Seattle. Italy. Columbia. They’re all known for brewing up some good Joe. Now let’s add another location- Alhambra, California. Alhambra??? Don’t adjust your computer screens. You read correctly. I didn’t think my hometown would ever be known for something like coffee. Maybe A-town isn’t well known just yet, but for the small circle of people that have tried LaMill Coffee, they can vouch that there is some good java brewing in the small city just east of LA.

LaMill Coffee was developed by Craig and Jean Min with the idea that each cup of coffee should be a unique experience. They based their headquarters in Alhambra with the idea that the sleepy town would leave little room for distractions. They sell their coffee to cafes around Los Angeles that have the same idea- to sell quality products.

In early 2008 Craig and Jean opened a coffee boutique equally unique as their coffee. LaMill Coffee in Silverlake is not a coffee shop. It is a coffee experience. Each order of coffee is made one cup at a time with a great deal of care. Although the coffee at LaMill plays the starring role, do not underestimate the supporting cast. LaMill Coffee boutique has a complete aesthetic that includes the décor, food, ambiance and (of course) coffee. The interior is French inspired with vintage twists and a splash of contemporary on its red wall. The food… oh boy… the food! Combinations that most people would never put together like -my absolute favorite- butternut squash polenta. Trust me… it’s amazing! Aside from the obvious ingredients, also combined in this bowl of heaven is mascarpone cheese and candied walnuts. The coffee I usually order with this meal is not just “a drink” it’s like I said before- the star of the show. The Valrhona Mocha is simply LaMill coffee over Valrhona chocolate and has totally changed my idea of what a good mocha is. I’ve tried several coffees and entrees at LaMill and haven’t been disappointed once (unless you count the unavoidable moment when I realize that I’ve too quickly devoured my entire meal). Perhaps LaMill blends aren’t strange after all. Maybe just being a visionary and pairing quality ingredients is the real secret to a great combination.

Sitting at LaMill makes me feel as though I’m in a different world. In a world where people really care about what they do and are passionate about the products they create. I feel that Craig and Jean aren’t just people who know coffee. They’re people artists that know GOOD coffee and have completed their work of art by selling it at a lovely boutique along with delicious food. Strange how LaMill Coffee boutique takes me to a different world when it stemmed from the same city I grew up in. Maybe Alhambra will be known for something exceptional. If not, maybe it’s better that way, keep it a secret if you like. At least you and I will know that my hometown is also the home of some amazing coffee.