ALEXIS SEBRING
Life Assistant
No matter how many detours the road may have, Starbucks will assuredly be around every corner. It has become one of the most popular places for thirsty people in the 21st century. However, this popular coffee place is not the only location for caffeine lovers. LA Mill Coffee, located on Silver Lake Boulevard in north Los Angeles, provides a unique and satisfying cup of delight.
Although the exterior is nothing to brag about, the outside understated elegance gives way to the trendy coffee shop’s casual vibe and inventive treats.
Designed by Scott Mangan of Rubbish Interiors, the atmosphere develops a relaxing and calm nature with its red leather booths, glass tables, iron chandeliers and plush white leather chairs. The walls are decorated with gold-framed mirrors and French-inspired black and white wallpaper.
“It is a campy mélange of chandeliers and mirrors and American ‘50s curvy chairs,” said Joan Luther, the shop’s PR representative. “There’s one wall that has a beautiful French covering. It’s different but it works.”
The “hipster theme” creates an ambiance that is comfortably warm but different than a living room.
“It’s a friendly, upbeat atmosphere,” said server Christoper Saunders.
Dim lighting highlighted with faux candle chandeliers sparks romance on first-date outings or friendly gatherings.
But this new hotspot does not brew its success just because of the fancy décor. LA Mill Coffee has made its mark with its unique coffee tastes, brewing methods and drink concoctions.
“All of our coffee is pretty limited, we sort it ourselves and we roast it ourselves,” said the barista [NAME]. “We have several different brewing methods.”
LA Mill instills five different brewing methods. While the finished product may cost a pretty penny, the frothy brews are definitely worth it.
One method, the Clover, is a French press technique and brewed tableside special for each customer. Every cup steams with a rich smell of fresh coffee beans as flavors are extracted, infused and cooked into the beans, creating a smooth and rich caffeine jolt.
“The Clover is a $1200 coffee maker where every cup is ground and brewed,” [NAME] said.
If the treck to Silver Lake is too far, LA Mill sells coffee beans and tea through its Web site to be poured at home each morning.
Along with whole beans for sale, the coffee boutique provides designer drinks created by Eton Tsuno, the coffee savant. Some of their signature pieces include the “coffee and a donut,” which is donut-infused milk with strawberry coulee and espresso; “coffee and a cigarette,” a drink with tobacco infused whip cream; and a “liquid tira misu.”
Aside from LA Mill signature drinks, classics such as Chai tea and vanilla lattes are also offered. On-setters beware however – LA Mill does not blend up any iced drinks. So for those hot summer days that often roast Southern California, LA Mill is going to keep it hot with their custom drink specials.
“It’s just the quality of the coffee is unbelievable,” Luther said.
Whether hungry or thirsty, this coffee place will provide. LA Mill provides a full-blown menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. With the menu created by Providence food chef, Michael Cimarusti, each dish is designed to be paired with the hotspot’s brews. Lunch offers savory choices like the ABLT, an Asian pork belly with black beans, arugula and tomato, the pannini stuffed with award-winning goat cheese, and a smoked fish dish that makes any mouth water.
But Cimarusti’s most prominent dishes bring MILLS coffee into the mix. The fraise de long salade is a twist on a classic French salad with coffee-infused oil to make the vinaigrette. And the boutique’s signature dish is a creamy pumpkin soup with crème fraise infused with coffee.
So jive up the morning ritual with new designer coffee delights. Whether jetting out to Silver Lake for their specialized coffee and food pairings or lounging around the house in morning PJs, LA MILL Coffee is sure to delight your caffeine appetite.
Hours:
Tuesday- Sunday 7 a.m. – 7p.m.
No Mondays
Mention costs in side bar!
02-21-2008
