SF cafe a whimsical treat
By Maggie Beidelman
SAN FRANCISCO -- Situated between Union Square, Chinatown and the North Shore is Caffe Espresso No. 462, a quaint and quirky bistro serving visitors and San Francisco natives alike.
The Parisian ambience of the nine-year-old cafe transports unsuspecting customers to the epicenter of France with just a walk through the glass double doors. An array of multi-colored bottles line the mirrored walls above the glass counters, which are filled with pastries and goodies baked to satiate any growling stomach.
The caramelized aroma of Italian roast coffees tickles noses as customers wait in line to revel in its smooth taste. "This latte is better than Starbucks," said one contented customer.
It's the aura of exotic richness mixed with a sumptuous assault on the senses that elevates this cafe above its corporate competitors. As the slogan says, Caffe Espresso is "A cafe for the jetset shopper or madcap art student."
Open daily at 6:30 a.m., the cafe serves breakfast until half past ten and provides a quiet atmosphere to "study by candlelight with relaxing music" until 10 p.m., according to the manager Krista Voisin.
The menu features delectable and decently-priced foods and drinks, including their steamy macchiato, spicy chai tea, array of colorful cocktails and a selection of Californian and European wines (priced at $5 per glass).
As for edibles, breakfast items include the daily quiche and housemade granolas and croissants. The rest of the day features everything from Asian chicken salad to sausage on creamy polenta cannelloni, and from roast beef sandwiches and Tex-Mex chili to snickerdoodles, biscotti and chocolate or butterscotch pudding parfaits.
"You can have a great cup of coffee, a great cocktail and pick up a second, third or fourth language," said co-manager Ben Grieser, referring to their international tourist clientele.
Located on the corner of Powell and Sutter Streets, the cafe includes outside seating for smokers. "And with so many windows, it's a great place for people watching," said Grieser.
So next time you're in the city, whether it be for an all-day shopping trip to Union Square or a quick visit to Chinatown, wander a bit out of your way and lose yourself in the tastes, smells and sounds of what one could easily mistake for a whimsical little bit of bohemian Europe.
Contact Maggie Beidelman at (408) 551-1918 or mbeidelman@scu.edu