459615 Sun Nov 11 22:16:34 -0800 2007 1 10 Florida 0 3116254 I just wanted to post a review of a new coffee shop/eatery in town.... Despite the odd name, I have a strange, mixed affinity for this place. The Drunken Monkey is located on Bumby between Colonial Drive and the 408 (by Beefy King). First of all, they roast their own coffee and it is extremely good. It is full of flavor, but not too acidic/too bitter, and it has a "chocolate" undertone that gives it this wonderful depth. I also enjoy their wide variety of loose leaf teas - the Pumpkin Spice is great for a cold(er) fall day. They also offer a great assortment of dairy/nondairy creamers as well as sweeteners for their drinks. Also, having spent many guilty moments staring at the pile of plastic SB cups in my trashcan, I heartily appreciate the compostible cups that the Drunken Monkey packages its drinks in. But, there are certain details (some small) that I think are being missed. First the biggest one, I have ordered some wonderful snacks, and some that were just dissapointing -the most recent, a carrot cake scone that was so redolent with cloves and cinnamon and real carrots that my mouth was watering before I even bit into it... until I bit into a scone that was still raw on the inside. Also, while I'm not looking for Starbucks-style efficiency, I think their service staff could be faster and much more knowledgable about the products they are selling. The first improvement being that their checkout system is really slow, and their process doesn't seem to hold up well when a line forms at the counter. Namely because drink backups are recorded by having the cashier write the entire order in a record book, which can take a *lot* of time in a coffee shop. Nevertheless, someone in the store obviously cares about the style and execution of the food because great attention paid to both the menu and the recipes, and the quality of the "coffee shop" menu items is exetremely high. Sun Nov 11 22:16:34 -0800 2007 88792 jazzy77 1 3118958 I went to Drunken Monkey about a month ago for a quick lunch. I haven't written much about it here or on my blog, well, because I don't feel much at all for this shop. Living just a few blocks away and passing it on my way to work everday, I enjoyed seeing the remodeling process and was excited to try it. I agree with what you said, it really is about the details. I think the couple that owns it either has little culinary experience or really just got in over their heads. Also, I agree that it was very disorganized and slow. I consider myself a lover of tea, but when I had the Pumpkin Spice (iced) it was flavored with a not-so-good tasting syrup (my companion witnessed them making it). I couldn't even finish it. My turkey sandwich was quite tasty, but my friend's blackbean burger (with heavy cumin) was served on a rosemary focaccia. I wish I could erase the bite that I took from my tastebuds forever. Again I agree about the dessert-it seems it is really not their strong point. I had a slice of an orange pound cake that was also not cooked in the middle!!!! Lastly, a few days ago when I was driving by I saw one of the cooks sitting by the front door smoking. In my mind this is never a good sign-he could have at least gone around to the back of the building. My plan is to wait a few months, maybe into next year and then try it again (if they are still open). I think it has great potential and hopefully by then it will be meeting it! Mon Nov 12 17:11:01 -0800 2007 3116254 118345 katygirl