A Little Alchcemy at Portola Coffee Lab 11/05/2011
Intelligentsia and Lamill although not far, aren't exactly a gentle, relaxing cruise away from Long Beach. As much as I revel in carefully crafted espresso based libations I don't go there as much as I want to (this would be about five times a week) because Los Angeles traffic is a little much for me. I've been wondering if Orange County would ever attempt to catch up with the Los Angeles Third Wave Coffee scene, or even better, if there would be attempts to surpass expectations. It's been wishful thinking for awhile, but finally Portola Coffee Lab has intrepidly made the attempt.  While Intelligentsia hints at coffee alchemy with a mad scientist like atmosphere, Portola Coffee Lab makes the fusion of art and science abundantly clear with lab coats and brewing methods that look like tedious scientific experiments. It's always good to have options, and Portola Coffee Lab provides five of them, from the Kyoto, a Japanese brewing method for iced coffee that entails a 10 hour slow drip process to the Slayer, a pressure profiling espresso machine that's sparse in the united States. The shrewd brewing methods and extreme ardency for good coffee is what sets them apart from all the other coffee shops in the OC. And the big-ass coffee roasting machine in the corner and the carefully labeled coffee descriptions are a good indication that they're not messing around here.  The last time I went, the barista that helped me had a perpetual grin on his face, and it was genuine. As I sifted through arcane books on coffee, my name was called out with gusto to indicate that my mocha was ready. And what a magnificent mocha it was! The homemade ganache melded ingeniously with freshly pulled espresso and perfectly steamed milk. It was topped with lovely latte art. It was so smooth, liquid perfection.....like gold! 5 Comments |  Featured on Page 54!
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The Gourmet Coffee Guru seeks to educate and provide insight into the unique and cutting-edge gourmet coffee and espresso based drinks served at Orange County and Los Angeles coffee shops. The Orange County and Los Angeles coffee shops featured on this coffee blog display a passion for coffee and have integrity. The purpose of this coffee blog is to celebrate the exceptional gourmet coffee we have at our fingertips. Guests to this Orange County and Los Angeles coffee shop blog should feel encouraged to ask questions and to share their own knowledge and experiences with gourmet coffee and espresso based drinks. And of course, recommendations for Orange County and Los Angeles coffee shops are always welcome! CategoriesAll ArchivesNovember 2011 |
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