I love Espresso Profeta because it has a point of view that trickles down to all aspects of the experience of the place. Espresso is in their name and that's what they do. You can have an espresso or any of the variations thereof (Americano, cappuccino, Italiano, etc.). They also have teas. Comestibles include savory breads (like olive), sweet breads (like white chocolate), cookies and sometimes brownies. That's mostly it. There's the occasional cupcake.
It's the kind of establishment where you often hear people asking for recommendations. Happily, you also hear servers taking the questions seriously and replying thoughtfully. It matters to them. And so it was that I settled on the white chocolate bread one of the times that I visited, and the cashew banana bread another time.
When I ordered a decaf cappuccino the first time I said that I wanted it dry, foam only. I've gotten into the habit of saying that because I hate cappuccinos that are really milky and watery. "We only do our milk one way," the server said, "But I'll do a short." He didn't like the first one he prepared, so he poured it out. "Just a second -- I have to recalibrate for decaf." They're very specific, but it works. The cappuccino was delicious. Espresso, which I ordered on other occasions, is served with sparkling water on the side.
This picture captures my second go-round, which included cappuccino. I'd already had an espresso and half of the white chocolate bread. It was moist and sweet and good. The banana cashew bread that I had on another visit had a wonderfully voluptuous quality.
By the way, I noticed that a toast and nutella combo is available for $3.75. You get either 7 grain or brioche toasted and served with nutella and berries.
Now let's talk about the setting.
It feels curated.The space is filled with light and refreshes my eyes. On a sunny day the light is golden. I sit down in the main seating area and feel as though I'm in a someone's greenhouse or perhaps an atrium. Maybe I feel that way because one window is covered with vines, while through another I see tomatoes growing in the courtyard and flowering vines that spill over a roof. Empty frames highlight the brick walls. Stenciled vines grow around the ceiling's perimeter. The three pieces of art on one wall look kind of psychedelic and make me think of the planets and the space age. Doors to the bathroom are Provencal blue. Click here to see that color.
The music is usually alternative. I love their choices. I heard, for example, "The House on the Hill" by Beach House, "At My Heels" by Twin Shadows (sorry the quality on that one isn't great, but it's the only clip I found of this song, which I love) and "Just the Same But Brand New" by St. Vincent. I pestered the server almost to death, because I wanted to be able to tell you specifically what some of the songs were. "I know you're going to hate me," I said with what I hoped was a charming smile when I asked about the music for the very last time. He kindly said no, even though he was almost always busy. He kept his good humor somehow, which was to his credit.
Although Espresso Profeta is in Westwood, right in the midst of a UCLA student's stomping grounds, it doesn't make you feel as though you're back in college. I don't say that there aren't people there who are in the midst of learning things. One time I saw a guy reading a book that I think was called Random Quadratic Equations. I have no idea what the title means, so I have to hope that my memory is serving me 100%.
Mostly everyone is working quietly. Of course there is always the exception that proves the rule. The last time I was there a woman sat down with a takeout cup, opened her book and started to talk on the telephone. I gave her the fisheye. Why couldn't she sit outside in the lovely courtyard? Who wants to hear that her friend (Boyfriend? Husband?) bought a hamster? That they are going to dinner at someone's home, that she's dreading it? And then do we really have to go through her brainstorming about a hostess gift? You'll be relieved to know that she settled on a picture book. And yes, I was struggling with my work, but still. Who sits somewhere where everyone else is working quietly and talks on her phone while sipping a to-go coffee? Since you got it to go, why don't you walk with it?
As for the other details, Wi-Fi is free. I didn't see any plugs, so be sure to come charged up.Parking is a little tricky. The closest parking lots are expensive, on the order of $2 or $2.50 for every 15 minutes. Even if you wanted to park at a meter (which I don't advise because it's so easy to get a ticket), I've never seen any spots available. I recommend that you park as I did at the lot on Broxton which offers 2 hours free parking before 6 pm.
When I leave Espresso Profeta, a guy and a girl are heading towards me on the sidewalk. The girl is on a silver scooter. The guy lopes along next to her.
"Wanna catch me?" Her voice is high-pitched and lilting. She smiles slightly.
"Uhh, what?" the guy asks. I'm glad that he needed her to repeat it, because I'm not sure that I heard it myself.
"Wanna catch me?" she says. She starts to glide away.
"Uhh. Yeah." he says. He scampers after her like a squirrel who spies a nut in his future.
Ah, young love.
I want that nutella brioche and berries right now. Lovely write-up.
Posted by: Late Blooming Mom | September 20, 2010 at 08:27 PM
I do have a feeling that nutella+brioche+berries=slice of heaven.
Glad that you liked it. Thanks for reading!
Posted by: Darcine Thomas | September 21, 2010 at 05:50 PM