Ministry of Coffee

The soft sunny rays and light winter breeze through Westwood Village rekindles a nostalgic warmth for good cake and coffee. The Ministry Of Coffee (MOC) is an Australian coffee roaster right next to Trader Joe’s. As much as I love taking free coffee samples from Trader Joe’s, MOC gives me a reason to slow down my afternoon, to take a moment to unwind from the hectic pace of LA.

MOC has a slightly unconventional setting. The barista is crafting coffee right near the entrance’s door. Should you feel you’re in a hurry, you can always get coffee and pastries to go.  Otherwise, take a seat. The ambience has a modern-meets-wild-outback. The open steel kitchen is where you can see chefs at work, arms and neck covered in tattoos, and the delicious wafts of bread and seared meats. Most of the staff at MOC sounds Aussie, and if you like books, there are all sorts of travel and cookbooks lined along the walls.

I sat at the communal table and ordered my two favorites at a coffee shop – chai latte and chocolate cake. I know I know, you should judge a coffee shop by its espresso, but not today! The chai latte was nicely spiced, creamy and not overly sweet (pictured below), with an interesting ‘rustic’ coffee art. I’ve noticed that their coffee art is not the usual classy beautiful hearts or leaves and such, but a more deliberate messy coffee art, even the chocolate drizzle on the chocolate tells you that:

The chocolate drizzle isn’t the classy, vibrant lines across the chocolate cake, but more of a scrawny doodle. But oh fudge! It’s the ULTIMATE Chocolate Cake – a dark chocolate base, rich chocolate mouse, topped with cream and powdered sugar, chocolate shavings and, that chocolate fudge drizzle. Classy yet wild.

Rich chocolate cake lovers, you have been forewarned. One bite and you’re Down Under.