Spacious is the first quality I noticed about this family-owned stand-alone coffee house on the fringe of downtown San Jose, Calif. Crema is one of those ideal spots for so-called mobile professionals to plant themselves for a few hours -- or even the whole day, if they so choose -- without feeling crowded.
Unfortunately for road travelers passing by on main thoroughfares such as I-280, I-880 or Highway 87 (closest in proximity), this shop is not the quickest or easiest option. But if time is on their side, they'll probably find it a worthwhile break from driving.
Located on The Alameda at Morrison Street, Crema knows a little about making fresh coffee, too. A full-scale roaster, owner June Tran prepares 17 types of beans and stores them conveniently in self-serve dispensers. Customers help themselves or ask for assistance from any of the shop's friendly employees.
Tran converted the former radiator shop in August 2007, saying it took "a lot of work" to transform the lot into what it is today. She and her husband then conducted extensive research, did a lot of coffee tasting and made a special trip to Idaho to nail down the finer points of roasting. They generally prepare fresh-roasted beans every other day, although the popularity of the espresso beans for the shop's many blended offerings requires a daily roasting, Tran says.
Tran considers herself "very lucky" that business at Crema has been on a slow but steady climb since its opening. Along with its regular stream of professionals taking advantage of the roomy seating and free WiFi (with purchase), the shop also serves surrounding college communities -- students and professors from San Jose State University, Santa Clara University, Mission College in Santa Clara and De Anza College in Cupertino, Tran says.
The moment you enter, there's no question it's a hangout shop more than a pick-up-and-run place, and Tran wouldn't have it any other way. It's divided into three separate spacious seating areas:
Front of the store. Large windows, eight two-person tables and a bird's-eye view of the daily morning roast.
Back of the store. A dozen or so tables (some larger for bigger parties/meetings), additional counter and stools (about 6-8) a big-screen TV and art-adorned walls.
Patio. Another dozen small tables under umbrellas spread out on stone tiles framed by flower beds, hedges and a lemon tree. Plenty of shade and set away from the street and sidewalk.
If you consider yourself a coffee connoisseur or you simply have a fondness for special coffee houses, this is one of those can't-miss spots.
Signature blend: Caramel Almond Royal (Vietnamese)Most popular drink: Toasted Coconut Mocha
Amenities: Free wireless connection with purchase (daily code is provided on receipt); big-screen TV; patio seating; self-serve bean dispensers; monthly rotation of art from local artists
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Crema Coffee Roasting Co.
950 The Alameda
San Jose, CA 95126
(408) 295-5690
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