Rose Park Roasters | Long Beach, CA

There are a lot of things to love about the third-wave coffee movement. For one, it upended the way many people thought about their favorite morning ritual, from considering where those magic beans come from to how best to give them a hot bath. After my own third-wave inspired coffee epiphany, I packed up my Mr. Coffee in favor of methods like pour-over and french press, which offered not just a more flavorful brew, but a chance to slow down and enjoy the process each morning. This eventually led to brazen experimentation, mixing and matching brewing equipment in attempts to overcome the little issues I was facing. I wondered, can I brew two cups at once? If so, how do I keep the second cup warm? And is there a surefire way to keep coffee grounds out of my cup? My Bill Nye-worthy exploration was exciting, but at the same time panic-inducing - what would those third-wave coffee pioneers think if they saw all this brewing blasphemy? It was my own private shame - I was silently breaking all the rules, brazenly ignoring their advice, and brewing my coffee how I wanted to. I kept it to myself, worried that I'd be found out, like a thirteen-year-old desperate to keep her love of Star Trek a secret from her cool friends (oh, is that not everyone's experience?). Then one day, I stumbled upon the liberating Rose Park Roasters manifesto:

"We believe that the ideal cup of coffee is brewed at home- inexact science, improvised brewing equipment, lack of formal barista training, and less than ideal water composition can not diminish the quintessential coffee experience of daily ritual."

So you're saying... I'm not doing it wrong? I can do whatever I want in my own kitchen, and it's nobody's damn business? All right. I liked the way these Rose Park people think. So naturally, a trip to their Long Beach café was soon in order. 

Goodies to take home at Rose Park Roasters, Long Beach, CA

Blueberry Donut and Cappuccino atRose Park Roasters, Long Beach, CA

Interestingly, a café was not originally in the plan for Rose Park Roasters founders Andrew Phillips and Nathan Tourtellotte. Instead, they'd envisioned their business as a coffee roasting operation that would supply expertly roasted, ethically sourced coffee beans to coffee shops and consumers throughout Long Beach, delivered via bicycle. But while the free local bicycle delivery option still exists, the scope of the project changed over time - and when the opportunity to open a coffee bar came about in 2014, Phillips and Tourtellotte seized it. 

Pastries at Rose Park Roasters, Long Beach, CA

The concept of a specialty coffee shop is rather new for Long Beach, a city that despite its rich background in coffee (it was once the home to the Specialty Coffee Association of America and the US Coffee Championships), lagged behind in adopting the trend. It wasn't until very recently that shops like Rose Park started to appear, but a culture has already grown around them and it's already spreading quickly.

Beans to take home atRose Park Roasters, Long Beach, CA

The shop itself is open and airy, with a beautifully designed minimalist aesthetic. On a grey wall on one side of the shop, huge letters pronounce, "welcome to the process," while original hand-painted Spanish tiles offer a sense of time and place (this is Southern California, after all) and some mid-century furniture adds modern detail.  It all combines into an elegant balance of old-meets-new that feels like a breath of fresh air in a town like Long Beach. When we visited on a Saturday afternoon, the shop was filled with customers quietly working, some on laptops, others on paper, all contributing to a calm, tranquil vibe. 

Tasty Treats at Rose Park Roasters, Long Beach, CA

Blueberry Donut, Iced Tea, Cappuccino atRose Park Roasters, Long Beach, CA

We sampled a cappuccino, an iced herbal tea, and a blueberry cake donut (because sometimes, we really can't resist a sweet treat). The tea was light and refreshing, perfect for a sunny summer afternoon, and the donut was light and flavorful, delightfully sweet with bright fruit flavor. 

Blueberry Donut at Rose Park Roasters, Long Beach, CA

Cappuccino atRose Park Roasters, Long Beach, CA

As far as cappuccinos go (I mean, I'm fairly sure I can be considered an expert now), this one held its own. The latte art was delicate, and the layer of foam on top was thin and velvety. Upon first sip, the espresso's bitterness was robust and prominent, reminiscent of toasted walnuts. As the flavor settled a bit, the subtleties shone through - bright hits of lemon, sweet toasted meringue, a bit of warm hazelnut. It was a delicious, well-made cup of coffee with really good milk, served at the perfect temperature. All in all, a winner. 

Cappuccino at Rose Park Roasters, Long Beach, CA

For a company that believes that the best cups of coffee are brewed at home, the gang at Rose Park Roasters sure know how to provide a wonderful coffee bar experience, and a cappuccino that is leagues better than what I could make myself. But perhaps the lesson is that there should be room in life for both - some days require a beautiful, expertly-crafted cup of coffee, while others call for a make-a-mess-in-the-kitchen, experimental brew. Coffee is a ritual that can be both personal and communal, and that's a wonderful thing. 

Rose Park Roasters, Long Beach, CA

Rose Park Roasters Coffee Bar
3044 E 4th Street
Long Beach, CA 90814

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

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

Two Guns Espresso | Manhattan Beach, CA

There's something about the South Bay that's a little off-beat. It's quirky, charming, and provides a nice little respite from the daily grind of the city. In some ways, it doesn't feel like L.A. (the tight-knit friendly neighborhoods, the ease of parking), and in others, it fits in perfectly (fancy Grove-like outdoor mall, upscale beachy restaurants). So somehow, finding something as odd as a Western-themed strip mall doesn't seem all that surprising in Manhattan Beach. And finding an excellent, Instagram-worthy coffee shop inside? It's almost expected.

As you pull into the parking lot of Two Guns Espresso (yeah, like I said - parking is easy in the South Bay), you're greeted with a big sign reading, "how about a cup of Joe?" The answer is obviously yes, because the café has some serious appeal: there's a warm and welcoming feel with locals chatting outside, a handwritten menu detailing tempting breakfast options ranging from healthy to decadent, and cozy indoor or outdoor seating. The only thing that some might find off-putting is the cheeky little sign in the window reading "ain't no wifi." But these days, I think most of us find that kind of thing charming. 

It's interesting how "local" this has become - it's deeply rooted in the community through the owners' support of Manhattan Beach schools and organizations, and it's clearly a favorite haunt for the city's residents - given that its owners hail from faraway New Zealand. Founders Andrew "Stan" Stanisich and Craig Olson aimed to bring a taste of the New Zealand coffee scene to the South Bay when they opened in 2011, and by offering up their then-exotic (and ever-delicious) flat white, they succeeded with flying colors.

These days, the café serves up espresso drinks using their own blend of beans that was developed with Dillanos Coffee Roasters. Their huge, beautiful La Marzocco machine is in plain sight; you can watch the friendly baristas work their magic while you lean against the bar and bask in the glory of the enormous Dirty Harry portrait hanging in the corner. And good luck walking away without one of the mouthwatering treats piled high in the glass case - it took all the strength I had to keep from ordering all the donuts.

As tempting as the flat white and the donuts were, I stuck to the plan and ordered up my cappuccino. The house two-bean blend was described as having "dark chocolate sweetness with candied pecan and hints of dried fruit." While some of these flavors were present for me (particularly the candied pecans), the most prominent flavor in my cup was a roasted one - like a light char or burnt sugar. This is not to say it tasted burned - it had a very pleasant, toasty bitterness with a warm aftertaste. The flavor was complimented by a luxurious creaminess, likely a result of the top-notch Straus organic whole milk. This cup of joe was a delightful balance of flavor and texture, and featured some lovely latte art to boot. 

When it first opened, Two Guns Espresso was a beacon of hope for South Bay coffee enthusiasts, finally making it possible to find a great cup of joe in a town without a coffee scene. Today, even as the Los Angeles coffee culture explodes and great coffee becomes readily available, they remain the gold standard. And lucky for us all, Two Guns is rocking out at three locations - in addition to their original location in the quirky Western strip mall, you can also enjoy their brews at the end of the Manhattan Beach pier and at a cute little stand in Downtown L.A. And as Dirty Harry behind the cash register promises, it'll make your day. 

Two Guns Espresso - 350 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 7 in Manhattan Beach

C+M Cafe | Los Angeles, CA

Living in Los Angeles, "foodies" constantly struggle with a double edged sword: so many excellent restaurants! We fall in love with tasty eateries and want to go back all the time, but there are countless new places to visit. What's a girl to do?! I say, keep experimenting and sampling all of the foods LA has to offer, but don't abandon the classic places that are always delicious and dependable.

C+M Cafe (Chicken and Monkey) is one of those places. When it first opened in the Palms neighborhood of Los Angeles a couple years ago, it quickly became a regular spot for my boyfriend and I since it was a 5 minute walk from our apartment. I can't count the number of times we have woken up on a Sunday morning, and one of us has suggested "C+M?", almost embarrassingly because we go so often. (Side bar - we once were called out by an employee at Millions of Milkshakes in West Hollywood for visiting so frequently one month. "Do you come here like, everyday?" "No... No! YOU do!" *pays and rushes out to cry in the car*. You get the picture... Ever since, we've tried to maintain anonymity at restaurants to hold on to some amount of personal dignity). 

C+M recently became so popular that it relocated to a new, bigger spot a few blocks away, but still within walking distance for us, thank goodness. If you're a fan of the Westside ice cream hot spot "Scoops", it's right next-door in the same plaza. A double dose of awesomeness if you ask me.

Group enjoying breakfast under the chicken

Kitchen tool art wall

Our staple order always includes the "Basic Eggsential Breakfast Sandwich". It's a simple, yet completely satisfying breakfast sandwich. You can add bacon, sausage, ham or avocado, and it's topped with an over-easy egg and havarti cheese all on fresh sourdough bread. We always pick bacon, and usually split this along with another item because neither one of us can enter C+M without a bite of that perfect gift between bread. Dare I say, it's my favorite breakfast sandwich in LA?

Basic Eggsential Breakfast Sandwich w/bacon

The must have side item is the "Sweeties" potatoes. I honestly don't remember how we got hooked on them because they're not officially on the menu, but we always have to have them. They're perfectly crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, and they're served with a tangy and slightly spicy chili aioli for dipping.

Sweeties potatoes

 "The Melting Pot" is the item to choose if you just want a warm, homey rice bowl. It's a Hungarian-style fried rice bowl, with smoked paprika, pork belly, brown rice, kale, spinach, and topped with over easy egg, pesto, and farmers cheese. Your belly is filled with the warm spices and fatty pork, and c'mon, is there really anything more comforting than a hearty breakfast bowl?

The Melting Pot

 If you have a sweet tooth, I recommend the "Money Maker", a perfect bread pudding with lemon and rosemary and topped with an over easy egg, all sitting in a sticky, sweet, bath of caramel. Each bite starts with a satisfying crunch from the crispy edges, but finishes with a soft sweetness and subtle rosemary flavor, which prevents the dish from being TOO sweet. So good. I'm full just thinking about it. 

The Money Maker

But what's a good brunch joint without coffee? C+M doesn't short-change you there either. They brew up delicious cold brew and espresso standards, and there are multiple coffee and juice concoctions and kombucha to-go. We always grab a drink for the walk home!

While the food is oh-so-tasty, and never lets you down, my favorite thing about C+M Cafe is its neighborhood feel. Sure, there is tons of exceptional food in LA, but not every place feels like home on a Sunday morning. There's something comforting about always seeing the same people working behind the counter and little kids stuffing their faces with their parents by their side. About eating your meal next to a couple enjoying their morning routine, or even the Crossfitters who visit after a hard workout. C+M is a place where all of these families are welcome, and I enjoy spending my Sunday morning with all of them. 

-Johnna