1847 Columbia Rd. NW
Washington D.C. U.S.A.
Fierce French historical icon Napoleon Bonaparte once quipped: “Women are nothing but machines for producing children”. Similarly, espresso machines are nothing but machines for producing coffee and when both work properly, things usually turn out pretty perfectly. It seems fitting then that my recent coffee at Napoleon, in the DC neighbourhood of Adams Morgan, was nothing short of perfection.
Naturally, in keeping with the Napoleonic theme I felt compelled to order a coffee that was both short and powerful. My current tipple of choice (and lone weapon against a bankable case of seasonal-affective-disorder looming somewhere in mid January’s snow and ice) fit the bill – a (short) macchiato.
Thanks to my kid’s ATV-style stroller preventing me getting through an impossibly narrow front door, I had to get a to-go cup. Considering the plush interior of the place I wasn’t even sure if they would accommodate my request, but I asked anyway and it was no problem. The room full of brunching young trendies made me wonder if the narrow door was actually a (seemingly successful) tactical ploy to keep the fatties outside. Seriously, this is a happening joint.
Down to the meat and potatoes – the coffee itself was stupendous. The milk foam presented as a thick, lush dollop which crested a beautiful golden-coloured crema. There was not a trace of the dishwashy bubbles that I despise in my drink. The drinking texture was unique for this part of the world; thick, silken and chocolatey on the front of the palate with a sweet nutty flavour on the back. There was absolutely no bitterness at all. You’ve heard of near-death experience, well by MCR’s definition this coffee was a near-sexual experience. It eclipsed anything I have consumed in Washington DC to date, and that’s saying something as there have been some very good drinks recently.
I’m a fussy bastard most of the time when it comes to coffee, but I can’t really criticize this one in any way. Just too bad I couldn’t sit down and have another one. 3 beans, no questions asked.
Beans: Lavazza
