Christine ChiaoEarly next month, Urth Caffé will officially open to the public in the Playhouse District on the corner of Madison and Colorado in Pasadena.
It's one location of the organic coffee roaster and café chain that has been five years in the making. Co-founder Shallom Berkman says they've received numerous requests to bring one to the neighborhood. “We do ship our coffee, but a lot of people drive out to our stores in Los Angeles,” he says.
Contrary to speculation, the newest Urth Caffé is not two stories. “The building includes offices for a real estate firm. Urth occupies a corner space on the ground floor,” Berkman explains. “The actual space is exactly the same size as the Beverly Hills café.” Berkman and wife Jilla, who co-founded the company with him and, among other contributions, oversaw the aesthetic of each café, chose the Colorado location in part for its proximity to the Pasadena Playhouse. “It's really the center of culture and history of Pasadena,” he says.
Interior of Urth Caffé; Credit: Victor Boghossian Photography
“Because we have such a great spot on Colorado, we really set out to make it our most beautiful Urth Caffé branch ever. It is filled with the most amazing locally handmade tile work that's designed by my wife. The custom iron work made in Santa Barbara was also designed by her.” The café can seat about 150 people and includes an outdoor patio with a fountain.
Both food and drink menus will mirror what's available at the other locations in Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, West Hollywood and Downtown. There'll be breakfast selections, along with sandwiches hot and cold, salads and mini pizzas. For the sweet tooth, there will be cakes, pies, pastries and desserts such as the matcha tiramisu and some vegan options. And for beverages, which is what launched the whole operation, there'll be a range of coffees and teas of which many can be served either hot, ice blended, or as a latté.
The exact date of the opening is currently unconfirmed as final touches, such as staff training, are being made at the café. Check back with Squid Ink as we'll follow up with Berkman for the official opening.
Urth Caffé: 594 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena; (626) 844-4644.
And in related news:
– Coolhaus + Copa Vida Now Open in Pasadena
– Now Open: Old Pasadena Farmers Market
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