Handsome Coffee Roasters

There is a new coffee shop in LA and now one of my favorite stops on weekday mornings.  Handsome Coffee is opening later this month in the Arts District in Downtown LA.  While it is not officially open yet, they brew espresso drinks     M-F 7:30-12 as a preview of what is to come.  You enter through the back way in the alley and they have an old car bench seat (couch) and other fun decor.  Their barista Jesse pulled me a shot of their espresso blend (which is not at all bitter), made me a great cappuccino, and the best macchiato I have had.  Handsome was founded last year by World Barista Champion Michael Phillips, Tyler Wells and Chris Owens--all of whom left Intelligentsia to pursue their own ideal of roasting and brewing.  Stop in, say hello and enjoy a great coffee experience.

Buy Local{+Global}

This week is National Buy Local Week (Nov. 25-Dec. 4).  It falls right after Thanksgiving and while most people are doing their Christmas shopping, this is the perfect opportunity to support independent locally owned businesses within your community.  Here in Los Angeles, there are so many small communities and so many local buisnesses that this is not difficult for us Angelenos.  It can be as simple as shopping at a neighborhood boutique, dining at a small restaurant within your community, or even going to your local farmers market.

During this week, take time to reflect on your purchases and keep in mind that you can shop local while supporting the larger global economy as well.   Use this market bag by LA based company Apolis while shopping at your farmers market.  The bag was made in Bangladesh and supports giving opportunities to people to work.  Check out Apolis and their Local+Global campaign.