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California Coffee & Wine
Our final Specials Board of the year, where we focus on cafés and coffee shops doing outstanding work in local communities, has a distinctly American feel – with an eclectic menu and the warmest of welcomes. explained Justin. “But our backgrounds are really different – I was a fashion retail manager for a decade and Diana a primary school teacher. But we taught ourselves how to roast coffee and create something that could be shared with everyone. “We’ve always believed that the fusion of these cultural influences could create something inspiring in the culinary world.” FOCUS ON FUSION There is a little slice of the Golden State in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, bringing a unique blend of exceptional service and fusion cuisine to the region. California Coffee & Wine is the creation or husband-and-wife team, Justin (who hails from Los Angeles) and Diana (from Ontario, Canada). They first met at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas in the summer of 2010, before moving from North America to Hampshire a year later. With plans to open a quaint coffee shop and wine bar, Justin began to studiously research the origins of coffee and the impact of water quality. It was 2015 when work brought them both to the north of England and the perfect site for a café on Oxford Road, Altrincham. “Our journey began with a profound appreciation for the Californian and British cultures and a lifelong passion for the culinary arts,”
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QUEST FOR AUTHENTICITY Of course, customer service is king in America, illustrated by the ‘have a nice day’ trope. So, has Justin seen a marked difference in Blighty? “British cafés have a rich tradition friendly hospitality, which is something we deeply appreciate. However, I observed an opportunity to infuse the distinctive Californian approach. Over there, hospitality is not just about excellent service; it’s about creating authentic connections with guests. “We noticed that many British cafés focus on traditional fare, which is fantastic – but we wanted to introduce a new dimension. Our menu reflects dishes and flavours with the vibrant energy of Beverly Hills and the timeless charm of the UK.” This is reflected by an eclectic offering, bursting with flair. From the vegan New Age Don Breakfast Burrito with scrambled tofu, coriander, chilli
jam and smashed avo to the more conventional sausage/bacon sandwich on a toasted bagel/sourdough/brioche, there is something for everyone. But the Tennessee Breakfast with 6oz grilled flat iron steak, fried eggs, chimichurri, tenderstem broccoli and peppers makes you want to bellow out Star Spangled Banner. “Our food is designed to be dynamic and adaptable, taking inspiration from seasonal ingredients and culinary trends. While we maintain core favourites, we anticipate that our menu may change to capture the essence of our Californian-inspired venture.