When I read that Intelligentsia, Venice was going to have a grand opening party tonight, I knew I had to be there. I got there around 7:30 and there was no line so I had a good spot near the front gate. It wasn’t until 7:59 or so that EVERYONE showed up and lines began to form…and the professional line cutters got into place. I don’t get it. They see people lined up, even acknowledge it (“is there a line or something?”) and then stand right in front…
Finally at 8:20 or so someone appeared and took down the blue tarp and opened up the gates which was met by cheers from the crowd.
As I stepped inside, the pastry station caught my eye, but I ended up going left, which turned out to be the beer station, which is ironic since I don’t drink…
As I followed the flow of the crowd, I noticed that there were various stations. There was a coffee station, a tea station, an espresso station, and a cappuccino station.
I ended up spending A LOT of time at the tea station as I was waiting to make the rounds to the espresso and cappuccino.
I have to say, my cup of tea was really good and brewed right in front of me.
After the long wait, I’m happy to report that the espresso was excellent, as to be expected from Intelligentsia, so no surprises there. The highlight of the night, however, was the cappuccino. Oh my goodness. Dare I say, best one I have ever had? Yes.
The guy making the cappuccino deserves a medal. Although knowing Intelligentsia, the guy is probably a champion or something.
Another highlight of the night? The pastries! I found out later that they were from Cake Monkey which I had always wanted to try.
Overall, it was quite an experience and I’m so glad that I went. It started to get more crowded as the night went on, but I was there about an hour or so and managed to try pastries, tea, cappuccino, and espresso! Score!
I don’t know when it will open, but I kept hearing next week or so. Definitely worth checking out! The staff was so professional, friendly, and they really know what they are doing! I can’t wait to go back!
Please excuse the iPhone photos! I was too mesmerized to use my real camera…
Intelligentsia, Venice
1331 Abbot Kinney
Venice CA 90291
[...] their beautiful hot coffee drinks though. Everything changed the night of the previously mentioned Intellivenice Grand Opening Party where Christopher (Nicely) prepared a magical cappuccino right in front of me. Now was my chance [...]