Bellatazza Review

Today I am reviewing Bend's little gem Bellatazza. I have had more than one person tell me that Bellatazza is the best coffee they have ever had, one person even said it was "better than I have had in Seattle". Right...

Bellatazza is basically the cornerstone of downtown Bend (and by downtown, I am referring to the 6 blocks that take up Wall and Bond), with the nice outdoor seating and quick access to Drake Park.

I know that there are only a few Bellatazza coffee shops around (Tumalo, Bend, and Sunriver), but upon walking in I felt like there were thousands elsewhere in the world. It has a very corporate-chain restaurant feel to it. The professional signs, uniforms, and display cases really make it feel not oh-so-indie-cool. I hated it. Don't count on finding me hanging out much, unless I am with people, or in dire need of the free wi-fi.

Atmosphere is important and all, but its really about the coffee. Bellatazza has been won Bends best espresso blend 5 years in a row now, which must say something.

I ordered myself a cappuccino first, for not very cheap. To be completely honest, it was an amazing capp. The foam was made well, and tasted sweet. Not too bubbly, and not flat. It tasted really good, and really enjoyed it. I was suprised.

Onto the espresso, the hardest test... I ordered a doppio, for the low price of $1.95 (most places charge $2.00). Just watching the barista make the drink, I knew the results. It was awful. I didn't finish it. I took two sips and gave it back to the barista. I didn't want another.

I really wish I could tell you all the things wrong with the coffee, and how there was an awful flavor or aroma. The truth is, I couldn't even taste the sublities of the espresso in order to judge.

The shot was pulled far to quick, not allowing the water enough contact with the coffee, the grind was probably much to fine.

The misconception that people have, is that pulling a shot of espresso is as easy as pushing a button (and at some places it is), but there are a lot of technicalities that go into the perfect shot. The grind has to be just the right coarseness, and the slightest variable can throw the whole machine off. Even a change in temperature outside can throw the grinder off just enough. There needs to be just the exact amount of coffee getting contact with water, at the right temperature, for the right amount of time.

Bellatazza clearly doesn't pay attention to most of the fine details of pulling espresso, but in any drink of 3oz big you might not be able to tell the difference. I would go back for any sort of latte or cappuccino drink, but not straight espresso.

3.5 beans out of 5.