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Sadly, the historical Caffé Malvina - a mainstay of SF espresso and the beat poets since 1956 - closed down in 2004. (This was likely due to a family getting out of the business after many years.) In its place sprung up this eatery, which leans far more towards a formal restaurant. They maintained the interior design, save for only seats at the bar, and added dim lights, artwork, and acoustic music nights. In place of the old La Carimali machine is an even older big brass Elektra dome machine - which typically looks a lot better than the espresso it produces. The cup has a pale ring of super thin crema, and the staff serve it with a fresh lemon rind dunked right into the beverage (!). Once removed, you notice it has a thin body. Yet a little more flavor complexity shows through - even if it is merely warming mild pepper and spice. Served in traditional brown, thick-walled Nuova Point cups.
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