One of my greatest joys in life is a perfectly brewed cup of Joe–the excitement I feel when I take the first sip, at a new place, where I have no preconceived notions of it will taste or what I should expect. Sometimes, I am sorely disappointed after that first sip, and other times, I am indifferent. And fortunately, sometimes, I am quite simply happy. I’m not a coffee connoisseur by any means–I definitely don’t know enough to be one–but I think I can at least appreciate the flavor and aroma of coffee. I can tell when a cuppa has personality, and when it falls quite flat, like a bad cliché. With that said, a friend and I decided to get coffee after a rainy brunch, one day, and decided to stop by Intelligentsia Coffeebar on Abbot Kinney in Venice.

I was immediately taken in by the style of the place–it was literally like a coffee bar. You get in line, you glance at a little (beautifully designed) cardstock menu with a very strict selection of coffee and tea–no frappes, blended iced drinks, smoothies. Then, when he or she is available, a barista kindly asks for your selection, you walk to the side to wait for it and pay, while they painstakingly and craftily make your coffee, right in front of you. We ordered cappuccinos–for me, the Black Cat, and for her, the Ethiopia Yirgacheffe.

We sat down in one of the corner benches–seating is arranged to surround the coffeebar–and looked curiously at our drinks.

One slow, cautious, careful sip, and I fell in love. It was delicious! The last time I had such a memorable coffee was at Barefoot Cafe, in Santa Clara. I do apologize for giving such a gushing review and not remembering the flavor profiles–I have the worst technical memory–but, it left a lasting impression on me. The flavor was so robust, so rich, so plentiful, that my tongue was doing its best taking in every single note. And this was after I had had a cappuccino at Rose Cafe with my brunch! (As such, I would like to blame me not remembering the specific flavors on me being completely and utterly wired after it all )

Needless to say, Intelligentsia will see me again–perhaps, on a day when it hadn’t just rained

P.S. Everyone should check out this video on espresso, which interviews a barista from Intelligentsia. It is informative, and, incidentally, beautifully made. Thanks to Geoff for sharing!