Stella’s, Old South Pearl
Stella’s is charming little coffee shop in a renovated cottage, quietly welcoming students, professionals, artists, eclectics, bohemians, and modest folk.
I find such comfort in small old towns. Old South Pearl is a little village within the city of Denver. Somehow, it manages to hide itself in the folds of trees and nostalgia – only blocks away from the bustle of Broadway. There, it cradles a particular treasure. Stella’s is charming little coffee shop in a renovated cottage, quietly welcoming students, professionals, artists, eclectics, bohemians, and modest folk. On this particular Wednesday evening, the sun shone warmly through breezy clouds, alighting on the afternoon crowd. People of all shapes and sizes spilled from the door, across the patio, and through the garden. In search of a place for twenty people to meet, I had remembered Stella’s. Though it looks small, there are several rooms for studying and gathering, some of which can be reserved. A good place to congregate in the city is surprisingly rare.
I asked the barista for a coffee suggestion, and found it surprisingly difficult. She could not recommend any unique coffee drinks. The one thing she suggested was tea, but that didn’t meet my requirements. Finally, she mentioned the Florentine: half drip-coffee, half hot chocolate. That seemed to be the most unique of the options, so I went with it. Knowing that I would probably be disappointed with the offering, I decided to do something new. By popular demand, it was time to try a double espresso. I don’t know why it hadn’t been recommended by any baristas yet. Perhaps it is not considered a popular drink or a delicacy. Perhaps they only expect true caffeine fiends to like it. I don’t know. What I do know is that I’m going to have to get used to it eventually!
I don’t know a lot about espresso, but I’ve heard that its not meant to be sipped. So, in accordance with tradition as I know it, I took a huge gulp. Oy! My tonsils thought I had just given them a death sentence – a fight to the finish! The taste overwhelmed me for a good minute before it faded enough to actually taste what had just been swallowed. I have noticed that most coffees cannot really be tasted until after the first swallow. That’s not the case with double espresso. I could taste it almost before it touched my tongue. It was as if my mouth knew what was coming and tried to run away. Ack! I couldn’t even think of the words to describe it.
I knew I couldn’t wait too long to drink the rest, or I might lose some effect. The rest was gone with one additional gulp. I sat and pondered - with as calm a face as I could muster – the affects I was tasting. Finally, this is what I decided. I imagined I was a dinosaur. I’m running around, eating stuff, smelling flowers, chasing giant bugs, and suddenly a giant meteor hits the earth directly at my feet. The world turns black. I’m laying at the edge of a giant crater filled with fire and fury. The blast was immense. All living things are dead or nearly dead – as am I. I open my mouth and with a rasping croak I lick the meteor-charred, lava-encrusted earth before I finally close my eyes on my way to the great tar pit in the sky. I’m pretty sure that’s what double espresso tastes like. Hahaha.
At this juncture, I must issue a series of addendums and apologies. I’m sorry I do not yet like espresso – I will continue to try. No, I do not believe traditional scientific theories about dinosaurs. Yes, I am funny… at least I think so. So there.
The Florentine was exactly what I had expected, unfortunately. In combining the coffee and hot chocolate, neither one was done any due justice. It was too weak to be considered either. I drank the whole thing, but only because I was thirsty, nervous, and had nothing better to do. I would not really recommend it.
I would however, recommend Stella’s. Looking at their website, I was surprised that the barista did not say more about their coffee, which is roasted weekly by Pablo’s Coffee. I don’t think I’ve tried Pablo’s coffee, but I will do so again when I have the opportunity. So much of what a coffee shop means to me is about atmosphere and the opportunity to spend time with friends. After a full, enjoyable evening with people I love and care about, I had no complaints when at last Stella’s door closed behind me.
ORIGINAL COMMENTS
Anonymous, June 24, 2011 at 10:00 PM
Espresso - still the ultimate coffee experience! A double espresso made with great espresso beans is still my favorite. I too hope that someday you will come to appreciate and savor a fine espresso. I do not gulp an espresso, I sip it as someone might a fine wine. - Lonnie
