Sunday, February 15, 2009

Espresso Royale -- Starbucks' Better Half

As a sign of the times, the Palateers counted at least 15 people in Espresso Royale working on resumes, but that didn’t stop us from enjoying our morning cup of joe. Hey, they had coffee during the depression, and with Starbucks charging a first born and virgin rights for a vente latte whipped cream explosion, we couldn’t blame the restless masses for taking refuge here. A decent cup of coffee can make a world of difference to the downtrodden, and not only that, the health benefits are undeniable[1].

The atmosphere was lively, we were jamming out to the Velvet Underground while looking at the funky wall art (it’s like a free concert and art exhibit at the same time). Over caffeinated baristas were also like a comedy act of sorts, adding in side comments whenever willing. Maybe it was this or the free internet (score if you are tired of paying out to Comcast!) that made Espresso Royale such an enjoyable café to spend a Thursday morning.

Skip the soup kitchen, the sunrise special sandwich (egg, cheese, bacon) is a steal. Even those suffering from malnutrition would relish a tequila sunrise (egg, bacon, jalapeno cream cheese) or whole wheat everything bagel with veggie lite cream cheese. If you scrap together enough nickels treat yourself to a brownie or piece of cake, bread lines take too long to wait in anyways.
White collar poverty may be reaching record levels, but that doesn’t mean you have to be broke, out of work without style, hitch a ride to Espresso Royale and give Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts the bird!

[1] Coffee helps prevent Alzheimer’s and dementia…but I forgot where I read that

Espresso Royale
286 Newbury Street
Boston, MA 02115
www.espressoroyale.com

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