Have a Taste of Italy at the Italian Coffeee Corner

Not to be an annoying stereotypical study abroad student, but study abroad was life-changing in multiple ways. But the thing I want to talk about today is food. How can you go back to American coffee and pastries after having them in Italy? Never fear, the Italian Coffee Corner is here.

The Italian Coffee Corner is located in Simmons Bank. Because of this, they are only open on weekdays from 8 a.m.3 p.m., which is why it took me so long to try it. But, I’m telling you, it is absolutely worth it.

I had a rare week day where I didn’t have anything that I needed to do, so I decided that it was time for me to try it.

It took me a second to find it, but there were signs in the building directing to the coffee shop. It had a very welcoming atmosphere. There was soft Italian music playing, and there were two very friendly Italian men running the shop.

There were so many pastries to choose from, but I knew I had to get one of their danishes, so I picked the blueberry and cream cheese danish.

One of the workers recommended their cinnamon rolls, saying that it was the best thing they have, so of course I had to try one. I also ordered a hazelnut (nocciolato) latte,

Story: Emily Wells

which was topped with whipped cream and chopped hazelnuts. My boyfriend ordered a latte and a maple pecan pastry.

Our order was brought out pretty quickly, and the worker insisted on bringing it to where we were sitting.

We decided to sit at the little bar looking out the window. I have to admit, the view left something to be desired, but the real view was the mug of coffee and the plate of warm pastries. Who needs scenery when you have that?

The blueberry and cream cheese danish had the perfect ratio of sweetness to tanginess. I am usually a little disappointed by cheese danishes because I find them to be too sweet, but this one was perfectly balanced, and the blueberry compote balanced the richness of the cream cheese filling.

The nocciolato latte had the stronger espresso taste that I learned to love, without being overwhelming. The chopped hazelnuts took a little getting used to, but I enjoyed them.

I also sampled a small bite of the maple pecan pastry and found it delicious. It was like a pecan pie with a croissant instead of a pie crust.

The cinnamon roll was fantastic. My mouth is watering just writing about it. The dough was closer to that of a croissant than a traditional cinnamon roll, so it still had that soft, gooey inside associated with cinnamon rolls, but the outside was more flaky. I ended up getting a little to-go box for my food. When we were preparing to leave and bring our dishes back up to the counter, the workers insisted that we stay put and they would get our dishes. They warmly invited us to come back again any time. The Italian Coffee Corner has happy hour from 12-3 p.m., where all items are 10% off. If you don’t get a chance to visit their downtown location, they have a location in Maumelle that is open on weekends as well.