Menotti's Coffee Stop | Venice, CA

I've been saving Menotti's. Since the beginning of the Great Cappuccino Project, it's been there, waving at me from the fancy Google Map I made, just begging me to visit. But I've held off until now - mostly because this is the place that, coming into this project, I had the strongest feelings about. I really like Menotti's. And I'm happy to declare, that even after tasting over 25 of the best cappuccinos in the city, I still really like Menotti's. 

Menotti's is the only coffee shop on the list that can be considered ocean-view (after the Two Guns location on the Manhattan Beach Pier sadly closed), but there is so much happening at this location that the Pacific is the last thing you'll notice. It's located on the stretch of Windward Ave. that famously doubled as Mexico in Orson Welles' incredible three-minute-long opening shot in Touch of Evil - a street that most tourists remember for its famous V-E-N-I-C-E sign. In my mind, this is the epicenter of what out-of-towners consider Venice to be. It hits all the postcard-perfect marks: there are skateboarders weaving in and out of foot traffic, vibrant murals covering the walls of nearly every building, trails of questionable smoke emanating from circles of colorfully dressed backpackers and old-school hippies, and musicians fearlessly hawking their latest work to passersby. And sitting calmly amongst the chaos is Menotti's, a bright little coffee haven full of neighbors and friends. 

Named for the building's former owner, who ran a grocery store with a secret liquor operation underneath during the Great Depression, Menotti's aesthetic pays tribute to the historic building it calls home. A restored honeycomb tiled floor lies underfoot, copper ceiling tiles line the front of the coffee bar, and retro-styled lamps hang overhead. The shop has actually doubled in size since my last visit - upon their two-year anniversary in 2015, the space next door was opened up to allow for additional seating. It's still quite small, but the bright white walls and large windows help to give the space an open, airy feel.

Though he wasn't present at my recent visit, Christopher "Nicely" Abel Alameda is the head barista here - upon opening the shop, owners Louie and Annette Ryan tapped Nicely to run the show, who came to the project armed with years of experience working for Intelligentsia and Handsome Coffee. It's clear that Nicely's love of the craft and affable demeanor is shared by the rest of the team, who welcome customers with the kind of broad smile you'd give an old friend. They're passionate about making coffee, and want to talk to you about it. In fact, drink customization is encouraged here, as a chalkboard behind the bar states: "don't see what you're looking for? Let's talk about it!" 

While Menotti's famously offers a "secret menu," I most often stick with their simple, perfect cappuccino. The delicious Four Barrel espresso shines brilliantly amidst the decadently creamy milk, offering a cocoa-like bitterness that is reminiscent of really good dark chocolate. There's also a hint of a toasted flavor, like a charred marshmallow, that recalls fond memories of s'mores past. And of course, it's topped off with some beautifully articulated latte art.  

While parking here can be a challenge (pro tip: there are some one-hour metered spots a block away in front of Bank of America that are usually open), and you'll undoubtedly have to elbow your way through crowds of international backpacking college students before you find the place, Menotti's is a stop worth making. I'm already planning my next visit, when I'll order up something fun and new (and probably one of those enormous cookies from the pastry chef at Hatchet Hall), and relax the day away, Venice-style. 

Menotti's
56 Windward Ave
Venice, CA 90291

Urth Caffé | Santa Monica, CA

Just steps from the beach on a lively stretch of Main Street stands the Santa Monica branch of Urth Caffé, housed in a beautiful Spanish-style building bedecked with colorful tilework and lush, vibrant greenery. This is just one of several outposts of the mini-chain that could easily be called a Los Angeles institution; its top-notch organic coffee and tea and consistently high-quality, health-conscious food offerings have made it a mainstay for over 15 years - and have put it on the map as one of L.A.'s best coffee shops. 

Tiled fountain on the patio at Urth Caffé, Santa Monica, CA

Impressively, the restaurant's distinct aesthetic is consistent across each of its six locations; its trademark custom metal chairs, courtyards with charming tiled fountains, and shelves lined with gleaming tins of tea offer a familiar warmth that makes its regulars feel at home. No matter the location you choose, you're greeted by a massive glass case filled with gorgeous, meticulously decorated pastries and desserts, behind which hordes of hunter-green clad employees buzz around, grinding fragrant coffees and swiftly filling orders to keep the ever-present line moving. It feels overwhelming and comfortably familiar all at once, perhaps due in part to Urth's commitment to quality and consistency - each item on their lengthy menu is crafted with care and is easily customizable. 

In 1989, dissatisfied with the destructive and chemical-laden coffee manufacturing process that was (and unfortunately still is) the standard, founders Jilla and Shallom Berkman set out to create the first exclusively organic, heirloom coffee company in the world. Just two years later, in 1991, they opened the very first Urth Caffé in Manhattan Beach. The operation grew slowly, and by the mid-2000's, the healthful meals and organic coffees served at Urth's locations across Los Angeles had formed a cult following. The restaurants also became a hotspot for celebrity sightings, and made regular appearances on HBO's Entourage. Today, the fervor still exists - tourists and locals alike flock to the six locations to sample quintessential healthy Southern California fare and to sip photo-worthy coffees and teas. 

Halfway through a foamy cappuccino at Urth Caffé, Santa Monica, CA 

While Urth Caffé is now well known as a full-service restaurant, excellent coffee remains at the heart of the operation. It's probably safe to say that Shallom Berkman is coffee-obsessed; his stringent high standards ensure that the words "organic," "fair trade," and "sustainable" actually mean something when used in reference to Urth's coffee. Berkman establishes and maintains relationships with ethical coffee growers around the world, often educating them in best practices for growing organic coffee, then oversees the meticulous roasting process back at Urth's Downtown LA headquarters. Here, the coffee is roasted in small batches using cast iron roasters, giving the team the ability to fine tune each coffee's flavor on an individual level. 

Just as Urth offers a variety of different types of coffee beans, the menu also features a wide array of serving styles - options are kind of their thing. It's actually fortunate that there's almost always a line out the door here, because having a few extra minutes to decide is a godsend when you realize just how overwhelming the menu of drinks can be. Not only are there about three times as many options for espresso drinks as any normal coffee shop, but you're also faced with the choice of how you want your espresso: Urth Italia (dark roast) or Urth Dolcé (light roast). Beyond espresso, you can sample traditionally brewed coffee, French press coffee, tea lattés, boba teas, juices, and smoothies. Customization options include at least seven different types of milk, ten natural flavorings, and additions of real whipped cream, boba pearls, or extra shots, and they'll even make anything unsweetened upon request. So yeah, those of us who have trouble making decisions should probably just avoid looking at the menu at all.  

For the first time in the Great Cappuccino Project, I was faced with a quandary when ordering: Urth actually features two different cappuccinos on their menu. One is called simply "cappuccino," and the other is an "Italian cappuccino." Fortunately, I'm no stranger to Urth's Santa Monica location, and I've been able to stage repeat visits in order to sample both - in the name of science, of course. 

Cappuccino at Urth Caffé, Santa Monica, CA

The simply titled "cappuccino" recalls memories of the foam-explosion we experienced back at Funnel Mill: this is the 90's style, wall-of-foam type of cappuccino that you order before settling in for a Poetry Slam. It's unfortunately a bit of a let down if you don't know what you're getting into; after seeing countless Instagram photos of Urth's coffees featuring top-notch latte art, the tall mound of foam on top looks bland and a little sad. But once you take a sip, things start to look up. Under that big fluffy cloud lies Urth's trademark flavorful espresso - sharply bitter with a robust flavor profile that remains steady throughout your sip. It's a classic example of "don't judge a book by its cover," as long as you don't have an aversion to milk foam. And if that's the case, then you probably shouldn't be ordering a cappuccino anyway. 

Italian Cappuccino (left) and Latte (right), Urth Caffé, Santa Monica, CA

If you're looking for a more decorative, sexier cappuccino, the Italian variety is your best bet. With intricate design work etched into a modest layer of a thin, velvety micro-foam, this cappuccino more closely resembles the ones we've found at the hip, "third-wave" coffee shops in Los Angeles. The espresso is consistently robust and flavorful, and it combines with the milk to create a drink that is lusciously smooth. No ugly ducklings here; this drink is dressed to impress. 

I could go on for days about what to try (and what to skip) at Urth Caffé, but if you live in L.A., you probably could, too. It is a mainstay for good reason - it's the perfect spot when you're looking to soak in some California sunshine and enjoy a reliably delicious and healthy meal alongside a well-crafted cup of coffee. 

Urth Caffé, Santa Monica, CA

Urth Caffé
2327 Main St.
Santa Monica, CA 90405

Paper or Plastik Cafe | Los Angeles, CA

People have been talking about love all week. After all, 'tis the season for mixed messages sent through conversation hearts (be careful who you give that 'ILY' to), overpriced long-stem roses (I prefer my stems short, thankyouverymuch), and Instagram snaps of you and your Valentine (human, cat, or otherwise). This year, however, it seemed that a lot of people realized that February 14th doesn't have to be about material things. That instead, we can use this time to ponder love in all its forms, and perhaps even hold on to this appreciation beyond the 14th, through the rest of our year. 

I was recently able to appreciate love found out in the wild, in the form of a little café in Mid-Wilshire called Paper or Plastik. The place is like a breath of fresh air; the huge open space is flooded with light from the floor-to-ceiling windows. Even on a weekday, it's full of people chatting, sipping coffee, and enjoying each others' company. Every little detail speaks to the care that was put into making this place - it's in the handwritten menus and signs, the pieces of art hiding here and there, the shelves of hand-picked boutique items, the rack of carefully curated independent magazines, the gorgeous handmade pastries lined up neatly in the case, and of course, the wonderful coffee. Many tables are laptop-free zones, reserved for "dining, daydreaming, and conversation," reminding us to disconnect and appreciate the world around us. There are even pops of red, the ultimate color of love, found throughout the décor. And as if all this weren't enough, when I arrived, the Sleepless in Seattle soundtrack was playing. If that won't help you to find love in the world, I don't know what will. 

It's really no wonder that Paper or Plastik is oozing with love - its founders are a family of artists: husband-and-wife team Anya & Yasha Michelson and their daughter, Marina. The Michelsons opened Paper or Plastik in 2010 as an addition to their lively dance studio and special event space, Mimoda. The cafe offers customers a place to experience a sense of community while enjoying lovingly crafted food and drink. Chef Brian Leitner, a native Angeleno passionate about sustainability and farm-to-table cooking who counts Alice Waters and Gordon Drysdale among his mentors, oversees a diverse menu that changes seasonally. With tempting breakfast items offered until 3pm daily, this is a perfect spot for those pesky weekday brunch cravings. We've brunched here ourselves a few times, and hold a very high opinion of the blueberry ricotta pancakes. 

But today, we're here to talk about the coffee. Paper or Plastik fits right in to the third-wave coffee movement, putting quality and sustainability at the forefront of their efforts. Brews offered include a selection from popular roasters like Coava, 49th Parallel, and Black Oak, as well as their own single origin beans roasted in-house. Milk selections include dairy milk from Straus Family Creamery and Califia Farms almond milk. Alongside the classics, the coffee menu features fun, signature drinks like the Lavender Chai, the Maple Latte, and the Mole Cortado.  

As expected, in the name of science, I ordered up my usual cappuccino. Served in a small glass cup (as is apparently the fashion these days), this lovely concoction was piping hot and full of flavor. It reminded me a bit of eating a really nice slice of tiramisu; it was buttery and smooth like a thick whipped cream, and had a warm aftertaste with flavors like cocoa or hazelnut. The foam-to-coffee ratio was just right, and it was adorned with lovely latte art which was topped, appropriately, with a little heart. Delightful. 

As I enjoyed that lusciously creamy cappuccino and watched the world go by, I heard the ever-familiar crooning of Jimmy Durante, asking me to "make just one someone happy." If that was indeed the goal, then the folks at Paper or Plastik have surely succeeded. And I hope that they're happy, too. 

Paper or Plastik Cafe
5772 W Pico Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90019

Go Get Em Tiger | Los Angeles, CA

If G&B Coffee in Grand Central Market is the posh, outspoken, sexy, sophisticated sister, then Go Get Em Tiger on Larchmont is the mellow, down-to-earth, quietly beautiful one who, if you're lucky, might also invite you over for an incredible home-cooked meal. The second brainchild of Los Angeles coffee powerhouses Charles Babinski and Kyle Granville, "GGET" both compliments and contrasts their first permanent coffee shop with its more relaxed, comfortable vibe. While G&B is like a sleek, neon beacon amidst the chaos of the market around it, GGET is a calm, minimalist retreat snuggled into one of the most charming neighborhoods in the city. It fits into the Larchmont neighborhood well, its beautifully designed space and expertly crafted offerings are exactly what you'd hope to find on this dreamy, tree-lined street. 

It's clear that this place is very popular, but even when it's buzzing with people, there's still room to sit down and relax or lean up against the bar and chat with a fellow coffee enthusiast. The crowd is mixed; there are film industry types, students, hippies, moms, and plenty of Instagrammers, but it doesn't feel so much like a place where locals hang out. Instead, you get the feeling that this is a destination, and that the mobs of people are here because they've heard just how good (and hip) it is. That floating astronaut painted on the wall behind the bar does make for a rather compelling photo for the 'gram, you must admit. 

GGET utilizes many of the same concepts that were set forth by Granville and Babinski at G&B, including the bar-style ordering system, rotating coffee selections based on frequent blind tastings, and an emphasis on consistency in their coffee through automation - a concept that is not embraced in most coffee shops. Rather than having a barista grind each espresso shot individually and then determine when to stop extraction by eye, things here are broken down like an assembly line: espresso shots are ground ten at a time to a precise measurement, then an automated machine cuts off each shot at the exact spot for ideal quality and flavor. This streamlined operation allows for optimal speed and efficiency, getting customers their excellently crafted coffees in record time. 

My cappuccino lived up to the high standards set at G&B; the flavorful 49th Parallel espresso shone through and the foamed milk was perfectly smooth. The espresso's flavor was bold, reminding me of charcoal and dark cherry. The drink was presented beautifully in the same glass cups used at G&B, showcasing the gorgeous line where foam meets coffee as well as some impeccable latte art on top. 

I also indulged in some of GGET's food offerings, as my visit fortunately occurred within acceptable brunching hours. When I visited G&B a few weeks ago, the smell of the malted waffles being made right in front of me was so tempting that it was permanently seared into my brain - so you know I had to start there. But since a waffle does not a balanced meal make, I also ordered a salad. 

This waffle was delightfully unique. I can't say I've had too many yeast-raised waffles in my day (despite my being an avid waffle-lover, so shame on me), so perhaps this is exactly what a yeast-raised waffle should be - no matter, it's delicious. Mine was served warm, with a big dollop of ricotta cheese in the center, a generous sprinkling of fresh berries, and the most delicate drizzle of honey on top. The flavor combination was just right; the malty, almost beer-like flavor of the waffle was light and just barely sweet (sounds weird, but it's so good), and it paired so nicely with the creamy ricotta, tart berries, and the light touch of honey. For the purists out there, for a dollar less you can also enjoy this waffle with butter and maple syrup, which I'm sure is also mouthwateringly delicious. 

In nearly any brunching situation, when a waffle is paired with a salad, you're going to expect the salad to be sad and boring in comparison - there's no way it can live up to the delicious decadence of a waffle, right? So, so wrong. I went for the Chopped Salad, comprised of Napa cabbage, seasonal vegetables, black sesame, and samal-miso vinaigrette, with an addition of shredded chicken - this was such a delicious and satisfying meal, that I'm still dreaming about it days later. The textures were varied and balanced - there was a satisfying crunch from the cabbage, thinly sliced radish, sesame seeds, and crisped rice. The chicken and the seasonal vegetables, which were roasted carrots and potatoes, were perfectly tender. And to round everything out, the mix was topped with the flavorful samal-miso dressing, which was decadently creamy, and offered a sharp kick of ginger. 

There are a lot of opinions out there about whether or not Go Get Em Tiger lives up to its hype, and for me, it does. This is a triple (maybe quadruple?)-threat that fits perfectly into the utopian Larchmont Village, offering excellent coffee and food, in a beautiful environment, with excellent service. So let's embrace this place for what it is: eat something fun and flavorful, post your photo of that astronaut on the wall to Instagram, and go get yourself some delicious coffee. 

Go Get Em Tiger - 230 N Larchmont Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90004

Caffe Luxxe | Santa Monica, CA

So far on this great cappuccino adventure, we've visited a wide range of coffee shops - some famous pillars of Los Angeles' "third wave" coffee movement, some that are under the radar and quirky, and others that are on the cutting edge of modern coffee-making technology. Today, we bring you back to very origins of LA's "third wave," the place that started it all with its rigorous standards of excellence and genuine passion for excellent coffee: Caffe Luxxe. 

Let's take a little trip back in time. Do you remember 2006? Things were a little weird back then: George W. Bush was president, Grey's Anatomy was new and actually really good, Miley Cyrus was adorable and oh-so-innocent, and we were all drinking Starbucks like it was going out of style because, well, it was (we just didn't know it yet). Even back then, Caffe Luxxe founders Mark Wain and Gary Chau, long-time friends from their grad school days at USC, knew something we didn't: coffee, and the entire café experience, could be better. Inspired by their love of European "caffe culture," Wain and Chau aimed to create a neighborhood café that combined the kind of artisanal coffee preparation they'd come to appreciate during their time Europe with approachable, friendly service that would foster a sense of community. What's most amazing is not that they succeeded and were soon listed among LA's best coffee shops, but that today, over ten years after their first Caffee Luxxe location opened in Santa Monica, they are still able to perfectly embody those values and deliver top-notch coffee in a warm and welcoming environment. 

I recently visited Caffe Luxxe's flagship location on the decidedly refined Montana Avenue in Santa Monica, a street lined with lovely boutiques, eateries, and perfectly groomed trees. It's unclear to me, as someone who admittedly hasn't spent much time on Montana Avenue, which came first: is it the sleek and beautiful Caffe Luxxe that fits so perfectly into this neighborhood, or is it Caffe Luxxe that has set the standard for the neighborhood around it? Either way, it fits right in. This café oozes class and sophistication, its understated decor and grey-and-white color palette offering a subtle backdrop to the gorgeous, rich cappuccinos or the vibrantly colorful French macarons they serve to their loyal patrons.  

The word loyal doesn't quite seem to cover just how true these patrons are to their coffee shop - in fact, I don't think I've ever seen such familiarity between customers and baristas in Los Angeles before. They chat like they're lifelong friends - picking up the conversations they'd started yesterday, razzing each other about the performance of a favorite sports team, discussing in detail what makes Caffe Luxxe's ristretto shot better than any other in the city. An older lady comes in, hoping for the same raspberry tart she enjoyed yesterday - unfortunately they're all gone, but one of the baristas assures her she'll enjoy the alternative pastry she's chosen as he helps her to a table. People meet, they mingle, they relax, and they enjoy a treat. It feels like a community hub, a place you go each day to recharge and catch up with old friends. 

The heart of this operation is, of course, the coffee. Wain and Chau roast their own coffee beans, which are sustainably sourced from farms across the globe and roasted at their facility just outside Los Angeles. Here they roast the beans by "sight and smell," adjusting their roasting methods to compliment each different variety of coffee bean. Bags of their ever-popular single-origin beans are available for purchase in the cafés, as well as blends that feature complex flavors and aromas. Wain and Chau maintain an extremely high standard of excellence in all that they do at Caffe Luxxe; even their employees must endure a six- to twelve-month training period before they can earn the coveted title of "barista." 

This standard of excellence was clear when my cappuccino slid across the counter to my eager hands, topped with a thin layer of deeply saturated honey brown foam that is punctuated with a crisp, delicate white heart. The texture was like satin: rich, smooth, and luxurious, coating the tongue with perfectly warm, creamy milk. The espresso was bold and full-bodied, with a warm, toasty flavor that reminded me of a perfectly browned, buttery pie crust. This was clearly expertly crafted, and enjoyable to the last drop. I was also able to taste a latte made with decaffeinated espresso, which was slightly more understated in flavor, though similarly delicious and still able to hold its own - a feat not always managed when it comes to decaf. 

While it can be counted as the very beginning of the "third wave" coffee movement in our fine city, Caffe Luxxe also manages to continually stand out from the crowd of successors through its consistency, friendliness, and commitment to excellence. It feels timeless and delightfully refined, a haven for coffee lovers and neighbors, a respite from the hectic energy of the city. It's been a true neighborhood gem for ten years now, and I sincerely hope we'll be enjoying their excellent coffee ten years from now, too. 

Caffe Luxxe 

925 Montana Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90403

I mean... sometimes Dinos need coffee too, right? Caffe Luxxe, Santa Monica, CA