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 

Mardi | West Hollywood, CA

Los Angeles is, in some ways, a place to see and be seen. Many restaurants are designed with visibility in mind, perfect spots to debut your new arm candy or your fresh balayage dye job for all the world to see. Or, for us normal folks, perfect spots to sit around and gawk at wannabe celebrities (and occasional actual celebrities). This kind of overexposure can, however, be exhausting, leaving you longing for a little peace and quiet - but not without sacrificing a bit of Los Angeles luxury, of course. When the reclusive mood strikes, look no further than Mardi, a secluded indoor/outdoor restaurant tucked inside the Palihouse hotel in West Hollywood. Its garden setting is Parisian chic and California bohemian all at once, mixed with an old-world charm. It's luxurious and exotic - pretty much what you would imagine your second home in the South of France would look like. 

Part of Mardi's appeal is how secluded and quiet it is; even at prime brunch hour on a weekend, it's mostly open, offering a sense of ease and comfort (and eliminating that fear that your server's silently judging you for lingering over your mimosas for too long).  But be sure to appreciate its sense of calm now, because with so much delicious food and so much Instagram-worthy decor, the secret's bound to get out sooner or later. 

Mardi is helmed by Kris Tominaga, famous for his work at The Hart and the Hunter, a very popular restaurant serving up seasonal Southern cuisine inside the Palihotel Melrose. Mardi is relatively new on the scene at less than a year old, but has received much positive feedback for its European-style cuisine and family-style dinners. And as it's officially a hotel restaurant, Mardi is open for three meals a day, making it a lovely spot for weekday breakfast, as well. The weekend brunch menu features a wide variety of delights sure to please even picky eaters - from healthy dishes like salads and avocado toast to more indulgent fare like eggs benedict or steak and eggs. There's a lot to choose from, and it's all delicious.

We took advantage of the varied menu and sampled a wide range of dishes. To start, we shared the Pulled Chicken Salad, a light, refreshing dish with subtle fresh flavors - it was a excellent excuse to sneak in a few extra greens. Next, the chia seed overnight oats, which were light, creamy, and sweet, and the perfect option for those who prefer a lighter start to their day. We especially enjoyed the coconut flavor in this dish, which paired so nicely with the fresh berries. 

For main dishes, we were all feeling a bit savory - we went for the grilled salmon, baked eggs, and the pork chop. The grilled salmon is a great choice for those who are looking for something filling, but also healthy - paired with potatoes, fennel, and greens, this was simple yet flavorful, and very satisfying. For those looking for something a bit more indulgent, consider the pork chop: smothered in sauce and topped with two sunny side up eggs, this exactly the type of thing that makes weekend brunch so magical. Finally, the baked eggs. Served in an adorable little cast iron skillet and with a generous side of crispy toast, these were perfectly cooked and decadently creamy. The inclusion of the mushrooms is unexpected and delightful, and loads of fresh parsley add a bright, fresh flavor. 

Mardi was a lovely spot to rest, catch up with friends, and linger over delicious food. It's a perfect hideaway from the hustle and bustle of West Hollywood, offering some beauty and calm in a secluded environment. Like splurging on a fancy hotel for a night, a brunch at Mardi will infuse your normal, mundane life with a little bit of luxury! Enjoy it - you deserve it!

Mardi - at Palihouse, 8465 Holloway Drive, West Hollywood, CA 90069

G&B Coffee | Downtown Los Angeles, CA

If you've visited Downtown LA's Grand Central Market, you've witnessed its beautiful chaos: fruit vendors and spice sellers, whiskey stations and gourmet food stands, cheesemongers and delicatessens, loudly echoing laughter and blazing neon lights. At its very end, just before Hill Street, stands G&B Coffee: a beacon of sleek simplicity and a breath of fresh air.

This beautiful coffee bar gleams in bright white and marble, accented with pops of purple neon and vintage-style milk glass lamps. In some ways, it feels like it's from another place and time, but look a little deeper and it's clearly very modern and cutting edge. This is a 360-degree operation; if you want to stand in a line and wait for your coffee, you can. Or, you can belly on up to the white marble bar and order your cappuccino just like you'd order a cocktail. If you can nab a barstool, you can settle in and chat with the baristas, get cozy with a book, or merely sit back and witness the ballet of coffee production as it unfolds before your eyes. 

As the saying goes, one must "learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist," and it's as true for coffee as it is for anything else. Before founding G&B Coffee, founders Kyle Glanville and Charles Babinski (the "G" and the "B," respectively) learned from some of the best pros while working at Intelligentsia, the famous coffee roasting company that many argue is responsible for establishing a coffee scene in Los Angeles. Armed with that solid background, they followed their dreams and ventured out on their own, starting their coffee business as a pop-up at the hugely popular Sqirl. Their popularity exploded, and within months, they had opened not one but two coffee bars in Los Angeles - first G&B in a stall in Grand Central Market, then Go Get 'Em Tiger in cozy Larchmont Village. Both locations are setting the standard for great coffee in Los Angeles, and G&B's recent redesign also sets it apart as a beautiful, functional, and unique space that attracts locals and tourists alike. 

It's not just good looks and cool vibes at G&B - they're backing it up with some seriously delicious coffee and treats, too. The shop rotates between coffee beans from a variety of different roasters (49th Parallel, Heart, and Ritual, to name a few), frequently considering new options through blind taste testing to ensure they're choosing the most delicious option. They're also sticklers for milk quality, offering only whole milk or their house-made almond macadamia nut milk. The menu features creative, seasonally-rotating offerings as well, including the "Business and Pleasure" and the "Espresso Dark & Stormy." While sister shop Go Get Em Tiger serves up full-on breakfast and lunch, G&B offers a pared down menu that's mouthwatering nonetheless - I watched the staff cook up a few of the yeasted waffles, and they were torturously beautiful. And don't get me started on the gorgeous chocolate chip cookies.

Now, on to the main event - my cappuccino, which to my delight was served in a simple little glass so that beautiful separation of coffee and foam was visible for all to see. Its body was creamy and smooth, with a luscious velvety texture (thanks to that aforementioned excellent whole milk). The flavor was delicate and understated. At the beginning of the taste, it was a bit fruity, reminding me of black currant, and at the end it rounded out to a mellow toasty flavor. Topped with some gorgeous latte art, this was a really lovely cup of coffee! 

And because we're also homemade almond milk enthusiasts, we had to sample something with their fresh-daily almond macadamia nut milk. We went for the Turmeric Almond Macadamia, which was beautifully creamy and warming, slightly sweet with a satisfying hit of spice. The milk itself is excellent - it's a must-try if you're a fan of almond milk. 

In a sea of overwhelming options, with the flurry of color and neon lights, the cacophony of loud conversations and music, and of course, a few painfully long lines (I'm lookin' at you, Eggslut), G&B Coffee is an island of simplicity, serenity, and of course, great coffee - the perfect spot to stop and calm your overstimulated nerves. 

G&B Coffee - 317 S Broadway #C19, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Gjusta | Venice, CA

If you live in L.A., you've probably heard of Gjusta. If you're a foodie, and you don't live in L.A., you've also probably heard of Gjusta. If you're a foodie, and you are lucky enough to live in L.A., you are most likely at least a little bit obsessed with Gjusta. 

This is one of those places that has a reputation that precedes it. Little sister to the nearly-legendary Gjelina (the ultimate West Side food-scene hotspot, and unwitting poster child for the gentrification of Abbot Kinney), Gjusta opened in late 2014 as a bakery with elements of a take-away restaurant, an East Coast-style deli, and a juice and coffee bar. It was immediately hugely popular; attracting techies, hipsters, foodies, bloggers, and tourists in droves. Unfortunately, it hasn't been so popular with some of the locals (see: passionate accounts of how Gjusta is "a nuisance" and a famous face objecting to the restaurant's application for a liquor license), but most worthwhile things come with a little controversy. What's not-so-controversial? The excellence of the food. Foodies and critics agree that no matter what you choose, you are in for a real treat. 

To get to Gjusta, you'll have to stray from the beaten path a bit, past a busy Gold's Gym and down a residential street. It's unmarked and very low profile, the surest sign that you've made it are the crowds of well-dressed, hungry people confusedly looking for the entrance. Inside, the space is vast and completely overwhelming. Every nook and cranny of the huge room seems to be occupied by something delicious; you're likely to experience some overstimulation before even reaching the deli-style numbered ticket dispenser. The choices seem endless: Gjusta is part bakery, part pizzeria, part deli, part smokehouse, part juice bar, part coffeehouse. And the list goes on. And absolutely everything looks mouth-wateringly delicious. 

The ordering and seating situation can cause some befuddlement; if you're not aware that there are no lines and that instead you need to draw a number, you could end up standing around confused for a very long time. Then, upon actually drawing a number, the wait time to place your order can be lengthy - I've read accounts of people waiting almost an hour, though my personal experience was closer to five minutes. Finally, you wander out to the back patio to find a seat, which even at an off-time on a weekday was fairly packed. Sharing tables with other parties is expected, so it's best to leave your personal space bubble at home (my table-mates were actually a delight - we enjoyed a lively discussion about our favorite foodie spots in Portland). When your food is up, a staff member comes out back and yells out your name. It's all very confusing, and it's probably quite frustrating to some, but it's a price that must be paid to partake in some of L.A.'s most popular and delicious food. 

As a foodie with a serious FOMO problem, you can imagine the distress I felt between the moment when I pulled a number and the moment when my number was called. I read the menu over and over again; I wanted everything. A decision was alluding me. So, when it was my turn to order, I succumbed to the overwhelm and asked the staff member for a recommendation. I was expecting him to suggest a deli classic like the Bialy Egg & Cheese Sandwich or a Lox plate, Instead I was offered a curve ball: the Gjusta Huevos Rancheros. 

Curve ball or no, I was absolutely not led astray. This dish was fresh, vibrant, and not at all heavy. I loved the addition of the kale, which added a wonderful, toothsome texture and made it feel a little bit healthier (let's be real - kale has that "miracle food" reputation that might lead you to believe that kale cookies are healthy... side note, kale cookies sound awful). The flavors throughout the dish were excellent - in particular, the tangy bean stew and the smoky tomato sauce on top were standouts that worked together harmoniously. And finally, the variety of textures was delightful - it was crunchy, soft, chewy, and crispy all at once. Truly, there were no complaints to be had about this satisfying dish. 

And because I'm the type who won't be satisfied to sample just one dish, I got a "side" of one of the deli salads: the curry roasted carrots. I put "side" in quotations because, well, this was an enormous serving. Trust me, I am not complaining - I am a sucker for perfectly roasted carrots, and while this is a difficult vegetable to treat perfectly, Gjusta nailed it. They had a touch of char on the ends and were soft in the middle without being overdone. The seasoning was wonderfully spicy and earthy, and the tangy yogurt added a creamy decadence. With those powers combined, this was veggie heaven. 

Choosing a drink at Gjusta is another difficult task. Between the smoothies, coffee, shrubs, lemonades, and juices, it's easy to be sent into another tailspin of indecision. I was already a bit hopped-up on caffeine on the day of my visit, so it was easy to eliminate at least one category (however delicious those Cortados may have looked). I went with the daily juice, because when in Venice... right? Again, I was not disappointed: the apple, beet, lemon, and ginger concoction was tangy and bright. I'd say it was downright zippy. 

As wonderful as my entire meal at Gjusta was, I left feeling a little bit dissatisfied - my inner FOMO monster had been awakened, and all I could think about were the possibilities of meals not chosen. But what about the famous baklava croissants - were they already sold out, or did I just miss them? Should I have tried a homemade bagel or bialy? And crap, I never got to taste the famous bread everyone's been talking about! Or the famous fish that they get at the farmers markets and smoke in-house! With so many incredible brunch and breakfast options throughout this diverse city of ours, it's sometimes hard to say "I'm coming back here" and actually mean it. With Gjusta, I mean it. 

Gjusta - 320 Sunset Avenue, Venice, CA 90291

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