I am a coffee addict. (It’s been well documented!) At almost every restaurant I go to, I have to try their coffee. But here’s the thing … I AM HORRIBLE AT MAKING COFFEE ON MY OWN!! It’s so embarrassing, I can make great food, but I can’t make coffee!?!
Really??
Yup.
It will taste like gravely, burnt, sludge. Don’t judge! (-;
Soooo, to fix my abhorrent coffee making skills and make sure I didn’t go into caffeine withdrawals, I was introduced to the Tassimo coffee maker. And with that discovery my world changed! The angels sang and the heavens parted and I made my first cup of perfect coffee!
Here’s what makes Tassimo amazing: you make an individual cup of whatever kind of coffee you’ve got a hankering for-latte, skinny cappuccino, French roast, caffe crema, hot chocolate, chai tea latte, peppermint mocha, you get the idea. The genius of it is the Tassimo T-Disc (the ideal amount of the drink varieties I list above) that has a unique bar code that the brewer reads and then prepares the flawless ratio of espresso (or tea) to water, temperature, and brewing time. The brilliance of the T-Disc is that it is in the accurate shape of an espresso puck, like what a barista uses to make your high-end coffee house coffee, and not like those other home brewers with the lil’ individual cuppies of flavored coffee. (Those, by the way, tastes like slightly coffee-enhanced water.) So, in my humble, coffee-lovin’ opinion, I’m in love with my Tassimo coffee maker. Every morning is a happy one! Sweet, sweet joy for impossible coffee makes like me!
The Coffee T Bar
This, I’m very sorry to say, is my first so-so review. I’m a positive person and really try to bring happy things to the blog! But sometimes, I just have to warn you against harming your palate!
The Coffee T Bar, in my opinion, has so much potential but is bogged down with average coffee drinks, bad music, and kinda douche-y “Sunset Strip” clientele. Location wise, it’s perfect, located on the same block as the popular restaurants Toi and Cheebo. It is open 24 hours (should be a huge yay!), has a full menu with sandwiches, salads, snacks, juices, smoothies, coffees, teas, blended drinks, etc., WiFi, and one of the few places offering Hookah. It also has a unique outdoor area that is covered and if cold, can be heated, with sofas and flatscreens ready for Hookah, coffee and more. All of that theoretically, on paper, looks fantastic. It’s just that, in practice, it’s not. And I fully admit, it could just be that it’s not for me and other people could absolutely love it. I don’t. As I said before, the coffee I tried was very blah, even had a bit of a metallic taste to it and the pastries are the size of Costco (really, no one needs a croissant that large). In addition, the outside area is large and allows all types of smoking, not just Hookah, while the seating inside it tiny, so unless you want to smell like an ashtray, you’re regulated to inside where it still smells like smoke. Ugh. Also, the music was that awful pounding house music and the guys and girls seated everywhere outside looked like they stepped out of a tacky Ed Hardy/Christian Audigier billboard. Double ugh. So! If that’s your scene, hop to it! Now you’ve found a place where your rhinestone-encrusted t-shirts will not make you look like a total tool. But, if you’re like me, pass this coffee house on by and enjoy the many other places I’ve recommended on JillyBites.
Such the best neighborhood yummy spot! Located in West Hollywood
But what keeps me coming back again and again is their Iced Cappuccino. Something about how they make the foam is just exquisite! And truly, you go to Joey’s and you feel like you’re home. There are doggies outside with their owners, the staff is always super sweet, everyone who comes into Joey’s is friendly and the food is fresh and fabulous!
A New Obsession
Susina Bakery and Cafe, located on Beverly Blvd., one block west of La Brea and on this side of heaven is my new favorite place! To think that I had not been here yet, not walked under the European inspired scrolling iron entry into the bright, glittering yet homey interior to taste the scrumptious flavors is astounding to me! I have to thank my dear college theatre friend, Sereyna for introducing me to this absolute gem!
… as I write this I am sitting in the cafe sipping a perfect iced cappuccino and nibbling on a bite of Belgian dark chocolate. Thank you Sam!!
When I walked in to meet her (Sereyna) I was overwhelmed by the beauty of the display cases, the classic music, and the wonderful, helpful, happy staff who worked there (everyone is super friendly and two guys who work there, Jay and Sam, were the ones I met and helped me out. They’re awesome!) Jay, dear man, told me about every sweet treat that was displayed, took the time to go in detail about the specialities of each and recommend his favorite, which happened to be the Berry Blossom Cake. I ordered it right away and oh, boy! Incredible. The cake is made of three layers of vanilla sponge cake that is then brushed with orange liqueur and filled with white chocolate mousse and berries. If that didn’t knock your socks off then the topping will! A mixture of crumbled meringue (that sparkles a bit on your tongue) and white chocolate shavings. Like I said, it’s heaven here. To drink, I ordered their House Hazelnut Coffee. The smell alone was decadent and with the first sip; a smooth, rich, robust yet comforting nutty-ness enveloped my senses. Sereyna chose the Brie and Pear Panini Sandwich, a sweet and smokey affair. We were also able to taste their Monte Blanc Cookies (like a snickers cookie dipped in dark chocolate), the White Chocolate Ladyfinger (akin to an oreo all grown-up for adult taste buds), and Coconut Cake. I think I’ve fallen in love with Susina! (At least my tummy and taste buds have.) I have been back twice in the two weeks since I first came here with Sereyna. And each time, I am blissfully happy I am here! Also try their hot Meatball Sub Sandwich, Chicken Pot Pie, Fresh Fruit Salad, Apple Crumble Pie (if you order it, ask to have nutmeg sprinkled on the whip cream, such a complementary spice and thank Sam for introducing us to it!) and Iced Vanilla Latte and Iced Cappuccino (both with non-fat milk for me!).
Susina Bakery also provides a number of extra services in the community; such as being a wholesale bakery (with a two-story oven) that supplies their yummy pastries and desserts to many restaurants and coffee houses in the Los Angeles area. If you are looking for a unique and beautiful wedding cake and wedding favors, you must look into Susina Bakery. And if you need that perfect gift, they have it!!
In case you couldn’t tell, I adore Susina and cannot wait to skip my way back there! Next time you are looking for a place to go, try here first! You’ll love it.
P.S. And, even better, Susina is neighbor to a Starbucks — I LOVE that Susina is thriving next to corporate chain, and don’t get me wrong, I adore me some Starbucks, but independent cafes make me so happy! Anyway, tangent, the point of mentioning Starbucks at all is that over at Susina you can tap into Starbucks’s free WiFi! Hehe! Yay!
Neighborhood Hollywood Glamour
When I first came across the dear Cafe Audrey, I giggled in delight that there was a coffee destination such as this one in my neighborhood! Delicious sandwiches, soups, salads, pastries, and beverages are served here from extremely friendly staff amidst beautiful black and white decor; all an homage to the exquisite Audrey Hepburn. With Ms. Hepburn as inspiration, how could you go wrong? (Hint**You can’t!!)
First off, the coffee is robust, nutty and smooth. Then, if you’re hungry, pick one of their many options; I love the Roasted Bell Pepper and Goat Cheese Panini (it’s goat cheese! My favorite!), the Curry Tuna Melt, or the Turkey and Swiss Panini (hold the onions and tomatoes for me, please!), and almost everything on their breakfast menu. Many of the breakfast items are made with croissants, what a yummy way to start the day! And according to their website, Cafe Audrey offers a happy hour from 3-6 where for $2 you can buy a cookie and their house coffee with free refills! Recessionista, am I! (=
Cafe Audrey also offers free WiFi (YES!) and incredibly comfy tables and chairs, in the classy black and white style (with accents of red thrown in) that are filled with patrons. In addition to being a divine hot spot, Cafe Audrey supports local musicians by hosting live music events. Cafe Audrey is more than just a scrumptious cafe, it’s part of the community. In a city as large and superficial as Hollywood, it’s a refreshing mini-vacation to relax in a welcoming niche like Cafe Audrey.
**Note from me! I couldn’t help but also be reminded of my dear grandma while here at Cafe Audrey. My grandma’s name was also Audrey and she loved coffee like I love coffee. Must have gotten it from her. She was beautiful, feisty and classy. I’ll hunt down a photo and post it so you can see. (-:
Oh, The Farm, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways:
-your non-fat vanilla iced latte -your overlooking the water seating, just delighful. -your hollandaise sauce -your brunch menu -your regular menu -your everything!!!
Once again, if you haven’t eaten at The Farm yet, get thee to it!!
Blogging away at Literati Cafe
Breakfast in Reno
If you will notice, I do not have any photos posted of the food …
Thing is, the food was gone so fast, I did’t have a chance to document it! It was that good! Delish.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and at the Reno Peppermill Hotel, Biscotti’s’ Restaurant breakfast gives you the oomph you need for a fantastic day! We split the Biscotti’s Ham and Cheese Omelet. Oh wow, was it incredible! Fluffy eggs, asparagus, prosciutto ham, fontina cheese, and havarti cheese all folded together and topped with hollandaise sauce. (Can you ever go wrong with hollandaise sauce? Nope, I didn’t think so.) The combination of salty, creamy, and clean (the asparagus) made for an excellent omelet. Grilled breakfast potatoes served on the side complemented all the of flavors presented in the omelet. Complete with coffee, fresh orange juice, and rye toast, it was the breakfast of champions! (I haven’t had breakfast yet today, all this talk of the nummy Biscotti’s food and I’m hungry!!)
FYI - The portions were enormous, so I’d recommend sharing! (-:
Literati - persons of scholarly or literary attainments; intellectuals.
The Literati Cafe, a delightful, thoughtful, colorful spot, that draws in the type of clientele who read, study, and ponder. Had the Literati Cafe been in existence in their day, I imagine it would have attracted the likes of great writers like Harper Lee or great thinkers like Einstein and his scientific cronies. There are books and laptops and caffeinated beverages crowding the limited space on the tables. But while the tables and chairs are set close together, it’s not in a negative way, it’s in a very neighborly way that encourages conversation and friendly smiles.
From the moment I accidentally stepped into the Literati Bar and Grill (the big sister to the Literati Cafe), instead of the cafe and was redirected by a very nice waitress, it was a lovely, peaceful, inviting experience. The counter staff was so accommodating and helpful to my numerous inquiries as a first timer, even offering me a taste of each soup when I couldn’t decide, and my iced cappuccino and tomato basil soup with mixed green salad and fresh baked multi-grain bread were delivered to my seat overlooking Wilshire Blvd. quite quickly. My iced nonfat cappuccino was sooooo good. Soooo good. I guarantee that I will get cravings. My mixed green salad with their homemade balsamic dressing made my body just feel like it was being rejuvenated from the inside out. And truly, is there anything better than fresh-baked bread? *Sigh* I saved the tomato basil soup for last for a reason. I am a lover of tomato soups. Here is the thing; I hate tomatoes, loathe them and their texture. But I love tomato soup, ketchup, and tomato sauce. Food texture is a tricky thing for me, but I digress. The tomato basil soup was so warm, so rich, so salty, peppery and tangy, with just a kick of basil for good measure. I have to rank it in my top ten of amazing tomato soups! (On a side note, I think I should create a post on just the best tomato soups in the LA area. Who’s with me?! (-: )
I have to thank my friend and reader, Abby Craig Weber, for her recommendation of the Literati Cafe. It was even better than I thought it could be Abby! Thank you so much! (Also, click on her name, it will bring you to her fabulous blog! (-: )
Oh! Two more things: major plus, they have free WiFi and in addition to their oh, so yummy cafe menu, they offer wine by the glass. Amazing!!!!
Coffee Time — Part 2
I was taken on a first date to Aroma Cafe on Tujunga in the Valley and from my first sip of the Chai Latte with soy milk I ordered, I was hooked. (With Aroma and happily, with the guy too!) From the quaint, tiny bungalow house where you order at the counter to the charming, magical, brick courtyard seating surrounding the perimeter, to the bookstore/gift shop that makes you feel like you are in another period in time, it’s one of my favorite places to go. You can read, write, chat, dream and dine on some of the most delicious food in the LA area. Serious craving worthy food. And the coffee. Oooooohhhh, the coffee. This blog, aptly titled, Coffee Time — Part 2, you will not only desire the food, but the nutty, caffeinated beverages as well.
I love trying new things and having new experiences, but at Aroma Cafe, I think I’ve already found the best so when I’m there, I’m a creature of habit. My favorite coffee drinks there are the Vanilla Latte (so smooth and rich, with just the right balance of sweet and strong), the Cappuccino (ooh, the foam! *sigh*), and the Americano (traditional and perfect). (In fact, I had an Iced Americano from Aroma today! Add a dash of cinnamon, a little milk, and three Splenda and it’s my ideal drink! Get them iced or hot, the taste is excellent every time. Beyond my coffee addiction at Aroma, I only eat their Goat Cheese and Walnut Salad leaving off the tomatoes and adding carrots. Oh, it’s delightful! Their balsamic dressing tossed throughout the salad is the perfect flavor complement to the sweet nuts, tangy cheese and fresh greens. It’s my favorite. I know the other items to eat and drink are equally fabulous but I can’t bring myself to order anything else! It’s sooooo good!
Go visit Aroma, bring a book, and drink in a little tranquility to offset the craziness of LA.
