Thomas E. Cara Ltd.

 

9

12

Randall T.

San Francisco, CA

The opposite of the general and banal, this highly specialized shop is a pleasure to visit and if you are fortunate enough to enjoy the unique humor and attention of it's proprietor Christopher, you simply have an appreciation for the way things should be, the way they could be, and the way they are less and less around us every day.  In short - I really do cherish the stubborn and specialized excellence of this place.

Whenever my schedule and their esoteric but consistent hours allow, I enjoy any chance to dish.  Such a rare pleasure to talk in a sophisticated way with Christopher about the machines, the beans, the biz, the neighborhood, while not being read as a snob for snobs sake.  Christopher, the snobs snob, is demanding, kind, experienced, patient, and informed.

Now that I think about it - this is my favorite specialty shop in all of San Francisco.  I'm reminded of interesting shops in Brussels, Geneva and Venice when I reflect on the focus of Thomas Cara Ltd.

p.s. he offers a custom roast.  It's delicious!  Thank you Christopher.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

0

11

Angeli M.

Redwood City, CA

I've had my La Pavoni since 1998 and Chris has done the tune ups every so often. It's as good as new after a tune-up. People gasp when they find out how expensive these machines are, but it paid for itself after the first year (compared to a daily latte at Starbucks). I get to enjoy great coffee every day, plus I love making lattes for my friends. Chris has always been wonderful and even gives great tips for where to eat in Ravello on the Amalfi Coast.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

0

1

Alan B.

Evanston, IL

I may be premature in adding this review since I haven't had service on my la Pavoni yet, but given what I've read in the previous reviews I thought it only fair to Thomas E. Cara Ltd. to relate what a great experience it was calling them--talking to Christopher Cara--and having a lengthy, informative and helpful conversation about my impending repair job. Christopher couldn't have been more cordial and willing to get to the bottom of my problem. I told him what i'd read and he laughed saying he only gets impatient with those who don't listen to him. Makes sense to me. The repair job will not be cheap but if the previous reviews are any indication, it will be thorough.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

0

69

M T.

Brooklyn, NY

This is the only place to which you should entrust your La Pavoni if it's sputtering or smoking or simply needs a tuneup. I've had my machine almost 10 years and it's had fuses, gaskets, bases, and heating elements replaced over the years. Christopher Cara is professional, knowledgeable, efficient and an absolute delight. Sure, he can be peremptory but that's part of his charm. I never leave there without at least one eye roll, an arm jab or a very sincere hug. And my machine always runs like a champ after it's been serviced. I love this shop!

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

8

36

chris m.

Madison, WI

I do own a La Pavoni machine and this man knows them inside and out. He has no patience for bullsh*t or pretense and yes, if he doesn't like you, you'll find out pretty quick. No, he's not for the thin-skinned...but fer crissakes, put down your Keihl's lotion and spine-up to the world you big girl! Find out what real coffee can taste like. These machines are an inexpensive way into the world of the best tasting coffee you've ever had.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

12

87

michael c.

Albany, CA

Yeah, so first off, the name of this shop is Thomas E. Cara, Ltd. and it is a shop that sells high end espresso machines, primarily lever machines such as La Pavoni. I haven't used them, nor intend to, as their hours are short and their services is snobby as all hell. Let's just say they didn't like my slacker (good) looks when I went in and priced my repair accordingly. But I'm still giving it 3 stars because others I trust have told me that they're great and it's good to know that a shop like this can exist in our fair city. Now if they would just mellow out a bit...

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

2

3

Belinda W.

Philadelphia, PA

I've always been a coffee snob and was ready to fork out some bucks for the real thing.  After doing some research, came across Thomas Cara.  Yes the hours are limited, but hey, when you have your own business, you can make your own hours.

Let me just say this was the best buying experience I ever had.  The shop owner was showing another customer how to use her Pavoni.  At first, I though what a lot of trouble to use a manual machine, but by the time I walked out of there, I had left a deposit for one!  It had to be ordered from Italy, and it was worth the wait.  The owner was a hoot, gave personalized service to everyone who walked in, and when the machine was delivered, made sure everything was in working order before I picked it up.  

Now my Bialetti is in the cabinet, and the Pavoni has it's own special table in the kitchen.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review