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Uploaded: Monday, November 23, 2009, 9:03 AM
Caffe del Doge opens at Palo Alto train station
Venetian-style coffeehouse to offer espresso to commuters after year-long installation in historic depot
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by Sue Dremann
Palo Alto Online Staff
Commuters can once again get a fine cup of java while waiting for the train in the cold autumn air.
Caffe del Doge, the Italian-style coffeehouse on University Avenue and a haven for espresso lovers, announced it will open a long-awaited second location on Friday, Dec. 11 at the University Avenue Caltrain depot.
Caffe del Doge owner Claudia Cornejo signed a contract with Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), which manages the depot, in late August 2008.
Cornejo faced a number of hurdles in opening the coffeehouse, since the building had been completely restored by VTA and Cornejo had to receive approvals from city historic architects.
The historic depot is on the National Register of Historic Places, and could be the only Streamline Moderne-style train station in California.
Cornejo plans for the cafe to be a community gathering spot, she said. The coffeehouse will also offer the Othello, a new beverage that layers chocolate, espresso, and cocoa-infused whipped cream that will only be served at the depot cafe, she said.
"When Caffe del Doge opens commuters will be able to enjoy a renovated cafe in a historic building. They will have the conveniences of refreshments and other amenities which the cafe will offer while commuting on VTA buses, Caltrain, and Stanford's Margarite shuttles.
"The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority is proud to be in partnership with Stanford University, the City of Palo Alto, Caltrain, and a local business owner in the opening of Caffe del Doge," VTA spokeswoman Jennie Hwang Loft wrote in an e-mail.
Lucio Lanza, a Palo Alto venture capitalist from Milan who frequents the first Del Doge for double espressos, said the new cafe has timelessness evocative of another, more elegant era.
"It reminds me of the old and grand train stations of Europe, which were refined places to meet and socialize. It's perfect for Caffe del Doge," he said.
"Caffe del Doge will restore the 'hub' to our train hub. Rather than act as a barrier, it will integrate the depot area between Stanford and Palo Alto," said Yoriko Kishimoto, Palo Alto City Council member and VTA board member.
The grand opening takes place Dec. 11 from noon to 5 p.m. at the downtown train station, 95 University Ave., Palo Alto. The public is invited to visit and taste free samples of coffee- and chocolate-based drinks.
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Posted by coffee nut commuter, a resident of the Downtown North neighborhood, on Nov 23, 2009 at 11:06 am While I LOVE the coffee @ Cafe del Doge- it takes FOREVER to order and get a cup! How on earth can this cafe service a train station of commuters who probably want their coffee for the train ride to work? On the other hand, given Caltrain's amazing ability to not run on time and cut service- maybe there will be nothing to do by wait and drink a fine cup :-)
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Posted by PandP, a resident of the Duveneck/St. Francis neighborhood, on Nov 23, 2009 at 11:19 am hehehehehe coffee nut commuter. very funny post. brought a smile to my face. :-)
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Posted by Gus L., a resident of the Barron Park neighborhood, on Nov 23, 2009 at 11:25 am Does your Doge Bite?
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Posted by Jim S, a resident of the Midtown neighborhood, on Nov 23, 2009 at 11:28 am That's Not My Doge
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Posted by Doge Disdain, a resident of the Ventura neighborhood, on Nov 23, 2009 at 11:32 am I used to visit the Doge downtown until I was ignored when it was my turn to order because a young ITALIAN speaking friend of the barista waltzed up and brazenly came to the front of the line! After his order was placed, espresso was made and the reunion chat was complete (many minutes later) I was given the last-in-my-lifetime opportunity to order.
I'd rather drink weak instant coffee made using the tepid water drawn from a public bathroom faucet than support the Doge.
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Posted by Chocolate Lover, a resident of the College Terrace neighborhood, on Nov 23, 2009 at 1:40 pm They make a wonderful milk based hot chocolate pudding I highly recommend.
Yum!
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Posted by Coffee great, slow service, a resident of the Community Center neighborhood, on Nov 23, 2009 at 2:47 pm Agree with "coffee nut commuter" comments. I only go to Doge if I have extra time on my hands, otherwise it's not the place for me. They could have many more return visits from me (and others) if they improved their operations. Otherwise, the coffee is first rate!
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Posted by Daniel, a resident of the Downtown North neighborhood, on Nov 23, 2009 at 3:25 pm Who let the Doge out (of University)?
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Posted by Irvin, a resident of the University South neighborhood, on Nov 23, 2009 at 6:08 pm Just provide wi-fi...it will be a hit!
Hmm, how about a tele'commuting' station??
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Posted by Crescent Park Dad, a resident of the Crescent Park neighborhood, on Nov 24, 2009 at 8:11 am Italian style espresso - that should tell you enough about what to expect for speed of service. Europeans never rush the cafe experience ... Not a bad way to go when you think about it.
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Posted by JFP, a resident of the Midtown neighborhood, on Nov 24, 2009 at 2:29 pm It's apparently not open when I catch my train.
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Posted by a coffee lover, a resident of the Duveneck/St. Francis neighborhood, on Nov 24, 2009 at 4:45 pm I love Caffe del Doge. It may not be the fastest coffee in town but it's the best, so relax, slow down and enjoy it.
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Posted by 50 year Palo Alto/Menlo Park/Menlo Oaks resident, a resident of another community, on Nov 24, 2009 at 10:14 pm I loved coffee nut commuter's funny comments too. A train station espresso bar sounds good. I guess I've had less than perfect service at Doge too. Once the coffee was even cold cause they forgot to call out our names. My friend went back and asked them to redo it, but I didn't wanna go through the line AGAIN. I wish they'd fix up Menlo Park's train station, give us a restroom, wifi, and good coffee. I am a long-time Menlo Oaks resident and walk up University all the time cause it's got a cooler vibe than Menlo Park. I wish you'd add Menlo Oaks to your neighborhood list... we are NOT Menlo Park and don't wanna be....
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Posted by Doge Fan, a resident of the Old Palo Alto neighborhood, on Nov 25, 2009 at 9:23 am To Doge disdain: The Eurotrash clientele cutting in line and rattling off in foreign languages are part of the entertainment at the Doge. You're right not to go there for an efficient cup of coffee.
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Posted by Bea, a resident of the Midtown neighborhood, on Jan 15, 2010 at 2:21 pm Had my first cup of coffee at the new train station location. Their coffee is great and I love the location. Finally, someone has restored the station. We have been waiting for years to see that happen!! If you want good coffee and also catch your train (or bus), plan ahead.
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