Via Delizia on Broadway — Restaurant in Portland

Walking into the building that houses this cafe tricked me in a way that made me immediately question my choice. But as we all know, we shouldn't judge books by their cover. I was greeted immediately by the gentleman behind the counter (Alex) and then left to view his menu on the column whilst he attended his current guests. I knew I was here for coffee and after a few minutes I did order a cappuccino unsweetened that was robust in all the right ways. But what truly gained my appreciation for this place was that Alex knew everyone at his cafe either eating, sipping coffee, or walking up to order by name. His hospitality and humor is that of one who is archaic and has seen it all. He treated the college students next to me like the neighbor kids down the road that he'd known all his life along with the woman at the end let's call her Sarah dressed warmly with a comfy beanie and red wisp's of hair peaking out of it, she had this intoxicating laugh that drew you near because even a blind man could see her to be one of the most gorgeous creations to walk the earth. But she was laughing because of Alex this man who reminded me of the God Father with his silver bracelet and watch his creased slacks and tucked shirt and accent that made you wonder what part of the world he was from. Now I say this, the individuals there gave praise to this man's food which I did not try unfortunately but given the hospitality alone I wouldn't need to, this place will always be now one of my favorite places to go. Thank you Alex for making the experience...

Maybe the best cappuccino I've had in my life. And I've had a lot of them. Aleks makes traditional coffee. The ingredients are what you expect: coffee beans, water, milk. But he elevates them to art. No, this isn't hyperbole.

When I went the first time I got to the counter and asked, "Can you just pull a shot of espresso?" He kinda laughed and did so. It was a shot of coffee that was velvet caramel. There's no place to hide bad coffee or skill or equipment in an espresso shot, and the one at Via was flawless.

Then I asked for a cappuccino. Aleks prepared the most beautiful foam -- voluminous, airy, fluffy. Combined with the espresso, it was perfect. I probably will never have a cappuccino as good as his. The macchiato I ordered on another day was equally poetic.

To a certain extent, I felt bad spending most of my time at Via when there's so much coffee in Portland. But I had drinks from 5 or 6 other cafes, and none came close. The coffee is incredible. Aleks is an artist, and he makes fun of you just the right amount in a sardonic and sarcastic witty banter. It's...

Via Delizia on Broadway Café is a nice little place within the hotel, right by the entrance on the right side. There's this older gentleman—I didn't get his name, but from other comments, I think it's Alex. He's quite friendly with all his customers. I stopped in because after a long day of getting summoned to jury duty, I just had to have something sweet to eat. So I stopped in and decided to get myself a Danish ($3.75). I thought he was just going to put it in a bag and give it to me, and off I was going to go, but no. He put it in a little toaster oven thing and warmed it up for me, which made it taste so much better. My eyes were rolling in the back of my head. That's how good it was. I ate it on the way back home. I will definitely recommend checking this little location out. It's definitely worth it if you want to eat some good food or maybe get a drink if you're...