Maglia Rosa

Maglia Rosa is an espresso kiosk located inside West End Bikes.  The kiosk's name is Italian for the "pink jersey," which is awarded to the rider with the lowest aggregate time in Italy's premier bike race, the Giro d'Italia.  West End Bikes is in downtown Portland, and is an excellent place to go if you feel the need to spend $6,000 on a bike.  Maglia Rosa's pleasures are similarly stratospheric in quality, but much more affordable.

Using a fully tricked out LaMarzocco, the barista pulls exquisite shots.  Single origin only, from Stumptown Roasters.  The attention to detail is remarkable.  I commented on the perfection, and the barista's reaction implied that this was a matter of course and nothing else would be acceptable or even possible.  She generously shared her knowledge and I loved her intensity.  I later discovered that Maglia Rosa is owned by United States Barista Champion, Phuong Tran.

In a town where the quest for the very best coffee can seem close to blood sport, Maglia Rosa is a contender.