"Hot August days working as a high school McBarista changed my outlook on life. I gained a newfound respect for workers at places like Lacàphê who dole out tall slushy potions of delight as throngs of feisty fans box out the claustrophobic counters. Smacking a few of the brain freeze-inducing drinks on the trunk of my mother-in-law’s Prius, I was transported to my mid-shift McFreezes. But Lacàphê’s options come with a level of intentionality and quality that, somehow, my McDonald’s didn’t prioritize. The Coco Freeze struck me as an ice cream-y riff on Vietnamese coffee. Toasted coconut flakes add a textural snap to the otherwise milkshake-like drink, huge rivers of cream streaking the plastic cup. While the shop’s Signature Saigon is for those looking to cleave closer to classic, the Coco Freeze blends Americana fast food, bubble tea outlets, and, yes, actual Vietnamese coffee drinks. But, also, like the original Italian frappe, this drinks more like a dessert than a pick-me-up; downing the entire $6.50 bev is a worthwhile effort, but not pre-jog fare. The oolong tea was a subtle boba companion to survive that South Bay sun. Even for those outside the prestigious fast food worker alumni groups of my youth and specialty coffee fans, hitting this coffee phenom is a plain smart way to start summer off right." - Eater Staff
