CoffeeBeer >> Double Shot Buzz >> Previous Coffee Columns >> Prezza
The first I knew of Prezza was from an ad in Now Then, the well-written monthly magazine about Sheffield life, culture, and other interesting aspects of reality. Advertised as an Italian coffee house, pizzeria, bistro, and bar which features live music, movie nights, and DJs, I decided to pop in for a coffee.
First checking Google Maps I thought it would be easy to find: just behind Division Street near Rockingham Street. But after wandering the Wellington Street desert, down past the Devonshire Cat and around the corner past Corporation, I began to lose hope of ever finding my pre-work caffeine treat. Finally, on an empty stretch of road, I spotted a single row of plain storefronts with no signage located across an intriguing pedestrian footpath and just opposite a kebab house. So I followed my curiosity with not much hope of success.
As I walked past the unmarked storefronts I passed a man standing outside one of them, and that's when I spotted the small PREZZA sign in the window. Eureka! I had discovered the coffee house, although I had neglected to bring a flag to plant on the spot.
The man smiled and followed me inside the funky art space which was still undergoing some plastering. The room on the left features a bar with beer fonts and an espresso machine. After ordering a double macchiato, which cost £2.00, I passed through the middle room filled with tables topped by towering candle holders into the room on the right. I seated myself on an inviting crimson sofa next to a roughly art-collaged coffee table. The walls are covered with three-dimensional tile art, and there is an appealing book-and-candle holder-filled alcove in the wall between the rooms. The decor theme seems to be funky mismatched furniture and candle holders, so I can imagine the candlelit atmosphere in the evenings.
My double macchiato was served in a large white china cup and was nicely presented with demitasse spoon. It could have been a bit stronger and less acidic to suit my taste, but it's not too disappointing considering the atmosphere of the place demands something not too pristine.
As I sipped my coffee I noticed the door on the far wall indicating that it leads to an outdoor seating area and to Henry's Cafe Bar. I suddenly remembered my walking companion Trevor and I having a pint in Henry's beer garden and wondering where the passageway off the garden led. Trevor had taken a quick peek inside and spotted somebody drinking a coffee at a table, which could have easily have been me having this double macchiato at Prezza. Could this be the doorway between >Double Shot Buzz and >Pint Pleasures?
I had to admit I was feeling a bit disoriented. But I did have a mild sinus infection with resulting lightheadedness. Would I end up in Wonderland instead of at work?
Speaking of surreal ideas reminds me of a recent e-mail conversation with my Bay Area friend: |
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