The Great Los Angeles Cappuccino Project | We're Halfway Through!

If you've been following Brunchographers for a while, you'll recall that back in October, I embarked on an ambitious journey to sample a cappuccino at all the best coffee shops here in Los Angeles. The project was designed to push me out of my coffee-comfort zone, to help me learn more about espresso and the people who make it, and to allow me to explore my city through one of my favorite rituals. In an effort to enjoy every excursion and every cappuccino to its fullest, I've taken it slow, and now I'm about halfway through the list of coffee shops that are considered the "best" in Los Angeles. 

So, what have I learned so far?

For one thing, I learned that coffee tasting is subjective. By taking my time and savoring each cup, I feel like I've been able to identify distinct flavor differences between varieties (as best I can with an untrained palate, anyway), and I've begun to narrow in on what specifically tastes great to me. At the same time, it has become clear that what tastes great to me won't always taste great to others - sometimes, when having coffee with a friend, we will pick up on completely different characteristics when tasting the same variety of espresso. They may love it, and I may not. And that's ok. 

Similarly, I've found that describing a coffee's characteristics can be challenging and often hilarious - how are you supposed put a qualifier on a flavor when you've never experienced anything quite like it before? A lot of times, I feel like a wine tasting novice, ignorantly repeating phrases I've heard in movies ("just look at the legs on this one!"). But, since some people claim that wine tasting is completely subjective and that no sommelier's palate is any more valid than your own, I've tried to embrace the silliness I feel and have fun with it. When stumped, I've found Counter Culture's coffee tasting wheel to be a valuable resource, especially when I'm having trouble conjuring adjectives. 

A barista at Caffe Vita, Silver Lake, Los Angeles, CA

And most importantly, I've learned that talking to the barista will make your experience infinitely better. At establishments that take their coffee very seriously (and the vast majority of these spots do), the baristas are going to be bona fide coffee lovers. They live and breathe coffee, and they've made it their life's purpose to make your morning cup as good as it can be. They understand the complexities of each variety, what makes it good and unique, and how to prepare it in the best way possible. They're wildly passionate about this stuff, and as much as you think you're a coffee lover, they love it even more. So of course they want to geek out about it with you! Ask them about their craft, tell them what you liked about your drink, and thank them for their hard work. They'll probably share some really interesting information with you, and if you're lucky, they'll let you taste something else they're working on. Oh, and one more thing I learned about baristas: they don't all have beards. In fact very few have beards. Apparently that's a vicious stereotype. 

For those curious, below is a quick rundown of where I've been so far, with some notes on each one. 

Thanks for coming along with me for this ride! I'm looking forward to sharing more absurd coffee descriptions and plenty of heart-shaped latte art with you in the future. 

The Conservatory for Coffee, Tea, and Cocoa | Culver City, CA

Believe it or not, I am less than halfway through my list of the 55 best coffee shops in Los Angeles. Even so, over these past few months I have met so many interesting and passionate people, explored areas of my city that I'd never seen before, and have learned so much about the hard work and artistry that goes into the cappuccinos I've enjoyed. And for the record, I have enjoyed each and every one. One unexpected perk of this process, however, has been reconnecting with people and places that I have loved, but haven't visited in a while - like this old favorite of mine, The Conservatory. 

Technically, it's called The Conservatory for Coffee, Tea, and Cocoa, but those of us in the know call it simply, The Conservatory. And there are a lot of people in the know here - almost every customer in line on my recent visit was a regular, and the staff had their orders memorized. It's no surprise that this family-run operation has amassed so many fiercely loyal customers; their house-roasted coffees and wide variety of teas have been setting the standard of excellence in their area for over 20 years. As it's situated just steps away from the Sony lot, on any given day you'll find production executives stopping by between meetings or a PA rattling off a laundry list of orders from their iPhone. The staff treats them all warmly and like family; you can tell they're genuinely happy to have them there. 

The café itself is charming and a little quirky; a huge papier-mâché tree looms in one corner while burlap coffee bags are stacked next to the beautiful vintage roaster in the other. Behind the counter, there's the "Great Wall of Tea" - rows of gleaming gold tins full of any type of loose leaf tea you could imagine. There's an eclectic mix of personal touches throughout, like a handwritten list of the day's coffee, beautiful potted orchids on the countertops, a collection of vintage coffee pots, and a huge American flag hanging over the espresso machine. It feels well-loved and lived-in, and something about it feels like home.  

Upon ordering, I settled in at a little bistro table with the locals, some having meetings, others laughing with their children, and a few cozied up with a good book. My cappuccino came adorned with a lovely lovely bit of foam art, served in a perfectly simple ceramic mug. Its flavor was bold and direct, offering an intense bitterness at the beginning of the sip that soon mellowed out into a smooth sweetness, a flavor that recalled toasted marshmallow and walnut. It was so satisfying and delicious that I was somewhat forlorn upon reaching the bottom. 

Apart from its wonderful espresso drinks, The Conservatory offers a wide variety of treats that are not to be missed, especially the rotating brewed coffee, the delicious scones and coffee cakes, and the rich, spicy Mexican Hot Chocolate. And on a hot summer day, nothing beats one of their refreshing iced teas. It's also worth noting that their almond milk of choice is Mylk, an exceptionally delicious raw concoction with simple ingredients that's made locally in Culver City. Definitely worth checking out if that's something you're in to. 

After experiencing so many excellent cappuccinos from some of the finest coffee roasters over these past few months, some small part of me feared that this old standby wouldn't live up to the fond memories I'd been harboring of it. Luckily, that fear was unfounded, and the coffee at The Conservatory was even better than I'd remembered. I may not work within walking distance of this gem anymore, but its unpretentious atmosphere and delicious coffee make it worthy of a regular visit - and who knows, maybe someday the staff will remember my order, too. 

The Conservatory for Coffee, Tea, and Cocoa
10117 Washington Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232

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