Review: RE Coffee is shaping the future of cafes

Los Angeles Times

6 days ago

Looking for a cute matcha date or a local spot to cram in for finals? RE Coffee is the perfect place for both.
Located in Fountain Valley, RE Coffee features a simplistic yet modern interior, creating a welcoming space for catching up with friends or getting some work done. With a motto of 'slowly but surely,' the name RE refers to 'RE-connection,' focusing on the cafe's aim to encourage a sense of community through the art of barista craft.
ARCHITECTURE Inspired by the trendy architecture of Vietnamese cafes, RE Coffee boasts a quiet 'downtown' style, creating a space for calmness amidst the busy city. (Photo by Tessa Nacke) The stone and glass interior, along with the natural lighting, creates a modern and spacious feel. (Photo by Tessa Nacke)
Stepping through the entrance, visitors are sure to be immersed in the relaxing and tranquil atmosphere. The architectural style is simplistic yet modern, making you focus more on the experience while enhancing the overall mood. Though the shop had an overall dark interior, the abundance of sunlight created an uplifting atmosphere for those wanting to spend their time in the sun. Subtle yet unique highlight pieces adorned each corner, and gentle R&B music shaped the ambiance of the shop.
RE Coffee boasts both an outdoor and indoor seating area, allowing visitors to choose their environment for the day. Despite being a popular spot, the shop remarkably did not feel rushed; however, for those looking for a quick coffee stop, RE Coffee may not be your best bet. The waiting time was rather long, and drink sizes were smaller for their price.
With that being said, here are our reviews of just some of the many treats offered at RE Coffee.
MATCHA LATTE | $6.00
Iced Matcha Latte. (Photo by Tessa Nacke)
As a frequent matcha latte enjoyer, I was more than impressed with the taste and quality of the matcha. The matcha latte was beautifully whisked from the start, each drink carefully crafted for the visitors themselves.
The matcha latte base was not overwhelmingly sweet, creating a smooth and velvety texture that delighted my palate. One of the standout features was the impeccable balance achieved in the matcha-to-milk ratio. The latte had a perfect equilibrium, allowing both the robust earthiness of the matcha and the creamy sweetness of the whole milk to shine through harmoniously.
Beyond the taste and texture, the presentation of the matcha latte was a visual delight. The vibrant green hue of the matcha, combined with the creamy white of the milk, created a picturesque contrast that added to the overall aesthetic appeal.
In addition to the classic matcha latte, RE also offers a Black Sesame Matcha Latte, Blueberry Oat Milk Matcha, and Yuzu Matcha Tonic.
MAPLE CINNAMON LATTE| $6.00
Maple Cinnamon Latte. (Photo by Tessa Nacke)
This seasonal concoction is a cozy double-shot latte featuring maple syrup, cinnamon, whole milk, and a hint of orange. Aesthetically, this drink is a feast for the eyes. The creamy mixture makes the customer feel enticed by its brown waves of goodness.
Upon the first sip, my taste buds were immediately embraced by the cinnamon and espresso lovingly mixed into this drink. The cinnamon elevates this drink from a regular latte into a cozy seasonal drink. Diving in for more, my second sip was a little different…orange? Yes, there was an actual orange slice in my drink! Surprisingly, it added a freshness that was needed in such a fall-heavy drink. The subtle notes of maple syrup were just the right amount of sweetness as well. As I arrived at the end of my latte, the orange flavor waved a final goodbye among the cinnamon dredges.
One qualm that I do have about this drink is the lack of milk alternatives. This may be due to the fact that it is a seasonal drink, making sense for its lack of plant-based milk.
HAM AND CHEESE CROISSANT | $5.25
Bacon and Cheese Croissant. (Photo by Tessa Nacke)
Topped with fragrant sesame seeds, the impeccable combination of ham and cheese created an enticing aroma to die for. The crispy bacon offers a savory flavor, contrasting the hints of the sweetness of the croissant. Extremely filling, the pastry was a two-person job, a size worthy of its price. The croissant had a buttery and flaky crust, with a cloud-like texture, making it a perfect lunch or snack. The flavors paired flawlessly with the drinks ordered, and one bite led to another, making it an irresistible treat worth savoring again and again. Related