Local coffee shop has something for everyone

Scene

May 18

By Joanne Santomauro

Crema Coffee is my favorite coffee spot. Before I go into any more detail, you have to understand the struggle I faced when deciding whether or not to write this review: This café is my haven, safe study zone and place of retreat when the library feels overwhelmingly punitive and dismal. I risk inviting swarms of coffee-loving Santa Clara students and faculty to my sacred place — but alas, the coffee and food here is too good to keep to myself. So read this review, visit Crema, but please — not too often, for my sake.

Crema Coffee Roasting Co. is a family-owned coffeehouse, located on The Alameda about 5-10 minutes away from campus. It's easily spotted from afar — the outdoor seating area is dotted with bright orange umbrellas, and a sizable fire pit (which I have yet to see in use). Located near Chipotle and FedEx Kinko's, it's the perfect spot for the hungry, tired, workaholic academic.

Upon entering Crema, you will find a set of overstuffed armchairs, a television (which is rarely turned on), and a large selection of tables, one of which is about the same size as the tables in Orradre — great for spreading out books and articles for those big research projects. There is a small divider near the counter that sections off a quieter area with tables perfectly sized for the independent studier.

Crema has all you need for an entire day if need be. They offer a variety of breakfast, lunch and small dinner foods.

Highlights of the food selection include toasted blueberry scones and big oat bars. The blueberry scones are baked to perfection — with every bite you get this fantastic crumble-melt action that puts my grandma's brownies to shame (sorry Grandma). The oat bars are jam-packed with nutrition and protein that will energize you for the entire study session. Each morsel is a flavorful and hearty blend of oats, nuts and the occasional bit of dried fruit. Yum.

For the hungrier visitor, Crema offers a great selection of sandwiches. Also, Chipotle is across the street if you need a study break.

The baristas are cool. I mean, really cool. Once, I fell asleep in one of their ultra-comfortable armchairs. Sensing someone hovering over me as I dozed, I awoke to a smiling barista holding out a steaming hot espresso doppio topped with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles. Their kind gesture might have had more to do with me making the business look bad than actual generosity, but I appreciated it nonetheless.

You won't find any robotic, extra-wired, smiling baristas at Crema. They are friendly and mean it. Plus, if you order any food or drinks "for here," they bring your order to your table.

Of course, I saved the best for last: the coffee is divine. The regular house drip is bold and nutty, with subtle notes of cardamom or cinnamon. It does the trick without an after-bite and is consistently pleasant and satisfying whether you need a sit-and-sip or a quick wake-me-up.

I love black coffee and tend to stay away from fancy espresso drinks when I can, but somtimes, I'll forego simplicity for Crema's Mocha Borgia. A tantalizing blend of dark chocolate and orange extract, the Mocha Borgia is both familiar and exotic. As if the flavors weren't enough, they even top it off with a pinch of real orange zest.

Also on my favorites list is the toasted coconut mocha frappuccino. I'm big on well-blended drinks, and this is one of them. It's a great choice for those sweltering sunny days. Crema baristas take great care not to put too much of anything in their drinks, and this particular blended drink offers the right amounts of ice, coffee and flavor.

Overall, Crema Coffee is the best study spot near campus that I've found.

Contact Joanne Santomauro at jsantomoauro@scu.edu or at (408) 554-1918.

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