Menu - Cafe Espresso Experience

The food at Cafe Espresso Experience is exceptionally delicious, and the café plays an important role in supporting decolonization efforts. I’m truly excited ab... read more The food at Cafe Espresso Experience is exceptionally delicious, and the café plays an important role in supporting decolonization efforts. I’m truly excited about their commitment to reconnecting with traditional food systems and honoring the knowledge of the Ohlone community.

Our evening at the restaurant was a remarkable experience that went beyond just enjoying a meal; our tawwa-sii experience felt like an engaging storytelling ses... read more Our evening at the restaurant was a remarkable experience that went beyond just enjoying a meal; our tawwa-sii experience felt like an engaging storytelling session brimming with history, various perspectives, local plants, culinary knowledge, a quick traditional game, and, of course, delicious food! Our group was diverse, featuring a docent and educator who teaches local youth about the history of indigenous peoples and their plants, alongside a British national with limited familiarity with the local indigenous culture and history. It was a first-time experience for everyone, and we all left feeling genuinely impressed. There are many ways to approach the important task of sharing indigenous foods, and Vincent Medina offered us a contemporary and well-contextualized perspective on traditional ingredients, designed to appeal to modern palates. For instance, the hazelnut-milk chia pudding was sweetened with agave syrup and enhanced with aromatic vanilla. While it's unlikely that local people would have eaten something like this before contact, it's easy to imagine how much they would enjoy it today, given the opportunity to thrive in our contemporary global society. It’s no surprise that their elders insist on keeping the hazelnut-flour brownies on the menu—they’re a favorite for everyone! If you have the opportunity to experience this unique offering, don’t hesitate—run, don’t walk! We can't wait to return for dinner or brunch!