(caffefiore.com) – Ballard
How I heard of this place: While I have seen the cafe in Ballard and had visited the Queen Anne location in the past, I first enjoyed the place that is Fiore when Ashley recommended it…and frequented it.
Type of cuisine: A cafe with espresso beverages, local pastries from Macrina and Mighty-O, Theo chocolates, as well as artisan breads and bagels with toppings.
Ambiance: Walking into the large establishment, patrons are greeted by the permeating fragrance of freshly brewed coffee and roasted espresso beans. Tall ceilings, equipped with wrought iron chandeliers and decorative glass-covered lights hanging down to brighten the tables. Hardwood floors and light colored wooden tables, accompanied by black chairs, complement the chocolate brown walls and ceiling. Windows line the exposed brick walls along the length of the space, as patrons make their way back towards the restrooms and child’s play area. Outside seating is available for drier, warmer days on the small back patio. Music plays at a comfortable volume in the background to allow for conversations in your party of ten, or for quiet time reading, studying or working from your third home. “We are grateful to have a business that can create a hub for the neighborhoods we operate in. Over time, each hub has created its own community and given our customers that “third place” that can make us feel more connected to our city and our neighbors. We encourage community interaction by providing community tables at all of our locations. We also have a small ‘kid corner’ at each location, helping parents have a moment to themselves while the kids play. Its our hope that Caffe Fiore becomes that warm and inviting environment that entices you to linger, while our skilled and friendly baristas keep you coming back for more.”
What I ordered: Ten of us sat around the largest, round table toward the back of the establishment, just beyond the bar and order counter, and each one of us enjoyed a Fiore treat with our guest of honor. I ordered a single eight-ounce Aztec mocha with non-fat milk (all shots pulled are served ristretto unless otherwise specified). Our guest of honor selected a double eight-ounce Aztec mocha with soy milk, accompanied by toasted rosemary bread and butter. Continuing around the circle, we had one order for an eight-ounce hot chocolate, a 12-ounce caramel-vanilla latte with extra caramel and extra foam, two 12-ounce non-fat lattes with orange zest accompanied by one croissant and one pain au chocolat, one 16-ounce jasmine tea and a sun-dried tomato bagel with cream cheese, one eight-ounce cappuccino with a side of apricot-walnut bread and butter, a 12-ounce vanilla rice milk latte with cream cheese and a cinnamon raisin bagel.
What I loved: I had only sampled my beverage, which had strong espresso flavor, light spice and perfectly glossy, creamy foam. I sampled the croissant, apricot-walnut bread and rosemary bread and enjoyed the three thoroughly. If I had to choose a favorite, I am surprised at myself to say that the apricot-walnut takes the cake. Flavorful, earthy, comfort.
Why I loved it: The atmosphere, the music, the friendly baristas and the treats from which to choose. Everything at Fiore is a win.
Cost: Average ($3-$5 per espresso beverage)