Guest post by L.M. Mouhibián
If you are an espresso fanatic, as I am – and no I don’t mean the modern Starbucks variety… I mean a real, authentic Italian espresso – served short shot/ristretto; thick and rich like velvet with a heady crema that stands up to sugar (even the raw type), then you’re in the right place. The following are a few tips and tasting notes on espressos that I have found throughout the U.S. that are exceptional. All espressos have been actually tasted and tested and most are organic and/or sustainably farmed.
Intelligentsia – Venice, California.
Not only is this a one-of-a-kind coffee experience; with coffee types ranging from Syphon to French press to espresso and beyond, each customer is greeted by their own personal barista and led to an individual espresso station (gorgeous Synesso machines with two levers; chrome and wood trim and Mazzer grinders). Coffee is organic when possible and sustainably farmed.
You have a choice of two different espresso beans: the Black Cat Classic (which won the 2009 U.S. Barista Championship with Intelligentsia Barista Mike Phillips); and the single origin of the day. All espressos are calibrated to begin to drip after 23-27 seconds and they aim for a 1.75 to 2 oz short (or “ristretto”) shot; served in porcelain cups only, with a shot of sparkling water.
The Black Cat is thick and rich with a heady crema and tasted of caramel, chocolate, honey and toffee with a hint of melon. The single origin had more of a citrus note with lots of overlapping flavors hinting of sour cherry, butterscotch and tamarind. It had extreme body and a crema that stood up nicely. Great espresso for a bright summer day…
There is a “Slow Bar” at the back where cuppings are conducted and espressos are pulled on the completely reconditioned antique GS2 – restored and retrofitted with the latest technology and the first machine used by the original Starbucks in San Francisco.
Urth Caffe – Beverly Hills, California
Urth Caffe has several locations in the Los Angeles area – Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Downtown and West Hollywood. Urth Caffe was one of the first “fair trade” coffee importers to the United States and all workers are paid a fair wage. All coffee is organic, sustainable and shade grown as well. Be sure to order your espresso “short shot/ristretto” for a truly authentic Italian espresso.
You have two choices: strong or mild – the strong tasted of caramel and milk chocolate with hints of butterscotch and had a nose which hinted of of chocolate, caramel and hay with a slight smokey tinge, and a good crema that stood up to sugar well and. It had a nice finish – smooth and silky.
I believe Urth Caffe and its owner Shallom Berkman were instrumental in educating customers on a truly authentic espresso, and it is truly one of the first “eco-conscious” coffee companies in the U.S.
Espresso Profetta – Westwood, California
Espresso Profetta near U.C.L.A. in Westwood, California has an eclectic student vibe and one of the best, most consistent straight-ahead espressos in L.A. All espressos are served short shot/ristretto in porcelein cups only with a shot of sparkling water if desired. They use Vivace beans (straight from Seattle) that are roasted within a day or two of being shipped. Beans are deep dark chocolate in color and rich in oils. Very low in acid and the caffeine content, I have found, is lower than some other espressos.
Taste is of rich dark chocolate with a slightly smokey nose and no acidic bite. Be prepared for a very short shot – rich thick and worth every drop.
Arabica – Portland, Maine
Located at 16 Free Street (next to a parking lot). Thick, smooth, rich espresso with a nice heady caramel-colored crema. It had a nose of hazelnut, high caramel, toffee, and a hint of hay; and tasted of chocolate, mint, hazelnut, and toffee. It’s texture was thick, rich and creamy. Little hole in the wall place – off the beaten path – furnished with thrift store finds that I’d highly recommend.
The Coffee Store – Maui, Hawaii
Voted “Best Coffee Shop in Maui” six years running… and rightly so. A good solid straight ahead espresso thick and rich with a nose of volcanic ash; deep caramel and smoky-toffee and a taste of smoky tobacco; hints of chocolate; silky toffee and burnt caramel. Very silky on the tongue.
Autogrill – Italy, Germany, France, Switzerland
This is a chain, just off the Autobahn or main highway of the above-mentioned countries. It is very similar to McDonalds in concept but with much better food and, surprisingly, a very good, consistent espresso. Espresso comes pre-automated out of machines, but is thick rich and relatively authentic. Who knew?! For that much-needed espresso fix during a long European drive, this was a welcome surprise…
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