Just as a family-owned vineyard preserves its wine-making expertise over generations, so has the Pascucci household passed down the art of roasting beans in the Montefeltro territory since 1883.
Instead of recounting the long history of this Italian coffee chain, however, we’ll jump ahead to the present and the brand’s latest overseas branch in IGC mall, Guangzhou.
Though all of Pascucci’s beans are roasted in Italy, patrons can choose an origin of harvest (Columbia, Guatemala, Brazil, Kenya, Peru or Costa Rica) and a style (hand-brew, syphon, cold-drip, mocha, French press or aero press). Prices range depending on what you pick (RMB28-108), with the most expensive being a Costa Rican mocha.
The day we visit, both the Columbian and Brazilian varieties are sold out, but the Kenyan hand-brew (RMB38) turns out to be well-balanced and pleasingly fragrant. It takes nearly 10 minutes to pour, however, so if you’re looking for a speedy cup to go, Caffe Pascucci probably isn’t the place.
It’s also not an ideal spot for breakfast, as the quality of premade cheesecakes (RMB29), muffins (RMB15) and sandwiches (RMB25-32) is on par with what you’d find at Starbuck’s.
Inside, abstract murals and a kind of biker-tattoo theme set the mood, with clusters of 70s-style orange and green leather chairs that would feel more at home in a college lounge.
The split-level interior is much larger than it appears from the entrance. In fact, we’re halfway through our coffee before we realize there are other laowai inside – a group of about six women – who are taking advantage of a secluded room in the back of the shop. Besides us, there are a couple well-to-do Chinese men in suits pacing back and forth, too preoccupied to even finish their espresso.
Would we come back? It depends. With so many decent coffee shops popping up lately, there’s no reason to head to the second floor of a ritzy mall for an average dose of caffeine. Caffe Pascucci’s main advantage is its spacious, quiet interior that seems conducive to holding interviews or semi-private meetings in the morning. The rest is unremarkable.
Price: RMB40
Who’s going: expat book clubs, Chinese businessmen
Good for: making private calls, a peaceful coffee break
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