There's a bundle of coffee options at the Central Markets, but today's winner was cafe Zuma. Before ordering I spied an oversize latte in a milk-shake glass, that brought back memories of weak milky coffee made from a plunger, so it was with some hesitation that I ordered my usual daytime choice in coffee - the infamous double shot latte. Some call it a long macchiatone, or a double macchiato with extra milk, or a double flat white in a glass, or that pretentious person's prerogative - whatever you call it, it's a regular double shot, with a decent slosh of not too frothy milk. All too often when ordering, you end up with a single shot that has been over-extracted (... you asked for more coffee, didn't you?), or a sloppy double shot that has been half packed, or left in too long with an extra burnt edge. But, not this time! Whoever was behind the machine at Zuma this morning deserves an award. If I was the tipping type I would have gladly thrown some gold coins or even a note or two their way. My double-shot-latte was exactly that. A full strength double shot, perfectly packed, not over-extracted, not burnt, it was the baby bear of coffees - just right. If I had to make a criticism it was a fraction too hot when it arrived, but not so hot that it was undrinkable, but being male makes me less heat tolerant to hot coffee than the fairer sex (scientific fact, apparently). Presentation was nice too, a fleur-de-lis which was a cross between a crown, a spade and a love heart, pierced with a dagger - that's what I dig, fresh earthy coffee made with love.
The coffee had a super rich flavour with a nutty undertone that lingered on the palette for some hours after. Perfect if you have a hangover, or need a kick-start to the day. Not for the feint hearted or those on hypertension medication. Remember to have a glass of water with your coffee.
Zuma score a big fat 4 out of 5 stars! Try it, you'll like it. If the same barista is at the controls and you know what you're asking for, you won't regret it.
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