While we may have just had our “Best Coffee in LA” competition, there are still a number of places that are very much worthy of mention.And here’s why:
This week I discovered the most incredible coffee I have ever tasted. Before Tuesday morning, I did not know that it was possible for me to pleasantly sip an espresso without first defacing it with milk and sugar. I was unaware that coffee isn’t, in fact, a bitter drink. My standard for good coffee has been raised so high, I don’t know how I’ll ever show my face in Starbucks again.
Caffe Luxxe is an espresso bar whose philosophy is grounded in the older, European view of coffee - a smooth drink that is meant to be sipped and enjoyed over easy conversation, not a drug to keep you awake. You won’t find any venti caffeine jolts here. Instead, you’ll find absurdly high quality, delicious, rich espresso drinks that will make you wonder how you ever drank the other stuff.
They use espresso beans roasted in Northern Italy that are ground for each individual order - my barista’s jeans were covered in fresh ground coffee dust. The beans are then brewed in a “caffe ristretto” style, which is essentially two very quick brews to comprise one shot. This is what prevents the bitterness, because the longer the brewing cycle, the more bitter the coffee will become. Caffe Luxxe recommends drinking the espresso from one of their heated porcelain cups, but they also offer to-go cups, because they aren’t that unrealistic.
My americano was the smoothest, roundest, gentlest tasting coffee I have ever had. With every sip I expected that bitter coffee kick that hits the roof of your mouth and back of your tongue, but it never came. There really was absolutely no bitterness. It was almost sweet, a hint of chocolate.
Caffe Luxxe also offers a variety of looseleaf teas. I have not personally tried any, but I have heard from other people that they are delicious. While I was there I did spot a plum oolong tea that I would love to sample. They also offer a selection of pastries, cookies, and coffeewares. I had three little cookie sandwiches made from Peruvian shortbread (Peruvian? ok…) and a caramel filling. They were amazing. The shortbread melted in my mouth like butter.
Because of the care taken with each espresso made, it will take a little longer to get your drink than you may be used to. Trust me, though, it’s completely worth it. The only think you’ll be upset about is that there isn’t a Caffe Luxxe on every corner.
Caffe Luxxe
925 Montana Ave
Santa Monica CA 90403
Mon-Fri 6am-6pm, Sat-Sun 7am-6pm
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading ...
1 response so far ↓
1 Jamie // Jun 30, 2008 at 10:57 pm
I’ve been here! Just recently had a $5, tiny, orange and chocolate coffee something or other. It was amazing. But I always thought the place felt a little sterile and the baristas seemed a bit cold. Like the whole place was trying a little hard. But ya, tasty coffee. Welcome to the new coffee snob club!
Leave a Comment