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Yahoo!“Caffeinated civility” describes the new neighborhood coffee shop, the French Press (1101 State St., 963-2721). Handwritten chalkboards list coffees on tap. Butter-colored walls contrast soothingly with dark wood furniture. Rattan fans spin effortlessly above handmade countertops. No blaring music or screaming of ordered drinks will greet you. Instead, expect a muffled “shwoooooshing” from a just-off-the-boat La Marzocco espresso machine and a leisurely greeting of hello, generally to repeat customers.
Proprietors Julia Mayer and Todd Stewart really do know beans about beans. S.B. High alum Julia started her coffee love affair with her first job at the Daily Grind. School and work travels took her to Italy, Los Angeles, and Santa Cruz—Todd’s hometown—where she worked for a “big-name coffee joint” and Lulu Carpenters, well known to caffeinated UC Santa Cruz students. The couple decided to come to Santa Barbara and share quality products from small roaster Verve Coffee along with their knowledge and belief that “coffee is cuisine.” Sighed Julia, “It is a dream realized.” SerendipiTea teas also are available with smelling samples provided for olfactory adventures. Try the Marquise Gray (Earl Grey with lavender). S.B.-baked items tempt the taste buds, including Crumbs’ decadent Blueberry/Lemon Buckle.
The French Press
1101 State st, Santa Barbara
805-963-2721. More Info
Previous Month
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Looks delicious. Two red lattes, please!
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TwoRedLattes (anonymous profile)
August 20, 2009 at 11:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
There are five reviews of Verve Coffee from elite yelp members (the only reviewers I trust on yelp). All of the reviews are favorable, so it sounds like the coffee at the French Press will be worth trying.
So far, all the coffee houses I've tried in Santa Barbara brew their coffee into those giant pump pots. It's just not satisfying. I dislike not knowing how long my coffee's been sitting around.
Hopefully the French Press will stay true to their name and brew it in small batches as it's ordered (in a French Press, of course).
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bradl (anonymous profile)
August 20, 2009 at 4:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm so happy about this coffeeshop opening! I just moved back from Northern California and finding good coffee in Santa Barbara has been well nigh impossible. Lulus makes the best coffee in Santa Cruz hands down. Between training there and serving Verves (also amazing!) beans, Todd and Julia should have a winner with the French Press!
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NatashaD (anonymous profile)
August 20, 2009 at 10:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I encourage all coffee lovers to try the French Press . I have found Todd and Julia to be so pleasant in serving me , be it 6 a.m. or late in the afternoon after they have obviously put in many hours on their feet . Good coffee too!
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geeber (anonymous profile)
August 25, 2009 at 6:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The French Press is awesome. Finally you can actually get a perfectly crafted espresso drink in SB! Julia and Todd prepare your drinks with a care you don't see elsewhere. While not the most convenient place for me to stop on the way to work, I cannot resist, it's that good! I wish them the best of luck and hope as they grow they can keep the quality at the very high level they have going now. Best place for a coffee in Santa Barbara, hands down!
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ilovesb09 (anonymous profile)
August 27, 2009 at 7:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
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