The Café Evolution Has Arrived: Demitasse Hollywood

A private party for press and media influencers celebrated the opening of latest incarnation of the Demitasse café brand on Cahuenga Boulevard, on February 16th. The bright and vibrant space with a floor to ceiling glass front that lends way to white marble countertops, red-brick walls and features an impressive Probat roaster. Guests were treated to new culinary creations that pair perfectly with the vast variety of beverages now offered at Demitasse Roastery & Kitchen.

“This is something we have wanted to dip our toes into for quite some time,” said owner Bobby Roshan. “We love this neighborhood and are excited to be in the heart of Hollywood.”

Demitasse Roastery & Kitchen, offers a full range of espresso drinks and teas, including a house-made Chai Tea, four brewed coffees each ground and brewed to order on their Curtis Seraphims, Nitro and Kyoto-Style Cold Brew, and their famous Lavender Liquid Hot Chocolate with a torched jumbo marshmallow. From a growing roster of direct trade coffees from Columbia, El Salvador and Guatemala (with more countries and regions to come) to roasting their own beans on the shiny, new Probat, much love, care and consideration goes into each cup. By extending that same passion and detailed focus to food, wine, beer and their new signature shims, Demitasse is a café and pub evolved into one.

The menu moves beyond coffee, adding an extensive list of delicious “real food” dishes perfect for pairing from Chef Jeff Lustre. A wide-range of cultural influences can be found in a globally-inspired Dinner Menu of small and large plates, along with Breakfast and Lunch, all showcasing fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. “You can literally walk out the back door to the Hollywood Famer’s Market and find delicious ingredients,” said Roshan.

Far from the typical café, bar or pub options, libations at Demitasse Hollywood are as mouthwatering as they are surprising. The natural wines and local beers were curated by Wine Consultant Ian Harris, who is also introduced a natural wines program at the ACE Hotel in Downtown L.A. And just as Demitasse sources its coffee so ethically, they do the same with the wines, presenting one Sparkling, three Whites and three Reds; each procured from organic and sustainable farms, utilizing honorable practices from vine harvesting to bottling.

Taking these libations to a higher level is Cocktail Consultant Marissa Grasmick from Aestus in Santa Monica, who previously wielded her craft cocktail talents at The Varnish in Downtown L.A. “The Signature Demitasse Shim Menu’s footing is in classic culture,” says Grasmick, who uses wine, sake, vermouth and even coffee to create swizzle, julep, and greyhound-like beverages.

Here are the Effie Magazine top staff picks from the Demitasse Hollywood menu…

Libations:
Surprisingly, the Marsanne – Laurent Habrard, Croze Hermitage, France 2011 is refreshing and smooth, not oaky like so many whites. Try the Blood Orange Swizzle shim, made with sake and lime, rosemary and black pepper garnish, is super fun and “healthy.” For Sunday Funday order the Shandy shim, made with fresh squeezed mouse made lemonade with Angel City Pilsner and a lemon wheel, it is perfect!

Bites:
The Niman Ranch Pork Belly and the Crab Cakes are fantastic. But, the Crudo of Hamachi, Ogonori seaweed, Inamona, crispy bite-sized Japanese crackers of Bubu Arare and avocado is truly the best! Finish things off with several orders of the Kalamansi Pudding, made with candied kumquats and thyme, and some more Marsanne! The pairing is a spiritual event.

From start to finish Demitasse Hollywood – open every day from 7 am to Midnight – offers its neighbors something altogether new. “With wine, it is very important to start with the guest’s perspective,” Harris said. “There is no judgment, only validation.” And, so it is with everything at this lively, yet thoughtful culinary haven of the future.

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Demitasse Roastery & Kitchen – 1542 North Cahuenga Boulevard, Hollywood, CA 90028. Breakfast from 7:00 am to 10:30 am – Lunch from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm – Dinner from 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm. For more information, visit www.cafedemitasse.com or call at 323.498.5155.