Exnyerinmontreal Senior Member Joined: 24 Feb 2003 Posts: 61 Location: Montreal Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Andreja Premium Grinder: MACAP M4
Posted Mon Aug 1, 2005, 12:41pm Subject: Any "Must visit" cafe's in Southern California
I'll be vacationing over the next 2 weeks with the family in Southern Cal. While away from my Andreja Premium, I'm hoping to be able to have some good espresso on occassion (and not to have to stoop to *$). Does anyone have any recommendations for top spots to visit around Laguna Beach, La Jolla/SanDiego, Ventura, Santa Barbara and around LA proper.
runt Senior Member Joined: 5 May 2003 Posts: 95 Location: Beautiful Colorado Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Señor Brewtus Grinder: Mazzer Mini E, zassenhaus Vac Pot: bodum santos Drip: press pot, no drip! Roaster: Gene
Posted Mon Aug 1, 2005, 1:01pm Subject: Re: Any "Must visit" cafe's in Southern California
In Santa Barbara there is the Santa Barbara Roasting Company. I'd say they're worth a visit. They don't seem to advertize it, but they are ready to pull shots of both their regular house blend, and their Milano blend. I thought the Milano was worth asking for.
Depending on where you are in LA you might cruise down to Seal Beach. I think it's one of the nicer beach towns - of course I'm a little biast. Main street, and the pier were used as the lake town in the movie American Pie 2. On main street there are numerous espresso shops and sweet shops. Javatini is the only one I know of that roasts on site. When I'm in town, I go there for my caffeine, and get my cookies at either Grandma's or Cinnamon Productions. If you like Mexican food give Taco Surf a try.
CremaPhile Senior Member Joined: 5 Nov 2004 Posts: 269 Location: Brooklyn, NY Expertise: Pro Barista
Espresso: Gaggia Espresso Grinder: Innova I2 Drip: French Press
Posted Mon Aug 1, 2005, 1:37pm Subject: Re: Any "Must visit" cafe's in Southern California
Its probably a bit out of your way unless you are planning to take the kids to Raging Waters, but the Coffee Klatch in San Dimas is excellent. Just off the 57 freeway on Aarow Hwy in a big box mall. This is the best in So Cal, I'd say.
In LA proper, spend an afternoon or evening downtown to check out the MOCA, then walk accross the street to the Walt Disney Concert Hall (an amazing piece of architecture by Frank Gehry), and stop into the cafe in the REDCAT Theater, on the back side of the Disney Hall complex (2nd St. between Grand and Hope) for the best espresso in town (they use Vivace beans). EDIT: Its worth mentioning that they are closed on Mondays.
The Conservatory in Culver City (about 10-15 minutes east of Santa Monica) on Washington Bl. is not bad if you're on the westside.
In Orange County, Kaffa! in the City of Orange is supposedly pretty good, although I've never been.
San Diego is a notorious espresso void. Good luck is all I can say there.
Send us a report from the field on your findings. Have a great vacation!
xjasonedgex Senior Member Joined: 31 Jul 2005 Posts: 21 Location: Redlands, CA Expertise: Pro Barista
Posted Thu Aug 4, 2005, 10:55pm Subject: Re: Any "Must visit" cafe's in Southern California
Mike, I have to say I love your city. It seemed that everyone pulled their espresso very long. Perhaps it's lack of education on my part but it appeared to be in error. It was more like a demitasse. The Atwater market was the best though.
Anyway, it may be a bit out of your way, but well worth the drive. Stell Coffee and Tea Co. in Redlands, CA. I have never seen such great care put into the roasting and preperation of coffee. Yes yes, I do happen to work there, but I accepted the position based on the merit of their coffee. I wouldn't pass it up.
While we're on the subject, where should I visit next time I'm in Montreal?
PS. You also have a fellow Quebeque working there at Stell.
jaumbie Senior Member Joined: 8 Jun 2005 Posts: 20 Location: California Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Rancilio Silvia Grinder: Nuova Simonelli MDX Vac Pot: Not yet Drip: Rarely Roaster: Poppery I
Posted Tue Aug 9, 2005, 11:14am Subject: Re: Any "Must visit" cafe's in Southern California
I just made a visit to Kaffa! in the city of Orange, and it was definitely worth the trip.
The cappuccino was mellow with velvety foam. It was the best I have ever had! The latte art was a nice touch, too. They roast twice a week off-site and their coffee is never more than five days old. I have been hoping to find a local roaster, and so I will definitely be going back to buy some of their roasted beans and to enjoy the cappuccino again.
If you are looking for a great cappuccino in Orange County, this is the place to go. It's right across the street from St. Joseph's Hospital.
student_of_coffee Senior Member Joined: 15 Aug 2005 Posts: 4 Location: Orange CA Expertise: Pro Barista
Posted Fri Aug 26, 2005, 7:07am Subject: Re: Any "Must visit" cafe's in Southern California
I must also say that Kaffa! is worth the trip. Went there the other day (about an hour and a half in traffic) the capp was done in the old school style and very yummy. I also had a macciato, and it was even better then the capp imho. Both drinks were pulled ristretto, but not bitter by any stretch of the imagination unlike SBC where I work...anyhow, im going there again this morning to enjoy another round.
stephencarey Senior Member Joined: 18 Mar 2005 Posts: 13 Location: Littleton, Colorado Expertise: Pro Roaster
Espresso: La Pavoni Europiccola Grinder: Mazzer mini Vac Pot: Santos (electric and stove... Drip: Why drip when one can press? Roaster: Caffe Rosto, Diedrich IR-3,...
Posted Wed Aug 31, 2005, 9:05am Subject: Re: Any "Must visit" cafe's in Southern California
I also recommend Kaffa! in Orange. I had a very nice, rather bright (which is to my liking) espresso and a quality traditional cappuccino. I will go back whenever I am in OC.
jaumbie Senior Member Joined: 8 Jun 2005 Posts: 20 Location: California Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Rancilio Silvia Grinder: Nuova Simonelli MDX Vac Pot: Not yet Drip: Rarely Roaster: Poppery I
Posted Thu Sep 1, 2005, 4:20pm Subject: Re: Any "Must visit" cafe's in Southern California
I am glad to see that some other people are in agreement with me about Kaffa! .
I have been there a few times now, and I am enjoying it more and more. The owner makes a great cappuccino with either a heart or a rosetta. The macciato I had was great, too.
Go check it out if you are in or near the City of Orange in Orange County. It's just off the 22 and the 5 and up the street from Westfield Main Place. To give you a couple of landmarks, it is not too far from Anaheim Stadium and Disneyland.
I have no affiliation with Kaffa!. I am just pleased that there is a quality espresso bar in Orange County, and I hope that others will enjoy it as much as I do.
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