In a city like Paris, where appearances often trump authenticity, the reality can be a hard pill to swallow. A connoisseur's palate, be it for food, gelato or coffee, may not always find solace here. From the elaborate facade of French cuisine to the overpowering scents designed to camouflage a lack of hygiene, it can feel like a smokescreen, a delicate veneer over mediocrity.
This sentiment echoes in the world of Parisian coffee as well. Boutiques strewn with a parade of "alternative" milks can be a red flag. Are they genuinely catering to diverse dietary needs, or is it a clever ruse to camouflage an inferior brew? An unwelcome taste often lingers on the tongue long after the allure of novelty has faded.
Among the many coffee shops I tried, Kawa was one. Known for its quality beans, I had high hopes. But as is often the case, a good bean doesn't guarantee a good brew.
Many insist on the euphemism "over-extracted" for a poorly prepared cup, a polite way to label a bitter experience. They say it's subjective, that one man's over-extraction is another's perfection. But let's call a spade a spade. If a cake is burned, it's burned. It's not "over-baked." It's not "not to my taste." It's a culinary disaster. And so it is with coffee. If it's burned, it's a bitter betrayal, leaving your mouth dry as a desert, and a nasty aftertaste that not even a liter of water can wash away.
Kawa offers quality beans, but do yourself a favor - enjoy them at home. There's little pleasure in paying for a poorly brewed cup.
A good barista knows the importance of feedback, appreciates it even when it's not flattering. But when your honest critique is met with disdain, it says more about the place than it does about your taste. Consistent disappointment is a warning sign, one best heeded.
If your coffee quest is more about getting a photogenic cup for your Instagram feed, then Kawa might suit you. If you're all about loading your coffee with sugar and cream, you might overlook the bitterness.
But if you treasure your taste buds, if you care for a quality brew, Kawa is a disappointment. Do your senses a favor - walk on by. Let the Parisian streets guide you to a more satisfying coffee experience.