I am really excited because Caffè del Doge, the Venetian coffee bar and roaster, is opening their second US location at the historic downtown Palo Alto Train Station on Friday, December 11th. I will definitely have to bookmark this and visit the next time I am in Northern California.

I hope it is ok to paste this in from the press I received and also read on the Caffè del Doge home page:

"Caffe del Doge will hold a grand opening on Friday, December 11, 2009, from Noon to 5 p.m. at the downtown Train Station at 95 University Avenue. The public is invited to visit and taste free samples of its celebrated coffee- and chocolate-based drinks, including the Othello, a new beverage that layers chocolate, espresso, and cocoa-infused whipped cream in an indulgence that will be exclusively served at the Train Station."

If anyone in the area is able to attend, could you please tell us about it?

According to their web site, they already have one location in Palo Alto, on University Ave. I haven't been there, but I wonder if anyone else has. And will this opening represent a second location in PA, or is the original one moving?

- Roz

Roz - the website announcement clarifies that it will be the SECOND Palo Alto location. The one on University Ave. seems to have been there for several years, according to a review on Yelp.

Back in the 50's I used to take the train to Palo Alto to visit my orthodontist -- I'm hoping to have the opportunity to visit the re-purposed station, which the above announcement indicates has numerous preserved design details!

Judy

Yes, I have been to Caffe del Doge in downtown Palo Alto many times. It is in my regular rotation of about 4 local places I frequent for my early morning cup. The new location at the train station is an addition, the existing one remains open.

Initially baristas were brought from Venice to give the place an authentic touch. I don't think they are continuing with that but perhaps will bring people in to launch the new location. It has been pending many months due to the notoriously slow permit process for something like this.

Often there are Italian films playing on their overhead monitor with the sound turned down. For a while they were frequently playing a video showing their locations in Venice, delivery by boat, etc. Crowd here occasionally includes Italian speakers. The coffee itself is "smoother" than the others in my rotation, some might say weaker in taste. But delicioso!

Judy and any others inclined to try either place, let me know and I can meet you there on short notice! I'll probably pass on the grand opening but will give a report once I visit.

Has anyone gone to this Caffè del Doge? It's too far to drive from San Francisco just for coffee.

We are missing the cappuccino and latte macchiato from the Caffè del Doge on calle dei Cinque (Rialto).

Not yet. Their other cafe a few short blocks away is so much handier for me.

I visited the first location with Joan, Fred and their friends. It was wonderful!

Oh Palma, I have such fond memories of that day! And your photo is gorgeous. Thank you.