Man oh man. \n\nAfter being surrounded by the Northern California craft coffee scene for nearly 4 years, I have a high bar for excellence. And Cartel delivers. \n\nFrom what I've experienced, when craft coffee expands to an airport, the magic is lost. In fact, when I left Sacramento this morning, the barista at my local craft-coffee-house-turned-airport-craft-coffee-house didn't know what a macchiato was, so I had to settle for sour-tasting espresso. \n\nBut I digress: Cartel was top-notch. I had the one & one, and, though the described macchiato was a bit more like a cortado, it was still an amazing treat during an otherwise grueling layover. And they serve it with a side of soda water to keep my palate in check; it felt like home away from home. Just at an airport, which is an odd, yet completely welcome, comfort. \n\nOn the way home, I have another layover in Phoenix, and I'm actually excited about it.
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