Bear Pond Espresso

Life is Bear Pond Espresso
Believe the hype

I found myself spending too much for an Uber to get coffee and lunch.

The first stop is Bear Pond Espresso.This little mythical coffee place as been around for a number of years and have gained notoriety for Katsu Tanaka’s quirkiness and temper.

The day I visited, I found a half opened shop past it’s advertised 10:30 am opening time.

  
Feeling a little frustrated, I walked around the Neighbourhood to find a charming little corner away from Tokyo central.

   
   
After a brief 15 minute walk, I see the man himself opening his shop. I followed the first customer in to find a grumpy barista tuning his machine.

Respectfully I ordered a cap and a bag of beans. His no photo policy probably helped me appreciate his process of extracting coffee.  Tanaka pulled two shots from his naked portafilter through the La Mazocco and chucked it, not satisfied with the espresso. The third shot found itself into my takeaway cup.

  
I was glad he opened just in time. The cap is probably one of the most layered and complex cap I’ve ever had. It had distinct nuttiness and a hint of vanilla. Truly a masterpiece from a coffee standpoint.

   
 
It’s easily forgivable for his temper and quirkiness but perhaps it’s not for everyone.