Photo by Elsa Hahne

Did you always like coffee?

New Orleans has become quite the coffee town; the bar’s been raised. Before Katrina, the coffee at Fair Grinds was good enough. Today, there is Cherry uptown, there’s Arrow on Rampart Street, there’s HiVolt, and a bunch of others I don’t even know about. And don’t forget French Truck and Pagoda. Solo is the downtown mecca, but for me, it’s no coffee until Jazz Fest.

Why on earth?

Because I become so habituated to it and I really need it to work during Jazz Fest. Sometimes I have four gigs a day. And I like changing patterns when I see them emerge. So I’m cutting out sugar and coffee for lent.

What’s the best cup of coffee you’ve ever had in your life, anywhere?

Probably the espresso here. It’s a trip having it in your mouth; it’s strong tasting and has a lot of nuance that comes with the length of the flavor, after you swallow.

Solo Espresso
1301 Poland Ave.
(504) 408-1377
soloespressobar.com