The decadent fragrance of scones and freshly brewed lattes drifts past the chattering customers dining at Urth Caffé located on 594 Colorado Blvd, in the heart of Downtown Pasadena. Opened on Aug. 18, the café that first started in West Hollywood is not only famous for being the first organic coffee company in the country, but also for using coffee beans directly from South America and Africa.
The eye-catching, uniquely shaped entrances and high ceilings of the bistro set a suburban European feel, automatically making the environment feel extravagant, yet cozy at the same time. Having traveled to Europe before, I felt like I was a tourist sitting in a restaurant in Sicily. Natural radiance from the sun pours through the long windows and into the small corner café. Diners can either sit indoors where it is warm and snug, or outdoors to get a feel of the active life of Pasadena. The dining space outside the walls of the café is rather spacious, but still retains a comfortable atmosphere. The whole place sets the perfect ambience for a date, or a casual lunch for friends.
As I studied the menu, I was amazed at the various kinds of coffees and lattes they offered from around the world, ranging from Thai Rooibos Red Tea Lattes to classic French style coffees. I ordered the Spanish Latte Granita and the Egg Spinach Sandwich, while my little sister ordered the Classic Belgian Waffle. To no surprise, all three orders leaned towards the expensive side. The drink was $4.95, the sandwich was $8.50 and the waffle was $10.50, which totaled to about $26, including tax.
Excited to try the famous drink, I took my first sip and found that the texture was smooth for an ice blended drink, and it was obvious that the quality was better than most. The sweet essence of vanilla balanced out the strong flavors of organic coffee beans quite nicely. However, considering my budget and the general coffee taste that I am unaccustomed to, I would rather settle for a standard Starbucks Frappucino.
As I bit into the egg spinach sandwich, I immediately fell in love. The spinach, combined with moist eggs and finished off with crispy wheat bread, mingled exquisitely with the tangy tomato sauce. I tasted a small chunk of my sister’s waffle and noticed the sweet hint of honey and maple syrup that made the dish so delectable. It was beautifully golden brown, soft and warm. As I had hoped, the food definitely reshaped my perspective.
Urth Caffé welcomes everyone, from tea enthusiasts to healthy eating families, featuring organic pastries, coffee and lunch. Employee service is excellent, for workers continuously wear smiles on their faces and ensure customer satisfaction. Although the strong flavors of the authentic, organic coffee didn’t appeal to my taste palate, I trust that the café’s popularity holds with good reason. Although the food leans a bit on the expensive side, the café adds a nice touch to the bustling culture of Pasadena and is well worth the price.