A couple of months ago, it was time to move from my apartment in the Miracle Mile neighborhood of Los Angeles. I put the word out, and my friend Aimee told me one of her girlfriends was going to Canada and wanted to sublet her place in Venice Beach for a few months.
A chill ran down my spine thinking of living on the “other side” of the 405. Those in the know understand that the 405 freeway is a demarcation line capable of adding an hour to any commute into Hollywood. “Just come see the place,” Aimee insisted. I took her up on it and was immediately enchanted. It’s a cute studio apt, thirty seconds from the beach and far enough away from the main beach that it’s protected from tourist chaos. I was in.
So, it’s with that in mind that I chose this week’s Beach City bean from my local Whole Foods. Fresh from the gind arose a subtle sweetness, almost cinnamon scent. Like the salty morning breeze through my window, my brow raised, and a smile cracked. This is gonna be good.
This isn’t a big wave flavor; more like a slow-roller. A little nutty, a little chocolate, all cruizing to the back of the palette without any sharp bites. Quite delish. So with my cup, I walked to the sand and watched the surfers line up, dogs walk, and sun shine through the clouds. It was glorious. Holy crap! I think I’m becoming a west-side guy.