Finding the perfect matcha

1. ALFRED - Encino

I started with my favorite cafe to grab a matcha—Alfred. My go-to order here is the “World Famous Iced Vanilla Matcha Latte.” The strong and perfectly sweet vanilla syrup creates the perfect mix when combined with the decadent matcha. If I’m feeling an extra sweet-tooth, I will add the dairy cloud to give myself the perfectly creamy and sweet sip. In addition to their yummy drinks, they have great all-day breakfast and lunch options to pair with your latte. My favorite is the “Avo-Bagel,” however their menu is diverse and has something for everyone. With the closest one to Louisville currently being the Encino location, I am thrilled for the approaching opening of a Topanga Village cafe, just a quick five minute drive from our campus!

2. RE: Coffee - Woodland Hills

RE: Coffee is known for their einspanner lattes, which are lattes made up of layers of cream and either coffee or tea, with a detailed presentation. It developed its current outbursting popularity over the summer with the help of social media. My order here is a “Matcha Vanilla Einspanner Latte” with extra cream. Their matcha is very rich, so the extra hint of sweetness to tone it down makes for the perfect flavor. Some even may say it looks like the matcha is photosynthesising with how green it is. Can we talk about the presentation though? The cup is lined with the cream and the matcha latte fills the cup, and best of all, is topped off with a dollop of cream and a drizzle of matcha sauce. You have definitely seen it posted on someone’s instagram story with how aesthetically pleasing it appears, and also how delicious it is! It is just about a 5-10 minute drive from Louisville, making it a perfect and short stop to grab a drink and study.

3. La La Land Kind Cafe - Calabasas

Lala Land Kind Cafe may be the most well known in the Louisville community. I’ve seen a fair share of students walking around holding the cutely shaped clear cup with the yellow lid and heart shaped straw. While I prefer the coffee from La La Land over the matcha, my go-to matcha order from there is the “Strawberry Cloud Matcha Latte.” It is a yummy and sweet matcha latte underneath the refreshing strawberry cloud made with real strawberries. I personally think their matcha has a subtler taste compared to other cafes, however it is still very good when I am in the mood for something refreshing and sweet. In addition, they have a variety of toasts and pastries, my favorites being the “La La Classic Avocado Toast” and the “Matcha Cookie.” With many locations of this cute cafe, the closest one is in the Calabasas Commons. It is  a popular place for after school hangouts where you can grab a bite to eat or study at Barnes and Noble. Next time you are there, make sure to stop by La La Land and grab a caffeinated drink to help you lock in!

4. Moonphaze - Agoura

This may be my favorite hidden gem cafe. Moonphaze cafe has a small, yet delicious menu. I have tried both the “Strawberry Matcha” where they add a customized strawberry salted cloud, and the “Cloud Matcha,” both of which are delicious. My favorite was the strawberry, which is not a shocker as I’m sure you can tell my love of strawberry matchas. The latte is rich, sweet and perfectly mixed with their strawberry syrup, plus the strawberry salted cream is a perfect addition to make for a creamy and refreshing sip. Now when I say hidden, I mean it. This cafe is located inside of the “Lumber and Linen” store in Whizin’s square, right off the 101 freeway in Agoura Hills. The store is tiny, so the cafe inside is not hard to miss. I highly recommend visiting this cafe, just be aware of their store hours beforehand.