We live in a world filled with biscotti. Some good, some not so good, and others that redefine what the future could be. If you’ve ever had the opportunity to take home a box of biscotti from Chef Suzette Gresham’s at Acquerello in Oakland you might know exactly what I’m talking about.
Well, now you can try this biscotti—in latte form—at The Caffè in Oakland now until the end of the year. In another entry to The Caffè by Mr. Espresso‘s Chef Collab drink offerings, The Almond Bisco-Latte pairs the talents of an esteemed chef with the delicious coffees and barista craft. The future is bright!
We spoke to the team at The Caffè by Mr. Espresso to learn more.
What inspired the creation of this drink?
Chef Suzette Gresham’s biscotti are well known to anyone who has dined at her San Francisco restaurant, Acquerello, because an elegant box of these treats appears at the end of every meal.
When Luigi Di Ruocco, co-owner of Mr. Espresso, asked Gresham to create a drink for the Chef Collab at The Caffè by Mr. Espresso, she wanted to bring her signature biscotti to a coffee drink in a unique yet accessible way. To make the base for the drink, Gresham crushes her housemade biscotti and allows them to steep for a minimum of 24 hours in whole milk before straining and then adding even more almond products.
Who created it?
The drink was created by Chef Suzette Gresham in collaboration with Mr. Espresso co-owner Luigi Di Ruocco.
Are there any unique or locally sourced ingredients used in this drink?
Acquerello’s housemade biscotti. The Caffè by Mr. Espresso is the only place outside of Gresham’s Michelin-starred restaurant where you can try these biscotti.
How did you work to balance the flavors and create the perfect taste profile?
Gresham tested several versions of steeped biscotti milk before she found the perfect cookie-to-milk ratio. She added almond paste and almond extract to accentuate the almond flavor, creating a unique coffee drink that tastes like a biscotti in liquid form.
What kind of coffee is used in this drink?
Mr. Espresso’s Tuscan Espresso.
Does this drink work as both hot and iced? Did that influence the recipe?
It is intended to be served hot, mimicking the Italian experience of dunking a traditional Italian almond biscotti cookie into an espresso.
How much does it cost?
7.50
Thank you.
On The Menu is an exploration of the best, most beautiful, most delicious and thought provoking original signature drinks on cafe menus worldwide. Presented by DONA Teas & Tisanes.
