Matcha Cafe Maiko

Thanks for dropping in to read mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog, in the midst of this three day weekend.  Cathy is writing today.

Summer is almost here, indicated by our "June Gloom", when overcast skies cover the coastline until early afternoon daily.  

 Lately, The Mister and I are making an effort to stop and enjoy some sort of 'treat' after lunch and the Matcha Cafe Maiko has been on our radar.  The flavor of matcha-the finely ground powder of specially processed green tea leaves ("Specially processed" means shade grown for about three weeks before harvest) is unique/ has a strong tannin note and the tea powder has more caffeine than sun-grown leaves.   The powder is consumed as a suspension in water or milk, not steeped as a tea leaf is consumed. 
 Walk up, order and pay (no cash; cards only) and your order is prepared and your number called out.

 The menu boards are straightforward.  There are pastries also available to purchase as well as a few items made in the kitchen (bubble waffles, Basque burnt cheesecakes).  We are here for the matcha.
 A Matcha Frappe (premium matcha blended with ice) and topped with whipped cream ($8) is filled with matcha flavors- a sweet nuttiness, along with a grassy note as well as some slight tannin bitterness..a flavor explosion which is satisfying.
 A matcha affogato ($8.90)- an excellent coffee blended with premium matcha and topped with a soft serve swirl of matcha and yuzu ice creams (there are four soft serve ice cream flavors offered daily).  We added a waffle cone ($1.50) just because.  Multiple flavors and textures.  An excellent bit of dessert.

Quality in flavor and presentation and a good place to stop and relax.   Soo was here last year!

Matcha Cafe Maiko  8072 Clairmont Mesa Blvd San Diego 92111 (858) 667-4597 Website Open daily 11 a.m.-10 p.m.