address: Section 5, No 527,Zhongshan north road Shihlin

Rating:

See Also: Centered on Taipei link below

http://issuu.com/centeredontaipei/docs/cot_201204?mode=window&viewMode=doublePage

Lucias Cafe

I came across this oasis on section 7 while on a search for another recommended cafe. Not having the desire to pedal a second more, I took a chance and walked into Lucia's. I'm glad I did. The outdoor space that you walk through to get inside is simply lovely. It reminded me a lot of Sonnentor's in Tienmou actually. With it's foliage and wooden dining tables, I could picture myself cozying up with a book and just "vegging" out for awhile. Inside I was immediately welcomed and provided a glass of cool tea while I was making my selection from the menu. I'm not sure if this is customary or if they were nervous my red face was giving the appearance of nearing heat-stroke like conditions. Whatever the reason, it was unexpected and a kind gesture...one of those little details that one remembers when making a second visit. 

After perusing my options, I settled on a latte and took my seat. The room appeared to be divided by a sliding door and was small with that well worn feel of a grandma's house. A hodgepodge of mismatched furnishings and tables made up the decor ( yes some if it had flowers on it)but I found it to be quite homey. In fact, the longer I sat the more I felt like all the patrons just meandered into a super- nice friend's kitchen who happens to have an open -door policy. A feeling you don't get from the big chain coffee shops I may add. When my latte was set before me, so was the most delicious little bite sized oatmeal cookie . It was even warmed. Did I mention it was also complimentary? Sweet!!While the foam on my latte did not require a ruler, the coffee was strong and hot... Fantastic qualities, I may add. I have found, and have discussed with friends who agree, that all too often the ordinary latte over compensates in foam and fails to impress with the lackluster liquid underneath. I can warm my own milk at home thank you very much. With that bring said this latte was a welcome departure from what I had been encountering as of late. Verdict?I was a sweaty, albeit VERY happy camper.
Bonus? They open at 8:30 am and typically close at 9:00.

Address:

(forthcoming)Zhong Shan Road Section 7 Shihlin District

Phone- (02) 2871-2507

Verdict?

Alyshia's House

I love "happening" upon little places of awesomeness. I thought this to myself as I stared blankly at the Chinese-only menu I held in my hand, feeling confident that a latte was the way to go. One of the guys working in the shop (who spoke English) patiently went over the menu as I picked out a bite to eat.  As I waited for my latte, I soaked up my surroundings. The place was pretty cool. The entire wall behind me housed a relief map of the continents utilizing exposed brick. The contrast of the brick with the charcoal gray walls and the white double crown molding on the ceiling offered a great deal of visual appeal. Two platforms flanked either side of the cafe; one side with bench/couch-like seating and the other side with a number of tables, bookshelves and a massive fish tank. I was starting to fall hard  for this place based on visuals alone when I realized I was holding my breath a bit when the latte was placed in front of me. I wanted it to be good. My worry was for naught. From the moment the latte was placed in front of me, I was a bit transfixed. Ok. *Dork alert. * I'm a bit of a sucker for foam art. Even if you don't admit it out loud (which you probably shouldn't), we all know it's wicked cool and we want to possess that skill (or maybe that's just me?!) My girlfriend's latte held a heart, while mine had a leaf. My first sip equaled relief as the foam did not disappoint and the coffee was not "watered" down by milk. The coffee had a great taste and that foam  was simply endless. It was as if each sip never happened; my cup appeared virtually untouched. I'm such a nerd.- stuff like that intrigues me. I mean, the leaf pattern held itself together all the way to the very bottom dregs of my cup people!!!. That my friends is a foam to be proud of. 

Incredibly satisfied with our lattes, my girlfriend who can read a bit of Chinese looked over the menu/coffee options for me. While Alyshia's House doesn't necessarily offer differing coffee roast options, they do have the standard latte selection, two of which we belatedly discovered are star'd as recommended (the Hazelnut and Vanilla latte). Hot italian Coffee and Americano's are also available and customers have a choice of having their coffees iced or hot. Price point ranges from 80 Nt (Hot Italian Coffee) up to 130 NT. 

Address: 17 Qiangang Street, Shihlin District
Near Jiantan MRT station


Verdict? Go ahead and run there. I'm about to....again.

*See also Centered on Taipei link listed below:

http://issuu.com/centeredontaipei/docs/cot_201209?mode=window&viewMode=doublePage

Cafe 8

For awhile this stop had been on my list of routine coffee shops to go to when my girlfriend and I would meet up for a "catch up" chat. Why here? Well, while I haven't tried their black coffee to date, their lattes are reliably good. The milk was frothed and foamed to perfection - it was so thick it was literally floating like a sumptuous cloud on top of my coffee. Sorry, I'll tone it down..I just get really into my "work." That and the fact, that if we're going to get to know each other well, I REALLY like foam. In this case you get a lot of foam for your buck for sure. 
Aesthetically speaking, Cafe 8 has a well worn look to it and the cafe itself is virtually open to the outside. Tables sit outside for the smokers or those who, um..want to breathe the smoke? Either way inside seating is a viable option. Note* What's on the menu is what's to be ordered. Period. They didn't say that, but I like to think that I can read people pretty well. For those who prefer their cafes to look super posh, this may not be for you. However, relationships are give and take  and this coffee is at a great price point(40-80 NT) with a large variety of items to choose from.

Address:

No 28. Lane 22 TianMu East Shihlin District Taipei City 111

How does it rate?

 Speed walk baby. 

* See also Centered on Taipei Link listed below-

http://www.communitycenter.org.tw/sites/default/files/documents/publications/cot/COT_201203.pdf

Sonnentor

I've been to this place quite a few times. In fact, when I had first moved here, it was my "go to" coffee place, which was pretty evident as the buttons on my shorts were becoming particularly strained. Bygones- I find their lattes to be scrumptious. The last time I went however, the latte tasted different, not as creamy or flavorful as I had previously remembered. I am ALL about second chances however and will chalk it up to a barista having a bad day. 

The cafe itself?-On a particularly nice day the outdoor seating makes for a nice quiet retreat to hang out with a friend or a good book if that's the company you're preferring.The inside has interesting artwork and the decor is tasteful and warm. I love a cafe that "invites" its guests in- this is one of those places. NOW. Let me get down to the coffee  and note ** this is in regards to the multiple positive experiences I have had. I will say that if you're in a rush for a cup of coffee, go to 711 because as I have found, perfection takes time. The latte is brought on a charming wooden plate of sorts (I'm a sucker for presentation) with a little glass carafe of flavored liquid sugar, which in my case was hazelnut…my favorite.MMMMMM. In my opinion, pour (all) that liquid scrumptiousness into your latte and settle in for a treat. It's pretty filling, so getting the corresponding tea time treat may be over the top....for some. No judgements please. Seriously Heavenly.

Price point? The lower end of high (120NT-180NT) but worth the price every now and then. Yes. Sacrifice a coffee from the chain and buy 1 from here. You won't be disappointed. Oh and did I mention that the coffee is Organic? Bonus.

Address- 

No 6. Alley 18, Lane 38 Tianyu Street ShihLin District Taipei City 111

How does it rate? Well-Assuming that one incident was a fluke....

*See also : Centered on Taipei link listed below

http://www.communitycenter.org.tw/sites/default/files/documents/publications/cot/COT_201203.pdf