Los Angeles - August 17, 2007

Smart Move

Intelligentsia Opens

Coffee connoisseurs, prepare to walk the very jittery walk.

Intelligentsia, the environmentally and socially conscious roasters from Chicago, opens this weekend in Silver Lake.

After a year in the works (hey, it takes time to implement a manipulated water filtration system and configure those 68 seats between the two inside bars and outdoor tables, okay?), you can finally try their direct-trade, reserve, dark roast, or blended beans in Clover made-to-order cups, espresso beverages, or to-go bulk. 

Like wine, beans are graded, named for regions, and priced according to year, locale, and availability, with everything from $2 drips to $130 pound bags. Order Ethiopia Yirgacheffe or Costa Rica Flecha Roja “bright and clean” — the coffee concierge will heart you forever. Brush up on your javocabulary at Sunday morning home brewing seminars, where you’ll pick up terms like “cupping,” “baggy,” and “micro-lot.”

Because it’s time to talk the talk.

Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea, 3922 West Sunset Boulevard, between Hyperion and Sanborn Avenues, Silver Lake (323-663-6173 or intelligentsiacoffee.com). Opening reception tonight at 7 p.m.

  Tea Party