PASADENA, CA
Coffee and Plants attracts social media butterflies as if the flowers on the beautiful faux-flora backdrop truly smell of sweet nectar. Romeo, Cruz, and I watched visitors stage, pose, and smile. Of course, just moments before, we had our own mini shoot. And the lone barista kindly obliged us all.
It was a quiet Monday afternoon. Still, friends and families gathered around the bistro tables accented with fresh red roses and the golden light of a sinking sun. Nearly every black-and-white wicker seat was taken. I felt grateful. Seeing so many people support Coffee and Plants and other vegan businesses sets my heart aflutter, which happens often—these compassionate projects are popping up at a speed I can’t keep up with anymore.
When I started this blog almost five years ago, my mission was to visit every all-vegan restaurant in the world. At the time it seemed feasible. Now it’s impossible. Pretty awesome, huh?
62 W Union St, Pasadena, CA 91103
MANIFESTING A DREAM
While prepping a new Dining Out post, I like to do a little research. It’s usually as simple as scouring the business’s website, social feeds, and media coverage. So half the time I know what I’m going to order before I even step through the front door.
Well, for Coffee and Plants, I went back to their earliest Instagram posts. I learned that Leona Lewis is one of three creators who dreamed up the adorable little shop. The drop-dead gorgeous singer/songwriter/actress/model/businesswoman happens to be a big deal in my world. As if all her hard work and talent weren’t admirable enough, she’s also an activist, supporting groups like Mercy For Animals.
Once the awe of my celebrity sighting wore off, I paid closer attention to the enterprising trio’s development process, shared via small glimpses @cofeeandplantsla. Like a jolt of caffeine, an eternal truth struck me. Here was a perfect example of our ability to transform things imagined into reality. They wanted to combine their love for rich, artisanal roasts and plants… They did. They wanted storefront perfection… They got it. They wanted a peaceful getaway in the middle of the city… They built it.
Leona, Dennis, and AC didn’t stop dreaming after Coffee and Plants opened in 2019. Visit more than once and you’re bound to have a new experience every time; the menu and romantic, decorative touches change with the seasons. Promisingly, their vision reaches even further into the future. For every 100 take-out cups of coffee sold (the cups are exceptionally chic BTW), Coffee and Plants pledges to plant one tree in our national forests. 🌲✨
COFFEE
So what kind of tasty treats can you get at this vegan café? A tribute to the city’s sweetheart: the Rose Bowl Latte, made with espresso, beet juice, rose + hibiscus syrup, plant-based milk, and a rose petal garnish. For the daring, a 24K Charcoal Latte: espresso, vanilla syrup, gold leaf, and steamed milk. For the health nut, a Superfood Latte: espresso, coconut butter, maca, reishi, vanilla syrup, cinnamon, and milk. And for the caffeine adverse, there’s tea, lemonade, hot chocolate, and the Blue Lavender Latte, colored with blue pea protein.
A creature of habit, I ordered a vanilla latte. The boys split a puppuccino: coconut whip and a doggie biscuit. Cruz turned two the day before. We were celebrating his birthday. 💙
The fun doesn’t stop at drinks. Behind a glass case, flaky croissants, moist cupcakes, donuts sprinkled with sugar, and chewy cookies sit atop lovely pedestals, eagerly waiting for someone to take a bite. I also spied muffins in fancy flavors like Coconut Cocoa Swirl, Blueberry Poppy, and Almond Butter Cherry.
PLANTS
The fun doesn’t stop at pastries either. Some of the plants can be taken home. Tiny cacti, heart-shaped succulents, and lush, leafy plants in painted pots and woven baskets stand pretty beside books like How to Raise a House Plant and Make It Love You Back. Stop by to see what other goodies they have for sale. It’s a charming place for a coffee and a daydream.
Now I leave you with flowery words of wisdom from @coffeeandplantsla. 🌼
Wherever life plants you, bloom with grace.
