The Search for Southern California's Best Cup
By: Courtney Garkani
Caffeine. The addicting, little coffee bean. Ever since that one Ethiopian guy in circa, say 1671, discovered its magical “awakening powers”, the coffee bean went from a bean on a plant to a weird concoction that had patrons hooked everywhere. Igniting discussion and deep thought, it worked its way through London where these discussion and drinking centers became known as “Coffee Houses”. But enough with the history lesson, we all know the British eventually brought their culture to America and a few centuries later some place called Starbucks was born.
Caffeine indulgence is not as simple as the whole little-black-bean-liquefied-into-an-awakening-drink-thing anymore though. It seems a rarity to actually find people ordering a simple “black cup of Joe”. We’d all much rather flash our gold cards and sip a Grande Chai Latte with Soy Milk and Two Bags. But when it really comes down to it, the fifteen-second Starbucks routine doesn’t always please our taste buds. So where is it that you can find SoCal’s best cup? I have a few suggestions and recommendations on what to get and where to get it.
Caffeine. The addicting, little coffee bean. Ever since that one Ethiopian guy in circa, say 1671, discovered its magical “awakening powers”, the coffee bean went from a bean on a plant to a weird concoction that had patrons hooked everywhere. Igniting discussion and deep thought, it worked its way through London where these discussion and drinking centers became known as “Coffee Houses”. But enough with the history lesson, we all know the British eventually brought their culture to America and a few centuries later some place called Starbucks was born.
Caffeine indulgence is not as simple as the whole little-black-bean-liquefied-into-an-awakening-drink-thing anymore though. It seems a rarity to actually find people ordering a simple “black cup of Joe”. We’d all much rather flash our gold cards and sip a Grande Chai Latte with Soy Milk and Two Bags. But when it really comes down to it, the fifteen-second Starbucks routine doesn’t always please our taste buds. So where is it that you can find SoCal’s best cup? I have a few suggestions and recommendations on what to get and where to get it.
Vanilla Latte Thalia Beach Café, Laguna Beach Just to the right of Thalia Surf Shop and adjacent to Laguna’s famous Thalia Street, Thalia Beach Café is the perfect spot to pick up on your caffeine addiction. I chose a Vanilla Latte alongside Nuetella Crepes and was very delighted with my afternoon brunch stop. The café runs right along PCH, handcrafting each latte with delicacy. The absence of a huge crowd created a serene atmosphere and left me to enjoy. Needless to say, Thalia Beach Café is definitely worth a taste if you find yourself stuck in crowds just a few blocks away at Forrest Ave. Toffee Latte
Alta Coffee Warehouse, Newport Beach You find yourself wandering the Newport Peninsula shortly after a delicious meal at Bearflag, but instead of a beach walk, you’re in the mood for a treat. Well then wander down the block towards a small café called Alta. There you will probably find a mix of seventeen-year-old boys showing off their beanies, some artsy couple with a bulldog, teenage girls sipping Chai’s, and a local band strumming ukuleles and singing indie tunes. Well, that's the usual crowd anyways. But aside from its “low-key” crowd of locals, the coffee is the best thing since Christmas cups. My recommendation for a sweet tooth is a Toffee Latte, I can guarantee you’ll gulp in down faster than you can say, “I regret this”. Brewed with delicacy and topped with little crunches of Heath bar you’ll be more than satisfied. Plus it's the perfect midnight cup, Alta stays open late most nights and the cup is not to full of caffeine so you wont be awake until 3 AM! White Chocolate Latte
Zinc Café and Market, Corona del Mar/Laguna Beach I can truthfully say this latte is what I live for. To say the least, it is simple delectable. It is presented in a huge, bowl-like cup with a spoon right beside, and never disappoints. I recommend it to anyone who loves the sweetness of hot cocoa or a mocha but still wants the subtle lightness of a latte. At $3.50, you will sure get your money’s worth as you enjoy it at this trendy café on the coast. |