WE TASTE IN PARADISE
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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Cajé’s coffee cocktails; Caffe Luxxe at the Montecito Country Mart; Handlebar’s new outpost in Goleta.
Get Your Buzz Taste On
B
est friends Mark Wain and Gary Chau have fulfilled their childhood dream by opening up a new neighborhood coffee shop CAFFE LUXXE, 310-3942222, caffeluxxe.com, at the Montecito Country Mart. Their passion for European blends, cafe culture, and the art of coffee preparation have inspired the duo to share their love of Italy with the Santa Barbara community. Isla Vista’s favorite coffee shop for the past 14 years, CAJÉ, 805-699-5033, caje.coffee, is now making its mark downtown at The Mill. Owner Ryan Patronyk reveals that Cajé’s eco-friendly spot (the company does not offer single-use cups but rather reusable mugs that are reimbursed for upon return) is now providing customers with a bespoke experience by offering a hidden bar as well as an innovative menu of drinks presented and assembled in a style similar to craft cocktails. One of the most popular brews is Burnout—a breve latte with a bourbon-pecan syrup, infused with activatedcharcoal, garnished with a torched blackberry
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and candied ginger, and served in a coupe glass with a ginger-sea salt rim. Located inside of the Funk Zone’s popular Tyger Tyger and Monkey Shine, DART COFFEE CO., 805-452-6127, dartcoffeeco.com, offers out-of-this-world drip coffees, pulled-shot specialty drinks, natural teas, and an array of freshly baked goods. One of Santa Barbara’s favorite coffee companies has made its way to Goleta with its third location. HANDLEBAR COFFEE ROASTERS, 719-2013931, handlebarcoffee.com, focuses on roasting some of the best beans each morning, providing customers with steamy concoctions as well as a plethora of pastries to go with the brews. The new independent LIGHTHOUSE COFFEE, 805770-3911, lighthouse-coffee-coffee-shop.business .site, has given the Mesa a serious upgrade. It’s traditional yet delicious menu offers breakfast items such as avocado toast, pastries, lox bagels, and even to their refreshing and tasty take on açaí bowls as well as an array of specialty coffees. SKYLAR SORKIN
PHOTOGRAPHS: CAFFE LUXXE, ALICIA CHO; HANDLEBAR, KIABAD MEZA
A roundup of the newest wave of coffee shops in town
