Review: Orchard Valley Coffee(Restaurant)

I am glad you like the place. I hope I was clear on the fact that I actually do too. So much so, that I am willing to be honest about what could improve in hopes that it will.

I am in there at least 3 times per week spending three to six dollars per visit, so I would hope that my thoughts about my experience there would earn me more than an invitation to go elsewhere.

Here are some things that I DIDN'T mention in my review:

I had in fact resolved to stay away from OVC, and did so for about a year.

I was forever nonplussed by the service, who besides the fact that I order the same two items almost every single day, often required me to come up to the counter and re-request a forgotten item that got lost in the toaster. Not a huge deal, and actually became a fun little game. (the forget-ratio ran around 5:1. Another sidenote: I am sure you can just walk up to the counter and claim they forgot your bagel/donut/muffin/fritter/etc. It happens so often, they'll hand it over without question.)

The espresso was always inconsistent, but after after my fourth or fifth espresso in a row that tasted something like a dirty ashtray I took the time to approach the former owner and tried to tell him that the espresso he was serving was often quite bitter. (Not just my observation, by the way.) He seemed rather indignant at the mere suggestion.

When it comes to espresso, there is no middle ground. It's either good, or unfit for human consumption. If there is something wrong with the roast, grind, preparation, machine pressure or temperature of the water, you will have a cup of hot battery acid. Maybe you could doll it up with milk, chocolate, whipped cream and flavory syrup, but there will be no fooling the straight-espresso drinker. Something was definitely wrong with their product. The disbelief or disinterest of the owner was off-putting to say the least.

Not that I gave two snots what he thought of me or my tactfully-offered opinions, the fact was the coffee was horrid, and I had no sign of hope for change, so I ruefully took my money to Starbucks, all the while wishing I could support a local business instead.

Last Summer, the offer of free wireless internet at OVC lured me in with the promise of careless, leisurely web surfing alongside my neighbors, so I came back with an open mind. The coffee had improved somewhat, and I concluded that I could call the place home again - warts and all. OVC was always a more comfortable and sociable place when you can find a clean table that does not double as a see-saw.

I still don't go there with my family. In spite of being owned by a family that also owns a bakery (Or so I am told) OVC's baked-goods are still often old and sweaty - especially on weekends. My wife still hates the drip-coffee, and the beans purchased there don't yield a satisfying cup of coffee compared to Peets or even Starbucks.

The recent change of ownership has a few changes: It appears they have gotten rid of some of the more surly presences that used to drag themselves around behind the counter encumbered by their numerous piercings. The place appears cleaner. The overall vibe is much better.

The music still sucks, but at least it's consistent.