CAFE OF BROTHERLY LOVE
Last Saturday morning, I received an email from a well know coffee roaster announcing their new store opening in an affluent neighborhood in the city. By that afternoon, the husband and I were sipping java in their new space. The coffee shop is La Colombe Coffee Roasters, which has its roots from Philadelphia, PA. It is not their first cafe in Chicago but the fifth but I always get excited when a new shop opens. The new location is in the Gold Coast at the corner of Rush Street and Elm Street. Unlike the first four, this fifth one is reminiscent of a coffee shop found in New York City -- small, minimal and hip.
Upon entering, you are immediately welcomed by their friendly staff standing behind the marble and white-tiled counter with the grey wall as a backdrop & the mounted wooden La Colombe sign. I'm always impressed when the staff at a coffee shop is dressed well. The Gold Coast staff did not disappoint -- less-Brooke's Brothers but more J Crew button-ups. It shows their professionalism in a non-corporate, non-Wall Street manner. The service was also on-point; these guys do not break a sweat especially during moments when mistakes are made. There was a mix up with another customer's and my drink. I will admit. I accidentally took her latte. When the staff found out, they immediately reassured the other customer that they would remake the drink. I wasn't questioned or scolded for taking someone else's coffee. All were happy & caffeinated.
The husband and I were lucky to snag 1 of the 3 tables available in-store. Each table can seat 2 comfortably but one person can squeeze in, if needed. The tables look out of big windows which is great for people watching or even day dreaming.
La Colombe has a full menu of drinks from drip, pour overs, drafts, cappuccino and my numero uno ... lattes. At this location, unlike the others that I've been to, they only had one non-dairy option ... Oat Milk. (Is almond milk getting phased out? I might have to visit the other locations and see if this is the case.) I did add a small amount of sweetener, demerara syrup, for a change. That first sip ... and I've had many first sips ... was tasty & rich, which made me wanting more. If you have time in between shopping, this is a place where you can sip & go!
