Taraccino Coffee, 224 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis

Taraccino Coffee is a quaint secret on E Hennepin, great in combination with the many bagel shops, restaurants and groceries neighboring.

The pumpkin orange walls are welcoming and enticing, but not as inviting as the barista behind the counter. The friendly face behind Taraccino Coffee has maybe been working at the shop for a while–not only does she know her imported coffees without a glance to the boards behind her, she knows what loose leaf teas are best, mixed.

Barista/Busser/Smile-bringer…they brew it all and maintain a cleanly social atmosphere. Prior to this visit I had the Black Forest specialty drink, consisting of chocolate, espresso and cherry flavors. Today's selection was an offering courtesy of the barista's mixing capabilities, Black Currant and Vanilla loose leaf teas. The aroma amazing, but slightly deceiving; the tea is not as potent tasting as the fragrance is.

After work hours Taraccino is a bit on the slow side; slow alternative in the background, spotless tables and bright artistic paintings along the sheetrock and brick walls. Unless one was to spot the one burnt out light bulb and the dingy green carpet, one would think the openness of the area was intentional. It left me bewildered.

Brownie, pumpkin and peanut butter bars, five kinds of cookies and freshly made gelato accompany Taraccino's limited selection of sandwiches. But then again, the imported coffee shop is connected to the Brueggers next door.

Cozy, friendly and convenient, but remember to bring quarters for the only anti-customer ingredient, street parking.

Review by: Sheena Miller

Posted: Wednesday, May 28, 2008