There are two things that you need to know about me to help put this column into its proper perspective.
My coffee pot is my first destination every morning when I get out of bed. Everything else takes a back seat until the coffee is brewing – Jo-Jo does not get to go out, I don’t pick up the Press-Telegram, I do not pass go or collect $200 dollars until the I hear the lovely sound of the coffee brewing. Needless to say, I take my coffee pretty seriously.
Here is the second thing about me: – I can get a little obsessive when I get serious about something. For instance, I spent a great deal of time – years in fact – traveling throughout New York and New England looking for the perfect Ruben sandwich. I was captivated by the strange and wondrous combination of corned beef, sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing and rye bread. I tried dozens and, despite my efforts, was eventually disappointed in my quest.
The perfect Ruben sandwich did not exist – at least not in a single place. The components were spread all over: one deli had the best beef, another the best bread but the cook who could bring those ingredients together in the perfect proportions worked in another place altogether.
For me, the same is true of coffee in Long Beach – no single place has everything I want. So here are my favorite coffee places in Long Beach.
FOR COFFEE BEANS: Polly’s Gourmet
Polly’s Gourmet Coffee is the only place I buy coffee beans. For over 30 years, owner Mike Sheldrake has been sourcing the best beans from around the world and roasting them in his store in the Shore. He buys the best beans from around the world, roasts them in small batches and sells them within days. This is crucial because beans are best when freshly roasted. I buy two pounds at a time – which will last me a little less than two weeks – so that I will finish the beans while they are at their peak freshness.
My taste tends to the medium bodied, and fruity varieties of coffee rather than heavier and winey coffees. I drink the single origin beans rather than blends so that I can taste the unique flavors of the beans (although Polly’s has many blends to try if you prefer them). If your taste is like mine, I suggest the Guatemalan and Brazilian coffees. Both have excellent balance and aromas. Both are very full of flavor without being bitter. If you prefer a fuller bodied coffee, I suggest the Ethiopian Moka which has a much fuller and richer almost chocolate flavor.
Do yourself a favor – take home some whole freshly roasted beans, grind them right before brewing and make yourself a cup of coffee. You will taste the difference.
Polly’s Gourmet Coffee
4606 E 2nd St
Long Beach, CA 90803
(562) 433-2996
pollys.com
FAVORITE COFFEE PLACE: Portfolio Coffeehouse
A man cannot live on home brewed coffee alone. Sometimes, one wants to hang out at a coffee place while enjoying a drink. My choice is Portfolio. In Portfolio, owner Kerstin Kansteiner created a coffee place which has literally become the center of the community for the 4th Street’s Retro Row in Midtown Long Beach. Portfolio has accomplished this by creating a comfortable and welcoming space, filled with an eclectic mix of people and friendly staff that remember you – and your unique cup of joe. Portfolio also has regularly changing art installations and regular music performances, poetry and book readings and other community events. All of this – combined with the best blended mocha and a wide assortment of other coffee related drinks make for a compelling place that draws people from all walks of life, and keeps them coming back for more.
So if you want to head someplace to read, check your email or just hang out while drinking your coffee, Portfolio is the place for you.
PORTFOLIO COFFEEHOUSE
2300 East 4th Street (at Junipero)
Long Beach, California 90814
(562) 434-2486
portfoliocoffeehouse.com
For my next column: Two sure things for take-out food in East Long Beach. Share your suggestions below or email me!