Elena and I did not get out for coffee this morning, due to a last minute trip to Appleton to visit her Great-Grandparents with her cousins. Instead, we went for dinner. So Sarah, Elena, and I all went to Tuvalu in Verona for dinner. Elena was very tired after a big day of traveling, so she was a little cranky but not screaming cranky.
Tuvalu is an all organic, free-trade coffeehouse and eatery. The shop is very kid friendly and even has toys for kids to play with while their parents get their caffeine fix. The walls are plastered with work from local artists, all of which are for sale. A great place to hang out with or without kids.
Along with dinner, I ordered a latte and a double espresso. I'm sure I will regret this later when I can't sleep, but I feel like I needed to in order to evaluate the espresso. The latte was decent, I had no trouble finishing it. A step up from Starbucks. The espresso was over-extracted and what is called "long". Probably 2 1/2 - 3oz instead of 2oz. This results in a bitter shot that lacks the body that espresso should have. Some people actually prefer this, as it tastes like an extremely strong cup of coffee. If you like this kind of thing, try ordering a lungo and this is what you'll get.
Tuvalu uses a Rancilio machine, I think it's the Classe 6. Nothing special about the machine, kind of low end as far as commercial machines go. The espresso grinder was a Macap M4. Interestingly enough, they use a Rancilio Rocky (a household grade grinder) for their drip coffee. Tuvalu features "Just Coffee" coffee from Madison.
I like going to Tuvalu, it is a relaxing atmosphere and I feel like I fit in there. I enjoy looking at all the artwork, which is constantly changing. It is very close to my house, and I don't have to drive downtown to get there. While the coffee is very good, it is not the best. But if your in the area, you won't regret stopping there. Their website is www.tuvalucoffeehouse.com/
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