Vic's

Vic's
251 W. 5th Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43201

This is the place where, back when it was called Victorian's Midnight Cafe, I cut my teeth on coffee and cafe culture when I was in high school. Back then it was just an espresso machine and a big drip brewer. Over the years the owner, Greg, transitioned his cafe into something that resembled any old bar. Now, under new ownership, it is more like the trendy Short North hotspots on High Street than the quirky vortex of weirdness it once was. Wine tastings and 60 beers compete with a relatively small assortment of coffees. My nostalgia notwithstanding, I gave it another go after a long hiatus.

Espresso

Beans: Cafe Apropos (just a few blocks away on 3rd)

Positives:
Served in demitasse.
Ground per shot.

Negatives:
Shot volume (about 6 ounces) was twice that of a normal double espresso.
Dissipating, faint crema.
Sour taste, hints of kalamata olive (This sourness is a problem at Apropos, as well).

Cappuccino

Positives:
Appropriate proportions.
Foaming of milk was very quiet.

Negatives:
Skim milk used by default.
Milk foam clung to cup; visible, albeit tiny, bubbles.
Sour espresso.

Drip

The organic Sumatra was great. Medium body with positive toasted nut/rice flavors. Very good indeed.

>Don't forget about the Barista Jam at Kickstart on Saturday!