arkestra Senior Member Joined: 7 Jan 2005 Posts: 30 Location: so. cal. Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: la pavoni Grinder: jericho Vac Pot: hario
Posted Sun Jul 16, 2006, 8:38am Subject: Caffe Luxxe -- Santa Monica -- Wow!
I discovered this new place (open for 2 weeks) yesterday and have already been there twice. These guys know what they're doing and it is clear they have a real commitment to quality. IMHO, it's the #1 spot in the L.A. area. They have a beautiful Synesso machine (a 3-group Cyncra I believe). Here's their address: 925 Montana Ave. And here's their website:
Yeah a month or two ago I saw that they had posted an ad on craigslist looking for baristas. I'd been meaning to post about it here because from their ad it sounded like they were not joking around about their coffee. they only wanted baristas who had serious experience and who'd be willing to compete in barista competetions, etc. I was curious when they would open for business, so glad to hear they have. I'll try and visit this week. Sounds like LA finally has a proper 3rd wave cafe (edit: not third stream...flashback from jazz history class), or at least it will when they start roasting their own!). Happy happy joy joy.
caffesnob Senior Member Joined: 22 Jul 2006 Posts: 14 Location: Los Angeles Expertise: I live coffee
Posted Sat Jul 22, 2006, 1:31pm Subject: Re: Caffe Luxxe -- Santa Monica -- Wow!
Thanks for the tip!!!! I am from Europe and find the chains in America disgusting (sorry!). FINALLY, something worthy of best from Italy . . . and the caffe decoration is soooooo beautiful too. They did this submersed orchid display which was truly a work of art, yet so simple! I rarely rave about decoration, but the ambiance was matched by the excellent coffee. I sat there for hours just enjoying multiple cups with perfect rosettas. Whoever came up with the decor must be European because it felt so genuine and authentic.
They told me it's only been open less than a month . . . get over there soon before the lines start going around the corner! Any other coffee house would have thought twice to open on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica, where every corner seems to have a Starbucks or Coffee Bean. Not these guys! They don't care because their coffee blows the competition away, and basically the same price. What a value!
gpm Senior Member Joined: 21 May 2006 Posts: 43 Location: Los Angeles Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Sat Jul 22, 2006, 3:57pm Subject: Re: Caffe Luxxe -- Santa Monica -- Wow!
Yep, Caffe Luxxe most definitely lives up to its (short & stellar) reputation. Tried it, and it's fantastic. It's nice to see a barista at work who truly cares about every shot he pulls.
poison Senior Member Joined: 11 Aug 2004 Posts: 1,110 Location: www.westcoastroasting.com Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Silvia? Nah, teh PuLs3R!!! Grinder: Maestro Plus, Super J deal Drip: Cone filter Roaster: RK drum
Posted Sat Jul 22, 2006, 4:04pm Subject: Re: Caffe Luxxe -- Santa Monica -- Wow!
Heh, went in yesterday, had two doubles pulled by Yaniv, and met one of the owners. I asked who's coffee they serve, they wouldn't say.
It was very good, and well pulled (on the beautiful Synesso!). Well worth the trip in. If they can get fresh coffee, it'll be as good as you could wish for...
MarshallF Senior Member Joined: 1 Jun 2003 Posts: 629 Location: Los Angeles Expertise: Professional
Espresso: La Marzocco GS/3 Paddle Grinder: Cimbali Max Hybrid Vac Pot: Hario Nouveau, Bodum ESantos Drip: Bodum French Presses, Chemex Roaster: None
Posted Sat Jul 22, 2006, 4:42pm Subject: Re: Caffe Luxxe -- Santa Monica -- Wow!
poison Said:
Heh, went in yesterday, had two doubles pulled by Yaniv, and met one of the owners. I asked who's coffee they serve, they wouldn't say.
It was very good, and well pulled (on the beautiful Synesso!). Well worth the trip in. If they can get fresh coffee, it'll be as good as you could wish for...
caffesnob Senior Member Joined: 22 Jul 2006 Posts: 14 Location: Los Angeles Expertise: I live coffee
Posted Sat Jul 22, 2006, 11:55pm Subject: Re: Caffe Luxxe -- Santa Monica -- Wow!
I will go in and ask too as I thought they were roasting their own . . . someone is likely to break down! :) In any event, when I tested an espresso, it was smooth and chocolately with good crema, just the way I like it.
By the way, I was also impressed with the rosettas using non-fat milk in a latte!
I will surely be happy to drive from Venice to Santa Monica just for coffee! My friends think I'm crazy, but they just don't understand . . .
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