7.15.2010

California Recon!

We recently returned to California to see family and friends and got a chance to check out the specialty coffee scene in both Los Angeles and San Diego. There were some good—and not so good—cappuccinos, but what surprised us most was the incredible customer service and just plain good vibes. California, here I come...

- Fix Coffee (Echo Park): Cool, industrial coffee bar with good cappuccinos and ding dongs for a buck!
- Intelligentsia (Silverlake/Venice): Knowledgeable staff that know how to pour latte art. Sparse hangout, but great to "sip and pose." We like!
- Lamill (Silverlake): Best MOCHA in the world.
- Bird Rock Coffee (La Jolla): Roaster/coffee house with a green initiative. Best customer service on the trip with a great bakery next door.
- Caffe Calabria (downtown San Diego): Coffee bar/wine bar/sports bar that serves up amazing cappuccinos. We highly, highly recommend. The vibe was exciting, energetic and intoxicating.
- Krakatoa (Central San Diego): Best Vietnamese coffee on the trip nested in a super cozy environment. Did I mention that San Diego is a Vietnamese coffee city?
- Gypsy Den (Orange County): This place was loaded with atmosphere. The coffee was OK but the vibe was what kept us there.

We also just returned from Coffee Cast—the Puerto Rico Barista Championship in San Juan. What happens at Coffee Cast, stays in Puerto Rico. Long live caffeine, T2