LA Mill Coffee Opening On Silver Lake Blvd.?!
Could it be? Could LA Mill Coffee be opening a retail branch in our home sweet home of Silver Lake, just mere steps away from us on the Boulevard? I thought we were winning the coffee lottery with Intelligentsia opening up in the Junction, but this is just crazy.
We're going from no serious coffee joints to two renowned shops in a matter of months. The word around town is that Rubbish, the store that just vacated LA Mill's future home, will be designing the shop's interior while Cal Asia construction (who also constructed Mozza) is, well, heading up construction.
But for some reason, the LA Mill element of the deal is still very hush hush as I was not able to find it in any of my usual stops for restaurant gossip. A quick call to one of the businesses involved was all it took to produce this happy tidbit for Silver Lake. Now if someone could just assure me that it's a done deal....
Pics of shuttered Rubbish (and future LA Mill?):
Suebee
May 10, 2007 09:01PM
Great. I heard the same thing a few months ago at one of their "tastings." They said they had found a place, but last year I remember they said something similar about pasadena. Then nothing happened. So while, I am excited about a retail space, I am not going to hold my breath.
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this is good news! I am so there -- always looking for good coffee.
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That's great news, Suebee! I knew something was going on there but hadn't gotten around to checking it out, and Craig had told me before he was looking at West Hollywood -- But it's our gain!
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i just got word that La Mill is IN FACT opening a retail location on Silverlake Blvd. It's a done deal!! And i heard they have something AMAZING planned, but no secrets have been leaked as to what exactly it is...I'M SOOOOO INTRIGUED!!!!
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After reading everyone's posts, I decided to pick up my La Mill coffee in person in order to see if I could find out more about what the new retail location would offer. Some things have not been finalized, but here are a couple of things that are certain: 1) they're going to serve coffee in several ways, including the Chemex tableside drip method and the Clover method, 2) breakfast and lunch menu developed by Michael Cimarusti (head chef/owner of Providence) and dessert menu by Adrian Vasquez (also of Providence).
I had no idea of what the Clover method was, but one of the VP's at La Mill was generous enough to give me a demonstration. It looks like an incredibly expensive piece of equipment that prepares coffee in a manner somewhat reminiscent of the French press/cafetiere (but with some sort of hydraulic lift), but its main advantage is that you can program its settings for various types of coffee. As a result, they will have the ability to brew whatever coffee you want on demand, whereas most coffee places usually have 1-3 types of coffee ready at any one time. The coffee is really good as it gives a richer, fuller experience like a French press/cafetiere but with much less sediment that sometimes "muddies" the drinking experience.
They seemed hush-hush about when exactly they'll be opening, but if anyone walks by the place and sees that they're almost ready, please let me know as I'm dying to see what this place will be like.
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i received a postcard saying october. it must have been greg that showed you around. the folks at LA MILL are so professional, but also really humble. i think they make great product and i love craig's story.
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Yes, it was Greg that showed me around and I agree that the people at La Mill are just great, from the owner Craig to the receptionist Susie. By the way, you mention that you love Craig's story. Since I really don't know much about the company, would you mind filling me in on what's his story?
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basically been roasting since he was a kid. reconcepted his father's almost bankrupt company into a premier roaster. by the way, he's all of around 29 years old.
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Hi MisterBaker,
Thanks so much for sharing more details about La Mill's Silver Lake store. I was pretty darn excited about the coffee but a menu developed by Providence chefs sounds wonderful. We're steps away, so I'll definitely post if it looks like they are close to opening.
Suebee
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Good news...i just found this on EaterLA.com. looks like Opening Day is around the corner!
"SILVER LAKE: Now that Intelligentsia is humming along, we're getting regular queries about the LA Mill Coffee Boutique opening in the former Rubbish spot on Silver Lake Boulevard. Owner Craig Min was hoping for an October debut, but today we called the LA Mill offices and were told "no exact date yet, but we're looking at the end of November." A drive-by shooter took a snap of the space last night: Note the Plywood is down, work is coming along inside. The cafe will have a menu designed by Providence chef Michael Cimarusti, small plates, paninis, plus desserts by the Providence pastry chef. "
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soft open is planned for the third week of november.
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Thanks for the heads-up. I'd better stake out my parking space now...
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The parking lot is all striped and ready to go -- maybe about a dozen spaces? Anyway better than nothing.
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Deep in the heart of The Land Where No One Works - where all the overpriced vintage stores and horrible coffee shops selling subpar diner food at $15 a plate are always packed even at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesdays or 3:00 P.M. on Thursdays because, well, no one has to go to their job when they live in Silver Lake - you know there will never be an open space there. Hell, there may not ever be an open chair at the place...
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I work 10-12 hours at night usually. That's why I care about my establishments!
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This now makes it official then: I am never moving.
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Hey....for all you silver lakers, Lark Cake Shop serves LA Mill coffee. I had one the other day with my cupcake and it just made me love that cake shop even more. I am not a big coffee fan, but I just felt like a cup that day and to my surprise it was quite good. So for all you coffee peeps out there who cant get enough LA Mill coffee, head out to Lark Cake Shop.
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Agree. I had an excellent espresso con panna at Lark a couple weeks ago, and an iced capuccino thereafter. It was the first time I had tasted L.A. Mill, and I was not disappointed!
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sounds like an expensive cup of coffee
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NS1,
what exactly are you referring to in terms of an expensive cup of coffee?
La Mill Coffee in general, La Mill at Lark, or La Mill's retail offerings online?
Your post is vague, so feel free to offer up some details so the Hounders can either support or refute your opinion.
Thx.
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La Mill doesn't seem expensive. I just checked the website, and their per-pound prices are in line with Peet's, Starbucks, Coffee Bean, or Groundworks.
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Is this open yet? Website says January 2008.
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Last I heard was January 7.
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Well, eaterLA's Lesley Balla mentioned just a while ago that January 11 was the magical date. Maybe the soft opening on the 7th, who knows!
http://la.eater.com/archives/2008/01/...
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Mixed news for me... I live doors down from LAMILL and I've peeked inside past the paper covering the doors; it certainly looks pretty fancy and I was faced with the question of whether I would be a patron there. The Back Door Café the next block over has been treating me pretty well. It might not be the fanciest place on the planet, but it has been a staple of this neighborhood.
Unfortunately, I'm left with no choice now. Looks like the Back Door is going to have to relocate due to other circumstances, which I think is bad for the neighborhood. At least I can still get some coffee. I just hope I don't have to deal with the same obnoxious lines/baristas that they have at Inteligentia.
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You may have to deal with the obnoxious lines, parking, etc...but I think the staff is really nice and warm and pretty indicative of the Silverlake neighborhood....
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I agree with peanut112. Don't expect obnoxious staff at LAMill. It's a different concept altogether. I am anxious to try the food as well since the menu was created by Michael Cimarusti.
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The baristas at Intelligentsia have always been nothing but gracious and kind to me. I didn't see any seating outside and asked to have the latte I originally requested in a porcelain cup placed moved to a paper cup. The latte was already made in porcelain, and, rather than just pouring it into a paper cup, they made me a fresh one in paper. I felt bad and asked to pay for both. The wouldn't let me (in a nice way), even when I insisted. The instructor of the brewing class remembers me and has comped my drinks when I buy beans. If they are less-than-chatty, it's only because they're busy and focused on making their product really good. Intelligentsia's baristas don't just dump the milk in the cup and spoon on the milk, after all.
But I have never, ever gotten bad attitude at Intelligentsia. I've never had to deal with an employee ignoring me to chat endlessly with a favored regular (Town & Country) or handing over bigger portions to someone while skimping on my order (Pazzo Gelato). In fact, I'm usually not caffeinated and acting like a jerk, and they take it all in stride. The service there is excellent.
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Anyone know if you can park free in the Cafe Stella lot during the day to get a coffee?
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Yes, but it fills up fast. I think Cafe Stella takes over around 6 pm...
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The last time I went, it was a "no." You can park for Intelligentsia, Cheese Store of Silver Lake, or anything else down there, but you have to pay the valet. There's a ten-minute validation - that's it.
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I often park there during the week (no valet). On the weekends, it is a valet lot and it's only free if you are in and out in 15 min. Often, that is possible when getting a to go coffee, but it's also easy to miss it by a min. or two.
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What obnoxious baristas at Intelligentsia?
Since LA Mill is (rumored to be) using the same type of coffee machine as Intelligentsia, I don't know if the lines for coffee will be any shorter.
I also heard that Back Door will be no more by Feb. I will miss them but their coffee wasn't very good.
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I too have had nothing but great service at Intelligentsia and would agree with Woolsey that they are focused on their craft as opposed to just slinging joe the way a certain corporate chain might. They take a good deal of pride in what they do.
Techgirl-yes for sure La Mill is going to be using the Clover as Intelligentsia does. In fact, if you browse around, you can find some sneak peeks inside La Mill's location and can see plainly the Clover on the right hand side of one of the images.
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I drive by LA Mill every day on my way to work. As soon as I see the brown paper come down, I am going in. And, I'll be sure to post on Chowhound.
I hope Intelligentsia doesn't think I'm cheating on them...
What to do with 2 places that have Clovers.
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well,in that case Ms. Cheater Cheater, head on over at 6am on Friday...that's when La Mill finally opens...YEP....fo' sho'....
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You rule! Just for that I will buy you some coffee.
I can guarantee that I WON'T be there at 6am.
Is this an official opening or a soft opening?
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Friday is their official opening. And expect it to be crowded from then on out (unless it's awful). Unlike Intelligentsia's hard, mostly unsheltered outdoor seating and sparse offerings of brought-in pastries, LA Mill is serving a broad menu of dishes made in-house, and there is comfortable seating indoors. I expect that the Silver Lake Loafers will be staking out their seats to write their screenplays or blogs (or Chowhound posts) for hours on end. It could be harder to get a seat there than at Mozza.
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Woke up at 6:00 am today to jog down there-few people inside -I got all excited only for the door to be closed to the public- turns out just a private pre-coffee tasting--when is this teasing going to stop ???
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I got there around 10am today and the doors were open to the public. YEAH! It pays to be late to work.
I got a cappuccino, bacon & onion brioche and a canelé. The cappuccino was good but the brioche was fantastic.
This is such a welcome addition to the hood. I can't wait to go there and have a meal.
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If you mean craft, talking to their friends while you have to wait 5 minutes, just to pay them, then fine. I get the craft part; I have no problem with that. I've had to wait on more than one occasion AFTER I've received my drink - So you take the time it takes for the "craft" on top of the amount of time it takes just to pay them for their "craft" and then it's oops, sorry I'm late.
I've worked in the "service industry" before. It sucks, but no matter how many tattoos someone has they should not be above courtesy to their customers.
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went to the last soft opening lunch at the new LA MILL CAFFÉ.
it's more like an experience. so at opening, if you're dashing in before work to get a quick cuppa joe and expect to clock in on-time, don't.
expect:
- an elegant and modern european café, not an american coffee house
- coffee for coffee geeks: chemex, siphon, a one-of-a-kind in the US, barely out of the box, hand pounded, 80th anniversary, Marzocco, clover, etc.
- specialty coffee drinks that would take 1st prize at any World Barista Championship
- simple, innovative, out of this world food (loved my BLT made with pork belly)
- professional, knowledgeable service
LA MILL owners, Michael and team members get high marks for this unique venue, for lifting up the third world communities who supply them, for being earnest and true to an original vision.
approach the opening with PATIENCE. new ventures are challenging.
go with grace and enjoy the ride. and if you want the real deal, maybe wait until the middle of next week, not friday.
BRAVI!
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Thank you for the report. Can you give us a preview of other items on the menu?
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the introductory menu is organized by food (soups, salads, sandwiches, desserts) and coffee (by process [siphon, chemex, press, eva solo] and specialty).
here's what i can remember:
COFFEE
Tableside Service
siphon
chemex
eva solo
french press
Usual list of espresso drinks
Specialty Coffee/Tea Drinks (lots of brilliant infusions)
Coffee & A Cigarette with a Tabacco Infusion
Coffee & A Jelly Doughnut with a donut infusion with strawberry jam
Liquid Tiramisu
Marsala Chai
HK Milk Tea
FOOD
house cured tasmanian sea trout with inventive and fresh toppings which are almost indescribeable
smoked artic char
yuzu kosho caesar salad
(next three descriptions do not do the dishes justice)
frisee lardon with nieman ranch bacon
squash soup
potato leek soup
ABLT (asian BLT with pork belly)
other assorted pressed sandwiches, all good, with reblouchon savoir, coffee washed spanish cheese served with fresh, yummy chips, high-quality olives, and everyone loved the ciopollini onions
we were served some clam fritters with yuzu kosho aioli which i didn't see on the menu
i advise those to approach with patience or wait til they work out the inevitable kinks new openings have.
enjoy
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Ok the orange cap mocha ---TO DIE FOR !!!!
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oh yes, i forget. very good. made it for us at the plant. they mull orange peel and steam it with the milk. as cz says, TDF.
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Do they have hot chocolate?
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Went there today for dessert and coffee (wasn't sure if they were going to have lunch today). The coffee was very good and the dessert was truly amazing. It was what they called the "Sweet Potato Pie", really inspired (but not cheap). The menu looked good and everything that came out of the kitchen looked delicious. Will probably go there this weekend for lunch. While they take coffee very seriously, this is really a restaurant with really good coffee, not a coffee place that happens to serve food.
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I agree. BUT I think the food will only be available at meal times and they will serve drinks, etc, all the time.
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in the tests we had, i never got to dessert. with adrian behind the scenes it's not surprising it's inspired. i did see the prices for dessert, however, and compared to what you'd pay at providence, it's a steal.
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Were your beverage and dessert items offered gratis? SauceSupreme and I were comped our entire service yesterday afternoon, but that may have been due to the fact that the kitchen inventories were nearly depleted by the time we arrived.
At any rate, notwithstanding the painfully affected/pretentious manner(s) of service, I found it to be a lovely shop with a great product. I'll be sure to return.
E.M.
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Word was everything was comped the whole day yesterday, in honor of their opening.
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Just got back from trying LaMill Coffee this morning. I arrived an hour early. Seeing lots of people inside I assumed it was open but the woman inside motioned to me that it opened at 9am.
I drove down to Phillipe's and had two .09 cent cups of coffee while I waited. ;)
I arrived back at LaMill at 9am and got one of 3 remaining parking spaces even though there were only 2 couples waiting out in front for the opening. I opted to sit at the bar.
Someone behind the bar asked if I wanted water ... I said yes. She poured a lovely blue glass of water and left a blue glass carafe with another 2 cups of water in it. Midway through my meal another server came by to ask if I was enjoying the water. She explained that it was special "RO" [Reverse Osmosis] water so I would suggest getting water as you are surely paying for it.
The server was eager to explain the menus ... one for food and one for drinks and was very attentive coming by several times during my time there. She explained that there were only two egg d