Walking into Carpinteria’s Brass Bird Coffee, you might even see somebody consuming a heat lavender latte, sipping a glass of Provence rosé, diving right into a pesto rooster panini oozing contemporary mozzarella, or taking pictures of (after which promptly devouring) a freshly baked persimmon “Pop-Tart” seasonal toaster pastry. Maybe they’re engaged on a laptop computer, scribbling right into a pocket book, or chatting with a giant group of household or mates round a firepit. The widespread thread: There’s one thing to make each kind of person completely satisfied — and that’s precisely what proprietor Sarah Dandona dreamed up.
“I loved this idea of creating a space that I would want to be at,” mentioned Dandona, who owns the store on Carpinteria Avenue with husband, Juan Rodriguez. “It’s a place that makes me want to sit and relax. Almost like a European situation.”
Dandona grew up loving espresso outlets and was impressed by the café tradition in France. When I ended by in early January, Brass Bird was bustling with a distinctly Parisian joie de vivre. The employees warmly invitations you to linger, and the strong menu gives loads of choices to do exactly that. Start with certainly one of their specialty drinks, such the honey lavender latte made with Ventura-based roasters Beacon Coffee. Or in case you’re searching for a scrumptious means to enhance focus and immunity, strive a wellness beverage like their Mudwtr latte, a mix of natural mushroom, lion’s mane, chaga, reishi, chai spices, black tea, cocoa, Himalayan sea salt, maple, and milk. I used to be skeptical at first however shortly blown away by the wealthy flavors of cocoa and spice.
“We’re always doing it the right way; we don’t cut corners, and I think it shows in the product we’re able to produce,” Dandona mentioned.
She attended the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, is the previous proprietor of Omni Catering, and opened Teddy’s by the Sea in Carpinteria 5 years in the past with Rodriguez.
Her in depth meals and beverage expertise shines in Brass Bird’s artistic and delectable menu, the place the lunch choices are simply as attractive as their morning fare.
Take, for instance, the prosciutto panini, which far exceeded my expectations for a espresso store sandwich. Brimming with delectable prosciutto, mozzarella, roasted pink peppers, tomatoes, olives, pesto, and balsamic grilled on contemporary La Brea Bakery bread, it is a sandwich I’ll be coming again for, whether or not I’m grabbing a espresso or not.
“I created lots of menus in my catering position. Menu development is something I love. It’s one of my favorite things to do,” Dandona mentioned.
Another hit is the breakfast burrito. Vegetarian or brimming with contemporary thick-cut bacon, this mixture of fluffy scrambled eggs, caramelized onions, and breakfast potatoes swaddled in a big tortilla and served with a do-it-yourself salsa had my style buds dancing.
“I love our breakfast burrito. I think adding the caramelized onions puts it over the top,” Dandona gushed.
Since they stay in Carpinteria, the plethora of contemporary produce at their fingertips conjures up a lot of the menu as effectively. “We use some local Carpinteria farms. If something looks cool that comes in, we’ll make a special dish,” Dandona mentioned. “We’re always using different fruits that become available.”
This regionally grown philosophy is fantastically current of their pastry case. All of those doughy delicacies are made by their proficient in-house baker and kooky mastermind, Realeen Portillo.
“I wanted to focus on that California bakery idea,” Dandona defined, the place they provide twists on basic objects impressed by what’s in season. I used to be fortunate sufficient to come back by on the day their heirloom carrot cake was available and will certainly be again for one more thick slice of that nutty, calmly spiced slab of heaven slathered in do-it-yourself cream-cheese frosting.
While Dandona mans the menu, Rodriguez focuses extra on the entrance of home, and their heat sense of service is palpable.
“Virginia, our manager, brings a great energy to the space,” Dandona mentioned.
With a not too long ago procured beer and wine license and plans for serving later into the night, Dandona continues to dream huge.
“I definitely feel like that patio is asking for more,” she mentioned.
When Dandona’s grandmother Theodora (namesake of Teddy’s by the Sea) handed away, she gifted her a pair of brass birds (pheasants), after which Dandona named the store.
Pheasants have lengthy been generally known as a logo of luck. With a stellar menu, high-quality espresso drinks, and an area overflowing with completely satisfied clients, these brass birds, coupled with Dandona’s unimaginable expertise, are actually working their magic on Carpinteria Avenue.
Brass Bird Coffee is situated at 4835 Carpinteria Avenue, Carpinteria, and is open each day from 6:30 a.m. to three p.m. See brassbirdcoffee.com.
