Coffee of the Duck
I’ve talked before about shops with personality, and Espresso dell’Anatra has it in spades, although it might not be immediately observable. Your first hint is the sign hanging above the front door that states “We Specialize In Coffee Flavored Coffee.” 
Your next hint comes if you are lucky enough to both know how to speak Italian and to have met the owner, Aaron Duckworth. Its then that you will realize that the name of his shop is named literally, ‘Coffee of the Duck.’ I don’t know about you, but for my money, a play on words as a business name is worth its weight in coffee beans. Which reminds me: I need to start my own business, The Baby Seal Club.
But best features of this shop is the coffee, as it should be. For one, they use Shatto milk (as does Magazines and Coffee), the best milk ever for gourmet coffee. But better yet, their baristas are inventive and talented, and they love to showcase that fact. How so? Barista’s Choice. Yes, you can order a mystery coffee that lets the barista whip up something unexpectedly wonderful for you. Today, I was gifted a mocha with Chinese five-spice, vanilla, and honey. On top of that, owner Aaron is a distinguished competitor at the annual Midwest Regional Barista Competition (which, BTW, just happened again last weekend in StLouis).
Long story short, there are many reasons duck coffee comes in high on my top ten list. You should see about making it a part of yours as well.
[side note: KC coffee map +1 : Parkside Coffeehouse]
May 12th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
Fantastic latte. I opted for the Barista’s Choice and was thoroughly impressed. I think that part of the reason that their lattes are so good is because of the Shatto Milk, but the Espresso is very very smooth too. There is not even a hint of over-roasting or bitterness. I’ve tried a lot of local coffee places in Kansas City, and I would agree that Espresso dell’Anatra has got to be up there at the top. Espresso dell’Anatra is what I would call a “sleeper” coffee house. It’s a little-known unassuming gem of a find, but once you’ve found it you will go back.
August 25th, 2008 at 11:11 pm
I must have visited on an ‘off’ day. My americano was not so good…hoping to give it another try…might have to go with a CAFFE BORGIA or barista’s choice.
September 3rd, 2008 at 2:34 pm
I went the same day as Marlo and had a double shot of the good stuff, but didn’t turn out so good. The espresso was way over-extracted and bitter.
Hopefully I will get to try again soon, as it was a cool place and maybe it was just a bad day.
March 26th, 2009 at 8:43 am
It depends on who is working. Barista Micheal (that no longer works there) was a pure 100% barista. I thought I was a bean geek, hes a full blown nerd about coffee. I loved talking to him. I drive past there on the way to see my parents. I have stoppped going #1 the prices have gone up #2 the new employees are very impersonal and just not into it. #3 they are super slow and the small honey latte I ordered was cold!? weird? haha, creepy art on the walls I might add.