169067 Mon Dec 01 13:06:17 -0800 2003 6 14 Washington DC & Baltimore Area 0 904964 Murky's cafe (an unfortunate name, i know) is on 7th St., SE, right near Eastern Market. Up till recently, they had a tiny coffee bar on Wisconsin Ave. in Georgetown--literally a hole in the wall--now gone. The Georgetown place consistently had the best cappuccino I've had in DC. The cafe on 7th St (formerly Stompin' Grounds)has been rearranged to great advantage, primarily the addition of more tables and the deletion of large couches and chairs, so more people can hang out there, open their laptops, etc. When the owner is in the place, the cappuccinos are great. When he's not, they are terrible. Anyone else experienced this? Perhaps the owner, who I know takes great pride in his espresso drinks--rightfully so when he makes them--reads this board. Mon Dec 01 13:06:17 -0800 2003 0 Pixie 1 904998 I've not been, but I live and work in the neighborhood. I think I'll head over there at lunchtime today -- any area Chowhounders want to meet up? Tue Dec 02 10:37:45 -0800 2003 904964 0 MrMoonPie 2 905001 Please have a cappuccino while you're there and give us a full report on your findings. Tue Dec 02 11:44:53 -0800 2003 904998 0 Pixie 3 905007 Or better yet, just a straight espresso. I was just there last week and it was one of the best I've had in ages (the owner was at the helm). I didn't realize their storefront place in Georgetown had closed. That's too bad. Tue Dec 02 12:57:15 -0800 2003 905001 0 butterfly 4 905011 I came, I saw, I ordered the espresso. Once again, I was disappointed. I think maybe I just don't like espresso--I've never had one I liked, though it always sounds like something I'd like. Nice space, though, plus I ran into someone I know. I'll go back. Tue Dec 02 15:35:40 -0800 2003 905007 0 MrMoonPie 5 905012 Thanks for telling us. Next time, try a cappuccino? Tue Dec 02 16:01:34 -0800 2003 905011 0 Pixie 5 905013 I stopped by Stomping Grounds/Murky last week after butterfly's review. It was indeed a great espresso. Great crema on top, no bitterness, but a great smooth and sweet flavor. Thanks for the rec. I'm surprised to hear that it is Mayorga, because I had this same espresso at the Silver Spring branch and was much less impressed. Maybe I caught them on a bad night--it tasted like the machine could use a good cleaning. Just goes to show how many variables are at work in making a good cup of joe.... P.S. MrMoonPie: I think there's an espresso gene. Either you have it or you don't. And be glad if you don't, because it's easy to become a hardcore caffeine junkie if you do... Tue Dec 02 16:02:30 -0800 2003 905011 0 mouse