Coffee is an important part of any day. The trouble, at times, especially while traveling, is finding a decent place that serves it up. Sure, you can usually track down a Starbucks on a street corner, but why settle for a chain? Independent coffee houses are out there…everywhere…you just need to know where to look. In my case…I know someone who is passionate about her coffee and suggested Aroma Coffee & Tea Company prior to my visit. When everyone needed an afternoon pick-me-up, this was our go-to coffee joint. I was not disappointed.
Aroma is one of those eclectic little places that you fall in love with at first sight. Without even tasting the coffee, I was enamored with surroundings. It was very quaint, and in the initial café part of the restaurant, very crowded. That…is a good sign. Two counters were open, so we didn’t do a lot of standing around. When it came to my turn, I ordered a ice-blended soy mocha. And, of course, after the fact, I noticed they also offered almond and rice milk instead of soy. I totally would have preferred either of those. I’m just not used to a coffee place offering something other than soy milk. Now I know. Ah, California…always one step ahead of the rest of the country.
While waiting for our drinks to come up, my friends and I took a glance over at the pastry case. It was stuffed full with epic cakes and pastries. I mean…Mad Hatter style cakes. Large, towering sweet treats that looked professionally decorated. I was in awe. And I only wish I could have sampled them. If they ever bake or offer something gluten-free in that pastry case…I just might end up getting something next time.
In short order, our drinks were ready. Taking my cup, we went around the corner to the backyard patio where many patrons were enjoying a brunch. The food looked awesome, so I think, perhaps, next time we visit, we might take in an entire meal here. Everything looked and smelled so good. But my focus then was on my coffee.
My first sip and I was in love. Cold, smooth, blended to perfection. The espresso flavor permeated the rich mocha flavor perfectly. I was in caffeinated bliss. I think I actually smiled after my first sip and offered a taste to my friends. It was an epic coffee win for me. This sort of flavor and taste is exactly why I seek out independent coffee houses when possible. Starbucks and other chains have their place and their cost. But when something this amazing exists, why pay for over-roasted and unappreciated coffee, when you can find a place that will pride itself on every drink and every cup it serves to every patron. That’s how it felt inside Aroma.
We lingered with our drinks, checking out the attached bookstore and then wandering outside to people-watch for a bit. After that, we took a stroll around the neighborhood, looking at the beautiful houses, ambling past the lively park, savoring each sip until it was gone.
The sign of a good coffee house rests not only in the flavor, service, and ambiance, but also with the people who frequent there. Aroma Coffee & Tea Company offered up a good selection of drink options, so there really was something for everyone. And I applaud their addition of either rice or almond milk for those who can’t do soy and can’t do dairy. Because of them, I check menus at other local haunts in hopes that somewhere in the Midwest will pick that up and start doing it.
This was the ultimate coffee experience. Walking around the Los Angeles area with friends, sipping on a delicious coffee, taking in my surroundings while enjoying every bit of the flavor. This was top-of-the-line for me. And if I lived in the area, I would become a regular.
Make it a point, next time you venture down to Los Angeles, to seek out Aroma Coffee & Tea Company and see for yourself why this place is the one to beat for the best coffee anywhere…hands down. Take a seat outside. Sip slowly. Drink in the Aroma.
The Celiathlete 