Where to find good coffee

[wineguy999]

... had to tell them not to add water to the flat white. They told me that's how they make them; they put the espresso in, then add water, then add milk.

How strange. I'd never drink a flat white, but even I know it's not an Americano with milk.

 

[SinPulgas]

Wait, are you saying you think Colombian coffee is bad? In that case, we have very different taste in coffee. You seemed to have misunderstood my point about flat whites. I've never been to Aus/NZ so don't know about their coffee, but if it's like the coffee here, I can only assume it's watery. Tastes aside, it is simply a fact that they add water here to espressos, which, in my mind, makes it NOT an espresso, and by definition makes it more watery.

Who adds water to espressos? It's a fact? Sources? (Apart from your personal experiences.)

Seriously, I'm very interested in knowing this. I haven't drunk coffee in the bodegones for years, because it's so terrible, but I don't find the coffee in places like Martinez, Havana, or Tienda de Cafe, for example, to be watery. I don't drink much coffee out because I have an espresso machine, but when I do, I don't find it to be significantly different from mine, and I know that I'm not adding water to my coffee.

 

[GreenEgg]

Who adds water to espressos? It's a fact? Sources? (Apart from your personal experiences.)

Seriously, I'm very interested in knowing this. I haven't drunk coffee in the bodegones for years, because it's so terrible, but I don't find the coffee in places like Martinez, Havana, or Tienda de Cafe, for example, to be watery. I don't drink much coffee out because I have an espresso machine, but when I do, I don't find it to be significantly different from mine, and I know that I'm not adding water to my coffee.

I haven't been in BA long, but so far, I've ordered espressos in a few different cafes, and what they gave me was not an espresso. It was a much bigger than an espresso and the coffee was far less concentrated, i.e., it had more water. I don't know if the extra water is because of the way they make the espresso or because they add water afterwards. In Juan Valdez today the barista told me from his own mouth that they add water when making a flat white. He said they put two espresso shots and then add water before adding milk, because otherwise there wouldn't be enough coffee. But in Colombia, they put two and a half espresso shots.

I will have to try Martinez, Havana, and Tienda de Cafe.

 

[SinPulgas]

I haven't been in BA long, but so far, I've ordered espressos in a few different cafes, and what they gave me was not an espresso. It was a much bigger than an espresso and the coffee was far less concentrated, i.e., it had more water. I don't know if the extra water is because of the way they make the espresso or because they add water afterwards. In Juan Valdez today the barista told me from his own mouth that they add water when making a flat white. He said they put two espresso shots and then add water before adding milk, because otherwise there wouldn't be enough coffee. But in Colombia, they put two and a half espresso shots.

I will have to try Martinez, Havana, and Tienda de Cafe.

Bear in mind that those places are big chains. They make a good cup of coffee, and I'm sure they're not diluting it, but if you're looking for something really special, those may not be for you either. But you can try them.

 

[Paige55]

I agree with looking for 'Cafe de especialidad.' Someone already mentioned LAB, Surry Hills and Borja. I'd add Cuervo, Olí, Meme, Rita, Crecia, Lattente, Negro and RVR Cafes to the list. I've had flat whites at all, and they were delicious. If there was water added, I surely didn't taste it and the drink wasn't watered down. I'm not a fan of the taste of Starbucks or Juan Valdez coffee in general, so can't compare, but all cafe's I listed above use local roasters (Fuego, Puerto Blest) and seem to take great pride in their jobs. For food, where have you dined? Buenos Aires has an amazing dining scene (though it may be the cost prohibitive to get to some of the better options these days, admittedly). Hope you stumble on something that suits you, it's a HUGE city, there is bound to be a coffee and food joint you fall in love with. In my 11 years here, I've found many. Happy searching!

 

[GreenEgg]

I agree with looking for 'Cafe de especialidad.' Someone already mentioned LAB, Surry Hills and Borja. I'd add Cuervo, Olí, Meme, Rita, Crecia, Lattente, Negro and RVR Cafes to the list. I've had flat whites at all, and they were delicious. If there was water added, I surely didn't taste it and the drink wasn't watered down. I'm not a fan of the taste of Starbucks or Juan Valdez coffee in general, so can't compare, but all cafe's I listed above use local roasters (Fuego, Puerto Blest) and seem to take great pride in their jobs. For food, where have you dined? Buenos Aires has an amazing dining scene (though it may be the cost prohibitive to get to some of the better options these days, admittedly). Hope you stumble on something that suits you, it's a HUGE city, there is bound to be a coffee and food joint you fall in love with. In my 11 years here, I've found many. Happy searching!

Food depends a lot on personal taste, of course. But I always like to eat where the locals eat. I don't like trendy or pretentious places (not that I'm saying that's what you were suggesting); I like simple, home-cooked meat and potatoes kind of food. And in Colombia the typical everyday food from a cafeteria-type place is a (very good) soup and plate with rice or potatoes, meat, avocados, plantain, and beans. It's all whole foods and they're actually good quality. I'd heard that Argentina was a meat-and-potatoes country, but from what I've seen, the typical food that locals eat day-to-day is empanadas, pizza, pastries, ice cream, pasta, and sweets. A diet of flour and lots of processed food. And it seems that the vegetables and fruit are not as fresh as in Colombia.

But other than the food and coffee, I love the city so far. It feels like a western city. I feel more at home here. It has a LOT going for it. I don't want to sound like I'm just complaining. I'm sure I'd be able to have a good diet here, but it would just take a bit of work.

 

[desde_Holanda]

How strange. I'd never drink a flat white, but even I know it's not an Americano with milk.

Amelia Cafe in Caballito, the coffee part of the menu. They also serve with almond milk. Nice place for breakfast or lunch.

 

[carride]

Food depends a lot on personal taste, of course. But I always like to eat where the locals eat. I don't like trendy or pretentious places (not that I'm saying that's what you were suggesting); I like simple, home-cooked meat and potatoes kind of food.

I'd heard that Argentina was a meat-and-potatoes country, but from what I've seen, the typical food that locals eat day-to-day is empanadas, pizza, pastries, ice cream, pasta, and sweets.

You are experience is accurate, though this is not the only type of daily food available. The Bodegón style restaurant serving classic older dishes. Perhaps that is what you can try, except the coffee. Even if some new trendy places have arrived claiming they are traditional with modern styles.

Herald favorites: bodegones around Buenos Aires - Buenos Aires Herald

A virtual tour of some of the best family-style restaurants scattered across the city and province

buenosairesherald.com

All Hail the Buenos Aires Bodegón

A reflection of the massive waves of immigrants that arrived in Argentina at the turn of the 19th century, these Italo-Hispano restaurants are brimming with character.

www.seriouseats.com

 

[Ronnie Hotdogs]

Why would you ever want anything other than a Cortado en jarrito by the way?

 

[devilclam]

I just went to the Juan Valdez today. It was pretty good though not the same as in Colombia. Also, I had to tell them not to add water to the flat white. They told me that's how they make them; they put the espresso in, then add water, then add milk.

I'm surprised about the food situation here too. It's not great. I know you have to make trade-offs. Can't have everything in one place. And the peacefulness here (compared to Colombia and Mexico), and the beauty of the city are worth a lot. Food is a pretty big deal though.

I am not sure if this is still relevant, but for anyone looking to buy good coffee beans that aren't Starbucks and aren't the insanity of Juan Valdez prices, Eurocafé is solid and fairly priced.