I first tasted of the rice… or espresso, in Chattanooga over Spring Break. My friends and I spent the day hiking in Cloudland State Park before driving into town to a coffee shop called Milk and Honey. The accent walls were a deep yellow, and the rest was covered in honeycomb black and white tile. Milk and Honey is located just a few miles from The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, so I could see the appeal to get off campus and go to an environment like this one.
The venue was very small and welcoming, but all the desirable booths were taken. The few bar stools were crowded with college students, and no one sat outside because it was freezing.
Their small pastry case displayed gluten free cookies and vegan cakes, which both my gluten-intolerant and vegan friends were thankful for.
I noticed their specialty was the Milk and Honey Latte, and when I asked the barista what was in the drink, she replied, “milk and honey and espresso.”
Oh.
I ordered an iced latte, which the barista thought was “super cool, dude.”
Overall, the vibe was cool and the people were nice. But the espresso was sub-par and I wasn’t blown away by my latte. Now, I do work at a Starbucks and so I’m used trying lots of coffees and espresso. But, this espresso was weak and watery. I have had better lattes that I made while asleep on bar at 5 a.m. during my shift. That sounds harsh, but your palette is more attuned to certain tastes and flavors when you drink it more regularly. This espresso had a burnt aftertaste and no real punch.
I liked the scene, and I thought the decor was clever. But, I would look elsewhere for a latte in Chattanooga.
