If you're anything like this reviewer, the experience of a freshly ground, aromatic cup of coffee is something that brings utter joy to the morning, or any time of day for that matter. Sometimes, heading all the way to Alexandria for a decent cup of coffee is well worth the 200km-drive. Brazilian Coffee Shop in Alexandria is a basic coffee shop located on Saad Zaghloul Street (in front of the Stock Market) in Ramleh; but it's not your typical café. Thanks to the open shop front, you might smell the delicious waft of coffee roasting before you even see the shop; walk in to experience an ultimate stimulation of the senses. Burlap coffee sacks line the high-rise walls, a boisterous coffee roaster works its magic in the corner, and dark bar stools with cream cushions line the window and the wooden oblong counter. Mirrors line one wall behind the counter, while florescent lighting bounces off the tunnel-shaped ceiling and counters with the green-and-white-tiled floor. While there is seating available upstairs in the newly remodeled area, the stand-up atmosphere downstairs creates an undeniable coolness. The staff take their Brazilian coffee roots seriously with their matching jerseys and smiling faces; ready to make you a cup. Your standard coffee options are on the menu, including a regular cup for approximately LE 8 along with espresso shots served in a slew of preferences including con panna, café au lait and latté. Due to this reviewer's obsession with foam and preference for the macchiato and cappuccino family, we chose a double-shot macchiato (LE 7), which comes served with a dainty dollop of foam, providing just the right amount of creaminess before your taste buds hit that bitter roast. For a simple twist of decadence, an almond-flavored cappuccino (approximately LE 11) is served with a perfectly subtle amount of fresh almond extract. The spot-on foam makes it that much better. Though it obviously focuses on coffee, Brazilian Coffee Shop isn't short on food items, either. The pastry case is filled with fresh pastries on a daily basis including croissants, pâtés and cakes starting around LE 5LE. For a cheap breakfast fix, stop by in the morning for their fresh toast or pâté and a cup of hot cappuccino for less than LE 15. So on your next trip to Alexandria, drop by this coffee place to catch, smell and taste its coffee magic for yourself. It truly is a delight! Best bit Great prices and service, tasty coffee and an old, nostalgic atmosphere. It doesn't get much better than this. Worst bit From the open street to the coffee roaster, things can be a bit loud. 360 Tip They open at 7:30 am, a great way to rise and shine! Address: 44, Saad Zaghloul Street, in front of the Stock Market and just before the Metropole Hotel, Ramleh, Alexandria , Egypt Telephone: 34865059 Open:7:30 AM- 10PM This article was contributed to Daily News Egypt by Cairo360, www.cairo360.com.
