Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf • Lake Forest

I call this a typical chain-store Cafe Con Leche* disguised as a cappuccino. With a little effort in training and motivation, chain-store Baristas could be successful coffee artists. For some reason, it is unusually uncommon to find a true espresso specialist in a chain-store coffee shop. It can be compared to finding a great hair stylist at Supercuts - rare and inconsistent. ::em::

*Cafe Con Leche - a typical sweet coffee drink found often in Central America that is essentially warmed milk and coffee in a 50/50 ratio.

Con Panna • Chapman Coffee House

I don't know if it was the barista on duty, or just the need for caffeine on a cool California night, but this Con Panna hit the spot! If you love good espresso with a creamy sweet cap, try this two dollar drink. Served in classy matching cup and saucer, perfectly pulled single shot of espresso topped with delicious whipped cream (sweetened with vanilla), Chapman Coffee House's Con Panna is a nice final taste for any evening. ::em::

Panera at The District Tustin, CA

Panera's cappuccino is described as espresso and steamed milk "capped" with foam. Not a traditional approach, but it seems to work for this food chain. The foam seems to be well frothed, but little attention was paid in making this typically artful drink. Some automatically pulled shots tossed in the bottom of a ceramic mug and filled to the brim with frothy milk was all it took. The presentation was decent, but quality definitely lacking. The drink tasted mostly of milk. I see a little tan color, which lets me know that there is some espresso somewhere down there - a far cry from its Italian namesake, Panera's cappuccino is hardly worth the $3.75. ::em::

atmosphere * [elevator music and cafeteria style dining ... need I say more]
functionality **** [tables, outlets and free wifi]
cappuccino

Felix's at the Orange Plaza

An excellent choice for any time of day, Felix's in the Orange Plaza offers Cafe Cubano, served quick and fresh. Pairs well with any Cuban style apetizer and conversations with loved ones or alone with your thoughts. Definitely a winner. ::em::

atmosphere *****
functionality* [no wireless]
cappucino****

OnCampus: 'The Loop' at Life Pacific College, San Dimas, CA

My double cappuccino with caramel drizzle arrived in a non environmentally friendly 'insulair' cup. After a few minutes, the foam still held its resolve to support weighty caramel syrup. The drink was extremely hot, so I waited a few more minutes. Let's hear it for strong foam! The espresso was pulled long (not intentionally), and left a lingering bitter-tasting film on the top of my tongue making me wish I had gone ahead with little flavored syrup. Approximately ten minutes later, the caramel has mixed with the milk and coffee. Not bad. A decent alternative to dorm room drip.
Quiet, cozy student oriented atmosphere with quality sectional furniture and pool table. Ideal for small group study sessions and quiet reflection. Free wifi. ::em::

atmosphere *****
functionality ****
cappuccino **

Find more information at www.lifepacific.edu.

Double Italian Cappuccino • Chapman Coffee House

Presented beautifully in a six ounce black cup with white edging, sitting on a matching saucer. After sitting for about five minutes, the edges turned a dark brown with large bubbles forming, indicating highly potent espresso. This can be the result of two things. One is that the espresso may have been pulled as a longo shot, increasing it’s exposure to steam and bringing out a more rounded, full experience. The other is that the roast itself may be very dark. True to taste, upon first sip, I experienced the full bodied espresso through the milk. This is the way a capuccino is meant to be served. Although, in Italy, the shots of espresso would be dumped and then topped off with frothy goodness on the bar, right in front of your eyes, rather than behind a counter, hidden by the barista's back. Having said that, if you like a dark coffee taste with the mild texture added by perfectly frothed milk, this cappuccino is for you.
My personal preference, is a full bodied espresso roast that is lighter and sweeter in taste than this. Although, I can always appreciate a well presented work of art. And that’s my favorite thing about this drink. :: em ::

atmosphere ****
functionality **
{ i had internet issues - i.e. i could not get to my blogspot :( }
cappuccino ****