I am always in search of the best coffee experience anywhere I travel. I used to work for Starbucks, and I used to hate coffee. But, that changed. And now, I make it a point to have a cappuccino or latte or something everywhere I visit. Why? Because the greatest things in life, the best moments, the best conversations happen over a hot cup of coffee.
I have yet to make my way over to France to get the ultimate café experience. Until I make that journey, I thought to try out a café while in Las Vegas. What better place to get coffee than in Paris Las Vegas? I mean, the french know espresso better than anyone. And this resort as close to Paris as I can get for now. Why not go all out?
Decision made. Now it was a matter of choosing the place. My friend and I settled on Café Belle Madeleine. I’ve noticed since my trip high praise from those who sampled their pastries and their gelatos. But I have a gluten allergy so pastries are out of the question. And I was not in the market for gelato that day. Espresso was what I craved so when I stepped up to the counter, I ordered a small sugar-free white chocolate soy latte. My friend opted for her first cappuccino…ever.
Orders placed, we paid for our drinks and eagerly awaited our anticipated caffeine rush. We were able to watch the drinks being made and soon after we were handed our order and we went to seat ourselves at one of the round tables and just take in Paris Las Vegas as we would on the street of Paris, France.
I blew across the lid of my to-go cup and took my first sip. Every anticipation of latte greatness disappeared immediately. The flavor was awful. The soy milk tasted like they burned it by heating it above the standard temperature for espresso drinks. I thought it was just a shot that ran too long, so the bitter flavor was overpowering everything else. I managed a few more sips before I gave up on it. Nothing improved it. It was just overdone and lacking the punch of a real latte. I ended up throwing it away and sulking back to the table to watch my friend finish off her cappuccino, which she ended up having to add cold milk to in order to truly enjoy it.
Needless to say, I was beyond disappointed. I understand I should have returned it to the counter and inquired if something else could be made instead, but I was so unimpressed with the drink that I didn’t even want to give Café Belle Madeleine another try. Unfair, perhaps, but I just couldn’t stomach anything else at that point. It turned my stomach and it took the rest of the day to settle it.
While Café Belle Madeleine may be known for their pastries, I highly recommend trying out somewhere else if you are searching for good coffee or espresso. My experience left me unimpressed.
I think I’ll leave my high expectations for espresso drinks in the hands of a real French café next time, and not at the whim of a patisserie in a Las Vegas casino. Lesson learned.
Epic coffee fail.
The Celiathlete 