Caffe Pascucci Italian Coffehouse Opens First U.S. Location

The first American branch of successful Italian espresso beverage chain Caffe Pascucci opens today (on time!) near AT&T Park. One look at the menu will tell you this glamorous little shop is not your stereotypical Third Wave SF coffee haunt. Over 25 caffeinated offerings include proprietary creations with names like Paspuccio and Fraspuccio, many of which seem more like elaborate desserts than espresso drinks. The "Yogurt Cappucino," for example, layers a thick tangy yogurt mousse, fruit, chocolate and/or caramel sauce and whipped cream over one espresso shot. Italian Barista champion and lead barista Eddie Righi is currently schooling the staff on Pascucci's ways.

And as you may recall, the brand brought on local consultants Frank Klein and Chad Newton -- last seen together at Fish & Farm -- to help create the menu. So we now have the unique juxtaposition of Euro-style espresso beverages and a limited menu of foods with a hyper-local sensibility, like a BLT with Sonoma bacon and a chopped salad made with cage-free Sonoma eggs and Molinari's meats. Hours: Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday to Sunday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. As per usual, your early thoughts will be very well received.

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