Romancing the Bean (Tempe) is in the East Valley Tribune (August 30, 2006) and the writeup is positive. Crystal Petrocelli who wrote the review gives them a B rating. Most iced coffees are too sweet and turn watery in minutes. Not at the Bean. I can actually taste the coffee in my small blended mocha ($3.09). It’s perfect. It’s thick and icy and stays that way until the last sip. My iced chai latte is also very good, with just a hint of cinnamon and again, not overly sweet. Italian sodas — with or without ice cream — are also available. Along with those yummy croissants, the ovens at the Bean also bake big cookies (they look better than they taste), scrumptious fruit and walnut rugalas (like mini fold-overs), enormous muffins and an addictive dense butter cookie with icing. Scene: It’s all business talk and a lot of suits, which is not surprising considering the location. Soaring ceilings, a variety of clocks, tall windows and tables are set with small vases, each with a fresh sunflower.
