Inside Seattle's Best New Import, Caffé Vita in S'Lake

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In 1995, when Mike McConnell opened Caffé Vita in Seattle, Starbucks was a big deal. Over 15 years later, independent roasters, many from smaller cities in the Pacific Northwest, are capturing the hearts of coffee lovers in bigger cities and changing the pace of coffee shops around the country. Tomorrow, Caffé Vita starts serving, ever-so-softly, in Silver Lake.

It's no secret that Caffé Vita has hit some delays, and to show appreciation for the neighborhood's patience, McConnell and crew have popped-up in neighbor Rudy's Barbershop, also a Seattle transplant. Manager Kelse Kwaiser regularly shuttles between the shops, overseeing baristas and equipment throughout the day.

While they will still serve coffee out of Rudy's, Caffé Vita expects to start brewing out of their actual shop on the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Sunset Drive this weekend. Small bites, coffee-related merchandise, beans and more will be available for sale next to the Oji cold brew drippers and massive espresso machine. With a deep, nutty brew on offer, Caffé Vita could fast become one of LA's favorite coffee bars.
·All Caffé Vita Coverage [~ELA~]