In the city with "a Starbucks on every corner", The Pearl Cup, a newish coffee shop on happenin' Henderson Ave., seeks to set itself apart. And with sounds of Sigur Ros and Bjork streaming through the system's speakers and its "green" building, both in color and environmental practices, it does just that. This Wednesday I decided to try the famed Pearl Latte, D Magazine's "Best Latte of 2009", and see what this Pearl Cup place was all about.
Keep Austin Weird and Try to Make Dallas Weirder. The owners are two Austin natives and there is no disguising that factor. Small succulents as table decorations, local artistry on the walls, retro signage, doggie water bowls on the patio, bike rack out front and the list could go on. Inside, the number of people wearing skinny, vintage jeans and American Apparel outnumbers the number of white, Ikea Snille chairs. In the background, there are conversational murmurs of "Obama" and the sound of iBook keys clicking away. As I place my order for a Pearl Latte, I do not dare and ask for it "to-go"; please be carbon conscious and drink out of porcelain not plastic.
The signature drink was more expensive ( at $3.85 for the small) than I expected. Five minutes later - the barista seemed to have more interest in starting a conversation with the boy at the counter than starting my latte- a very generous "small" Pearl Latte appeared. It was served in a pristine white cup on an unproportionately large sauce; I love that! It was dramatic and had enough room to place the little sample cup of an oatmeal-cranberry cookie. Creamy milk, hints of baking spices, balanced with a deep roast espresso. A hint of Chai? It truly was unlike any latte I've ever had. Too rich (and expensive) to drink often, it is a perfect middle of the week treat. Next time, I will perhaps try one of their tempting sweets and the "Italian Cappuccino".
The Pearl Cup
1900 N. Henderson Ave.
Dallas, TX 75206
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