The Assembly | West Hollywood, CA

November 30, 2016 by Veronica Kablan in Los Angeles Coffee Shops

It's way too early in the Great Los Angeles Cappuccino Project to start calling favorites. I know this. But it's really hard not to positively gush over how much I loved The Assembly.

Outside The Assembly, West Hollywood, CA (yeah, I'm making a cameo)

The master at work, The Assembly, West Hollywood, CA — The master at work, The Assembly, West Hollywood, CA

If you didn't know what you were looking for, you could easily walk right by The Assembly. The simple, beautiful painted signage and the light grey and white tones reflect the cafe's minimalist vibe perfectly. The inside is decked out in pastels and blonde wood, while large windows flood the sparsely decorated space with natural light and lend an airy feel. Metal and wood shelves house boutique gift items and beautifully designed bags of Counter Culture coffee beans. There was plenty of seating on a Saturday afternoon; on a small bench in the front, at a table in the back, or on the adorable outdoor patio.

Back patio, The Assembly, West Hollywood, CA — Back patio, The Assembly, West Hollywood, CA

The patio, The Assembly, West Hollywood, CA — The patio, The Assembly, West Hollywood, CA

In a place like this, you might expect the staff to be unapproachable or pretentious, but the folks here are anything but. Everyone I spoke to seemed genuinely excited to be there; both enthusiastic about making good coffee and happy to be interacting with the customers. The barista told me all about the beans they use from Counter Culture, which offers sustainable, fair-trade coffee that also happens to be really, really good.

The Menu, The Assembly, West Hollywood, CA

It appears that every detail has been carefully considered at The Assembly. The food served from the Larder is created with organic, high-quality ingredients, while leftovers are donated daily to the Chefs End Hunger Program. Drinks are served in handmade ceramics sourced from West River Field Lab in Orange County. Tea selections come from Uncommon Tea, striving "to make tea modern, beautiful and pleasurable."

The best poem. The Assembly, West Hollywood, CA — The best poem. The Assembly, West Hollywood, CA

Counter Culture beans, The Assembly, West Hollywood, CA — Counter Culture beans, The Assembly, West Hollywood, CA

But let's get on to the most important point... that cappuccino.

Looks-wise, this one was a winner. Served in a beautiful green mug with a wooden plate for a saucer, it boasted some seriously beautiful latte art. The temperature was perfect, and the texture was velvety - but the real standout characteristic of this cappuccino was its exceptional flavor.

It can be hard to describe the flavors detected in coffee, kind of like when people think they're tasting chocolate or tobacco in wine, so bear with me while I attempt to describe this wonderful beverage. It had a warmth of flavor, evoking autumn flavors like caramel or sage, or like that feeling you get when you're in a warm library full of leather-bound books. The flavor was bold, strong, and earthy, and somewhat straightforward - I wouldn't call it complex, rather, simple and confident. There was a perfect balance between bitterness and creamy sweetness, and it left behind the most lovely aftertaste.

From beginning to end, The Assembly offers an exceptional experience. Come for a chat, or for a rest, or for a snack. But definitely give their coffee a try, and sip it slowly (and try to write down a few words that come to mind. It will be a fun challenge!). These folks know what they're doing, and they're doing it well.

The Assembly

634 N. Robertson Blvd,
West Hollywood, CA 90069

Coffee Commissary | Los Angeles, CA

November 23, 2016 by Veronica Kablan in Los Angeles Coffee Shops

When it comes to the new wave of artisanal coffee shops in LA, there are a few key establishments that define the movement, standing out for their popularity and undeniable excellence. Coffee Commissary is one of those places. Here, all of the artisanal coffee shop boxes have been checked: Industrial chic decor with poured concrete floors and chalkboard menu, check. Hoppin’ “mainstream indie” playlist, check. Hordes of millennials wearing plaid flannel (it’s fall after all, y’all) and working on their laptops, check and check. [Side note: I was wearing plaid flannel the day I visited Coffee Commissary, and I have never felt so basic. It might be time for a new wardrobe.]

If you’re a Los Angeles-based coffee enthusiast (and chances are good if you’ve made it to this blog, unless of course you’re part of the large portion of our readership that hails from Pennsylvania... AKA my parents), you have almost certainly come across a Coffee Commissary before, as there are currently four locations across our great city: West Hollywood, Hollywood, Burbank, and Culver City. The wind took us to the West Hollywood establishment first, though having read the enticing menu for the cafe at the Burbank location, it won’t be long until we make our way over there, too.

Cappuccino (behind), Cubano (front), Coffee Commissary, Los Angeles, CA

Coffee Commissary’s motto, “in pursuit of the perfect cup,” is reflected in the variety of excellent beans they offer. Included in their lineup are popular indie roasteries like Coava, Madcap, and one of my absolute favorites from Sacramento, Temple Coffee. The menu here is simple, offering the classic espresso staples including a Cubano, as well as pour over and cold brew options (even an iced pour over for those of us who aren’t cold brew fanatics). At the West Hollywood location, a short handmade food menu is also available, including some beautiful pastries and turnovers.

Cappuccino, Coffee Commissary, Los Angeles, CA

I ordered my usual cappuccino, and it did not disappoint. Served in a beautiful mug with a little wooden saucer, this cuppa warm cozy goodness boasted some solid latte art. The flavor was bold and strikingly bitter, pleasantly so, while its texture was rich, creamy, and almost decadent. Overall, this was a robust cappuccino, delightful in its complex flavor profile and smoothness.

Cappuccino (left), Cubano (right), Coffee Commissary, Los Angeles, CA

My friend tried the Cubano, which was also very good. It was sharply sweet, but lacked that uncomfortable aftertaste that often accompanies a sweetened drink. That touch of sugar also complemented the bold espresso flavor very nicely. Even I, who cannot stand sweetened coffee, could see the merits of this lovely concoction.

Coffee Commissary is probably one of the more popular locations on our list, and we can understand why. By offering up excellent coffee in their four beautiful locations, they’re helping to make an elevated coffee experience easily accessible on a daily basis - just one of the many things to be thankful for about living in LA!

Coffee Commissary - 801 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

Funnel Mill | Santa Monica, CA

November 16, 2016 by Veronica Kablan in Los Angeles Coffee Shops

It’s that time of the week again… time for caffeination and foamy goodness as we explore Los Angeles’ best coffee shops! The second stop on the cappuccino train is Funnel Mill, a purveyor of exotic coffees and teas located near 10th and Broadway in Santa Monica.

Upon entering, it’s very clear that this is not the same breed of coffee shop as many of the newer, hipster places on our list. The decor feels sparse and a bit disjointed, as beautiful Asian elements like jars of loose-leaf teas and a little fountain are juxtaposed with brown leather easy chairs tucked behind a wall of floor-to-ceiling curtains. It’s obvious that this is a favorite spot for students and writers; even on a Saturday afternoon we can’t snag a table amidst the sea of laptops and textbooks. Perhaps the best spectacle here lies behind the bar, where a team of mad scientists use a hodgepodge of exotic-looking coffee paraphernalia to brew up their rare blends. As strange as all these elements may sound, it’s pleasant in its own way, and is a refreshing change from all the “industrial-chic” we’ve been seeing around town.

If you’ve heard of Funnel Mill before, you probably already know that they offer an $80 cup of coffee. That’s right, by appointment only, you can taste the legendary Kopi Luwak coffee, made from beans that have passed through the digestive system of a cute little mammal called the Luwak. You can also partake in a traditional Chinese Cha Tao tea ceremony, sample from the extensive exotic tea and coffee menu, or taste coffees brewed with a syphon reminiscent of something you’d see in a Steampunk movie. We did none of these things, unfortunately, because this is not “The Great Los Angeles Exotic Tea and Coffee Project.” It’s “The Great Los Angeles Cappuccino Project.” So predictably, we ordered up some cappuccinos.

Cappuccino and my In The Company of Women tote bag, Funnel Mill, Santa Monica, CA

Now, bear with me for a moment as I take you on a bit of a tangent. If you grew up in the 90’s, you may remember the cult classic Mike Myers film, “So I Married an Axe Murderer” (or “SIMAAM” as my super-hip friends and I called it). In the opening credits of the movie, we follow an absurdly large coffee cup as it leaves a cafe table empty, then is washed in the kitchen, and finally is refilled with espresso and the fluffiest foam to be served to Mike Myers (who jokes that he ordered the LARGE cappuccino... HELLO!). Ok, so the largeness really isn’t a factor here at all (the cups at Funnel Mill are a perfectly reasonable size), and this is in no way one of those 90’s poetry slam coffee joints. What is similar here is that impossibly fluffy foam, plopped on top of espresso in such a heap that it simply can’t be contained by the cup. I mean, just look at that luscious spillage.

Luscious, luscious foam at Funnel Mill in Santa Monica, CA

The amount of foam, while lovely and impossibly fluffy, is perhaps too much. And the espresso, while certainly solid and far better than everyone’s favorite coffee chain (cough), isn’t really anything to write home about. So, we’ll deem this the absolutely perfect “90’s Cappuccino,” great for enjoying some avant-garde poetry or perhaps a live performance of “Smelly Cat.”

That being said, I absolutely cannot wait to go back to Funnel Mill to do a tasting of their impressive rare coffee beans brewed in the syphon, or perhaps the traditional Cha Tao tea ceremony. Clearly these folks know their stuff, and I’m told they’ll happily talk to you about coffee for hours on end. Please note: I’m still on the fence regarding whether or not I’d ever sample the $80 Luwak-poo coffee. I’ll get back to you.

Funnel Mill

930 Broadway
Ste A
Santa Monica, CA 90401

Espresso Cielo | Santa Monica, CA

November 09, 2016 by Veronica Kablan in Los Angeles Coffee Shops

The great Los Angeles cappuccino project begins at Espresso Cielo in Santa Monica - so far south that it's almost Venice - in a sweet little café nestled in the first floor of a modern apartment complex. It has a nostalgic feel, despite its clearly contemporary surroundings, with French-inspired decór and simple marble tables lining the windows. Vibrant blue walls add to the Parisian aesthetic with a pop of color, while paying homage to the café's name, Cielo (sky).

On a weekday, the vibe here is very mellow. A handful of locals made themselves comfortable, chatting with the friendly staff or working quietly on laptops. Others came and went, enjoying iced lattes with almond milk (they use Califia Farms in case you're curious) or the local artisan-made pastries offered. Apparently the blueberry muffins are popular; they were sold out that afternoon to one patron's great disappointment.

Seating at Espresso Cielo, Santa Monica, CA

Now, on to the good stuff. As mentioned in our first post introducing this project, the basis for comparing all these highly regarded coffee shops will be a simple cappuccino: no sweeteners, no fancy milks, no extra shots. Just a perfectly plain cappuccino. So I ordered one up, to stay.

Cappuccino at Espresso Cielo, Santa Monica, CA

Let me just say: what a way to kick off this project! Espresso Cielo's cappuccino was excellent. It won points for looks, with a pretty, bubbly foam and a rich color contrast between the milk and espresso (and that drip down the side of the cup just adds to the drama, if you ask me). It came out at the perfect temperature, just hot enough but not scalding, and the foam's velvety texture was luxurious and satisfying. The espresso's flavor was superb as well, with a depth and complexity that pleaded you to sip it more slowly so you could fully experience it. It was warm, nutty, and almost buttery, like that cozy feeling you get on Christmas morning.

Did that description sound a little bit like someone trying to describe some sort of fancy wine? Well, deal with it. This coffee was great, and it gave me a lot of feelings that are hard to describe. Really warm, cozy, happy feelings (which we could all use a little more of, right?).

So far Espresso Cielo was my favorite. I know, I know, of course it is, it's the first one. But with a cup of coffee this solid, it will be difficult to de-throne... Check back next week to find out if spot #2 can nab the title! ☕️

Espresso Cielo

3101 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA
Hours: Mon-Fri 7am - 7pm

The Great Los Angeles Cappuccino Project

October 20, 2016 by Veronica Kablan in Los Angeles Coffee Shops

If you know me at all, you probably already know that one of my absolute favorite things in life is coffee. I find many excuses to enjoy a cup, usually at least two or three times a day: beginning with a cup of fresh pour-over Stumptown coffee when I wake up, then typically something creamy like an almond milk cappuccino in the afternoon, and sometimes (if I’m feeling like having ‘dessert,’ but not really) a little decaf espresso after dinner.

Over my ten years here in Los Angeles, the coffee scene has changed drastically. Just a few years ago, visiting a cafe in Portland or San Francisco that really took coffee seriously was an unexpected delight - and finding a place like that in LA was very rare. Now, you can’t seem to turn a corner without running into a hip, minimalist, Instagram-worthy coffee shop tended by bearded men slinging shots of espresso from gleaming vintage-looking machines. Baristas are held in high esteem now, and are gaining just as much fame and notoriety as some of our best chefs and sommeliers. People are finally realizing that Starbucks coffee really isn’t that good, and are seeking (and finding) a better alternative. Oh, and almost every place is serving up almond milk (I mean it is LA, after all).

*Almond Milk Cappuccino at Urth Caffe, Beverly Hills*

This abundance of deliciousness has led to one unfortunate side effect: coffee-seeking laziness. Because good coffee is so easily accessible in all parts of town, it’s easy to lean on a small handful stand-bys out of sheer convenience. Lucky for you, my FOMO has finally overtaken my laziness, and I have decided to embark on an exciting adventure that I’ve been dreaming of for quite a while now…

I’m going to try all the “BEST” coffee shops in LA.

How are the “best” coffee shops determined, you say? Fear not, my caffeinated friend, I have done my research. In fact, I probably overdid it a little bit. I scoured the interwebs for lists of LA’s finest java joints (and goodness, there are a LOT of lists - everyone’s a critic now, right?), then chose the most reputable sources and created a spreadsheet comparing which shops were on which lists. I have compiled a list of 54 coffee shops that are considered “great,” even if they only appeared on one of the eleven most reputable lists. Note: Names in bold indicate that they appeared on at least five out of eleven “best of” lists that I referenced.

For consistency’s sake, I plan to order a simple, whole milk cappuccino at each coffee shop. If house-made almond milk is available, I’ll also try that - because having a list of the best almond milks in the city really can’t hurt anyone, right? - but I plan to skip it if the almond milk is boxed. Nothing ruins a good shot of espresso like an overly sweetened and artificially flavored non-dairy beverage, so we’ll use classic cow’s milk for this experiment.

Are you with me? Follow my adventures using the hashtag #veronicascoffeebreak, and I’ll update the blog regularly with my progress and my favorites. And please, leave us a note in the comments with any coffee shops that you think are missing from this list! I’m open to suggestions.

Get cozy, ‘cause this might take a while… 54 coffee shops, here I come!