The cappuccino at Restaurant Mediteran in downtown Lansing.
Believe it or not, there was a time when the cappuccino was not nearly as popular as it is today. This is perhaps best showcased in the oft-forgotten 1991 film Hudson Hawk. When Bruce Willis is let out of prison at the film's start, his buddy, Danny Aiello, asks "Do you still have a thing for those unmasculine European coffees?"
Eighteen years later, even the most masculine of men line up for a cappuccino on a daily basis. Thus proving Hudson Hawk was ahead of its time. OK, maybe not. But back to the task at hand: where to get a great cappuccino in downtown Lansing? A great place to try is Restaurant Mediteran, located at 333 South Washington Square. The sign out front boasts "authentic" Italian coffee, making it stand out among downtown Lansing's other coffee options.
The cappuccino is flavorful and difficult to stop drinking (although the hot temperature does help one pace them self). A chocolate swirl decorates the top of the foam, adding a bit of sweetness to the strong coffee drink. For those that don't know, cappuccino is made from espresso--a much stronger coffee. From Wikipedia:
espresso is a concentrated coffee beverage brewed by forcing hot water under pressure through finely ground coffee.
'Nuff said. A good cappuccino will make the drinker rather hyper (unless they have a tolerance built up). Think of espresso as coffee on steroids. One can espresso by itself (also available at Restaurant Mediteran), which is served in a very small cup--and that is all one usually needs. Speaking of cups, Restaurant Mediteran follows tradition and serves their cappuccino in porcelain cups, instead of paper such as on-the-go coffee places use. There won't be too many patrons getting their coffee to go at Restaurant Mediteran, this is a place one goes to savor the experience as well as the flavor.
The price is $2.25, which is on par with the other coffee shops and cafes downtown, as was the size for that cost.
The greatness that is Restaurant Mediteran doesn't end at the coffee bar. The food there is great as well, and will be featured in future articles. There is a reason folks wait in line to eat at this place (TIP: if you're going for lunch, call ahead and make a reservation).
Comments
can't wait to try this place!
Next time I am in downtown Lansing will try this place.
Definitely good coffee at Mediteran. Even better with one of their yummy desserts. But my go-to downtown coffee (and cappacino) is always Deckers. I think my all-time favorite cappacinos are from the kiosk at MSU's Biomedical & Physical Sciences building. I know, random.
@Emily - I plan on sampling cappuccinos at other places 'round town, and Decker's is on the list. I may have to make a field trip out to MSU and try the kiosk--it'd make for an unique story :)
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