goschool Senior Member Joined: 31 Dec 2006 Posts: 48 Location: Los Angeles, CA Expertise: I love coffee
Grinder: Baratza Virtuoso Drip: Bodum French Press,...
Posted Mon Dec 17, 2007, 9:41pm Subject: Re: Intellegentsia in LA opinions
Not a bad assessment. I'm not sure if it wasn't out or if you missed it, but they usually have a sheet with the current Clover offerings standing up on the right-middle of the counter. I didn't really think about the lack of a menu until you brought it up, but I do remember a few times when a brought friends to Intelli and they had no clue what to order until I advised them, they asked a barista, or they just ordered the same thing as I did.
cornhugh Senior Member Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 12 Location: Los Angeles Expertise: Just starting
Posted Wed Dec 19, 2007, 12:25pm Subject: Re: Intellegentsia in LA opinions
I would have to see say that the espresso and Chemex coffee was the best coffee Ive ever had in LA. The first time I went there, I was confused and didnt know what to do. I didnt know where or what to order, and the baristas didnt seem all that friendly either. It was kind of a weird experience, but now it's the only place I go to drink coffee. There's just no place near that area that has coffee that tastes as good.
LurkerJohnny Senior Member Joined: 10 Apr 2004 Posts: 59 Location: Oahu, Hawaii Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Isomac Zaffiro Grinder: Mazzer Super Jolly Drip: Mr. Coffee 4 Cup
Posted Fri Mar 7, 2008, 11:05pm Subject: Re: Intellegentsia in LA opinions
I just came back from L.A and I finally got to visit Intelligentsia. I really enjoyed the coffee there. I had a shot of BlackCat espresso and a cup of Rwanda coffee off of the Clover. The staff was very friendly and easy to talk to.
I have never seen a line out of a coffee shop until now. The clover offering sign was out, but it was just a sign with several origins listed on it. I agree that for people not familiar with ordering drinks, or the various ways that coffee can be brewed optimally, the minimal menu could be a hindrance. As for myself, I was in coffeegeek heaven. Kiddie size hot chocolate? darn, wish I knew that sooner too:)
My wife and I got a kick out of the clientelle visiting the shop. It felt like we were walking on the set of "Sex in the City".
Maybe there should be a field guide for people-watching tourists. To locals, Silver Lake hipsters don't look much like New York chic. In fact they'd probably be insulted at the idea. No Jimmy Choo shop on Intelly's side of town!
If you're still in town and want a fashion show with your coffee, be sure to stop at Urth Caffe on Melrose (many scenes from "Entourage" shot there).
JimWright Senior Member Joined: 17 Jan 2006 Posts: 191 Location: SF Bay Area, CA
Espresso: LM GS/3, Estro Profi Grinder: Macap M7KR Vac Pot: Yama Drip: Other: Eva Solo, Press Pot
Posted Mon Mar 10, 2008, 6:45am Subject: Re: Intellegentsia in LA opinions
MarshallF Said:
Maybe there should be a field guide for people-watching tourists. To locals, Silver Lake hipsters don't look much like New York chic. In fact they'd probably be insulted at the idea. No Jimmy Choo shop on Intelly's side of town!
If you're still in town and want a fashion show with your coffee, be sure to stop at Urth Caffe on Melrose (many scenes from "Entourage" shot there).
You do get some Hollywood crowd in Silverlake though - I hang out in that neighborhood (since before Intelly was there - you can imagine my glee when it opened) because there are a lot of dog-friendly places (Intelligentsia included) and it's close to downtown, and see a lot of scruffy actors on their off days.
It's definitely true that it's always interesting to go down to Silverlake and people watch. Even on the way to Silverlake, heading down Sunset, I got to see this tall, lanky girl buzzing around in a bright, orange jacket with the old type of aviator glasses with her legs flaily about on a moped. I was actually kind of scared for her a little bit because you could tell she didn't know what she was doing and was all over the road. After I got out of my car, I saw this guy completely dressed in tanned hides like Davey Crocket or something, cruising around on his bike. You never know what's going to happen around there.
As for the coffee, I picked up some of the Rwanda Zirikana this past weekend for some french press action at home. Tried some this morning as espresso. Amazing, tart shot. Extremely unique flavor profile as espresso, with more lemon coming out in the french press. I also tried Eros Blend a couple of weeks ago as espresso. Extremely fruity.
Oh, this past weekend, not only was the line around the door, but it actually almost got over to the cheese shop's door! Pretty crazy, but well worth the wait for a good cappucino. I love going down Intelligentsia. If people are in the area and are looking for less of a crowd, I would highly recommend heading over to Choke too. I saw one of the old baristas from Intelly over there working the Faema E61. Don't know if she works at both places now or what? Choke is a cool place, too. Definitely a step away from Intelly and LA Mill.
MarshallF Senior Member Joined: 1 Jun 2003 Posts: 484 Location: Los Angeles Expertise: Professional
Espresso: Dalla Corte Mini Grinder: Cimbali Max, Solis Maestro Vac Pot: Hario Nouveau, Bodum ESantos Drip: Bodum French Presses, Chemex Roaster: None
Posted Tue Mar 11, 2008, 4:52pm Subject: Re: Intellegentsia in LA opinions
Gusto Said:
If people are in the area and are looking for less of a crowd, I would highly recommend heading over to Choke too. I saw one of the old baristas from Intelly over there working the Faema E61. Don't know if she works at both places now or what? Choke is a cool place, too. Definitely a step away from Intelly and LA Mill.
The barista was probably the very knowledgeable (and opinionated!) Jules Manoogian, formerly of Intelly (still consults for them) and Victrola in Seattle before that. She's also an artist, having an opening at the ReForm School in L.A. on March 21.
JimWright Senior Member Joined: 17 Jan 2006 Posts: 191 Location: SF Bay Area, CA
Espresso: LM GS/3, Estro Profi Grinder: Macap M7KR Vac Pot: Yama Drip: Other: Eva Solo, Press Pot
Posted Wed Apr 2, 2008, 10:10pm Subject: Re: Intellegentsia in LA opinions
I'm a big fan and go at least a couple of times a week but will confess I was a little bummed and surprised to see they raised prices this week after only a few months open - 25% for a shot, and assorted other increases across the board.
Posted Fri May 23, 2008, 12:30pm Subject: Re: Intellegentsia in LA opinions
Visited Silverlake last week and went to Intelligentsia three times. Had an iced americano, it was about 90 outside at the time, a regular one that evening, both with two shots, both very good drinks, and the last time had a cappuccino. I must say I was very pleased with all the drinks. Better than klatch I say reluctantly since the klatch in San Dimas is actually my "local" cafe. Meaning, in LA terms, it's less than an hour away from me. All three drinks were consistent in taste. With the klatch it's hit and miss for me. I also liked the small to go cup for my cappuccino. It was a 3 to 4 ounce sized cup. The last time I went when I got the cappa, the barista saw me snapping off some pictures, and I heard him say "oh, he's taking pictures," the line was long so he was hurried with his latte art and he told me to take a picture of the next drink he was making. I didn't get to because it was a stranger's drink, didn't want to get all up in his business to take a pic of his drink. I must say the art on his drink was very nice. The barista was making hearts for cappuccinos and rosettas with a heart on top for lattes.
temple Senior Member Joined: 8 Dec 2005 Posts: 22 Location: Sacramento Expertise: Pro Barista
Posted Sat May 24, 2008, 10:56am Subject: Re: Intellegentsia in LA opinions
Did everyone miss the original post?
"I finally stopped by the fairly new Intellegentsia in LA (Sunset Junction) since I had heard some good things about them. I decided to try the drip coffee via their Clover machine. I must say I was pretty dissapointed. The coffee was really sour and I couldn't finish it. Are the Clover machines suppossed to be pretty standard in terms of taste or is it determined by the person working the machine. I had drip coffee from a Clover machine in Seattle (Zoka near Greenlake) and it was awesome...so I'm wondering if the difference in taste is from the operator or roast.
I want to go back to Intellegentsia and try an americano which will probably give me a better assessment of their coffee. I usually order beans from Vivace or Lighthouse in Seattle but I was hoping that Intellegentsia would be a good local option for coffee beans. However, I'm thinking that Vivace and Lighthouse are going to be very hard to top. I do like Intellegentsia's logo and package design though.
Anybody else have any opinions on Intellegentsia? I'm hoping my first experience there was just bad luck as I would like to find a place where I can buy coffee/beans on a regular basis. I've heard Caffe Luxxe in Santa Monica might be a stronger option which I am going to try this weekend."
Sour, being a common description for some one who generally drinks a darker roast. Confirmed with preferring Vivace or Lighthouse.
Quas also said " Well, I finally got over to Caffe Luxxe...and I must say that it is my new LA favorite. The people were much more friendlier and the americano I ordered was one of the best I've had in Southern California (probably tied with Cafe Calabria in San Diego). So, Caffe Luxxe hands down is in my opinion the best espresso in the LA area. I'm glad I tried Intelligentsia, but I will probably not be making the effort to go back there unless I happen to be in the area. I will gladly make the effort to go to Luxxe though and will probably make it a weekly ritual."
You tried an "americano" and came to the conclusion that it is the best "espresso."
The effect of adding water to an espresso is different for all coffees. It does not mean that it is a good espresso.
I don't even work or live near any of these coffeehouses, but felt the need to point out the absurd comments and comparisons.
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