Patch Coffee Co. - Lake Forest, CA

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COFFEE CONESSIURS IN THE LAKE FOREST community can now find a hub that serves up great coffee and authenticity in everything they do.

Baristas Rachel & Kyle working hard or hardly working. 

AUTHENTICITY AND GIRL POWER

AUTHENTICITY IS A WORD over-used across social media bios, brand mission statements, and just plain old false promises. But Patch Coffee is an exception to that.

As I began to talk to the owner of Patch Coffee, I awkwardly asked if I could take a photo of her to put a face to the name.  "I'd rather you talk to the baristas or the customers than me," she said after I asked if I could speak to her about her new business. "I just want the focus to be on the shop and not me."  

I thought this was awesome because even though she had incredible things to say, she wanted the word about her business to come from the shop's customers and her employees.  For me, that's screams authenticity.

Cortado brought to you by Four Barrel Coffee.

I RARELY COME ACROSS A FEMALE SPECIALTY COFFEE SHOP OWNER.  If you talk to nearly anyone in the business, it's a boy's world; from baristas to coffee roasters, coffee buyers and café owners.  And so it was awesome to meet a woman who not only has had a successful launch for her new business in the coffee industry but is taking it a step further. 

She has long been an influencer for the community and hopes her new coffee-fueled space will act as her new vehicle.  She spoke of specific conversations that are dear to her heart, like women in the leadership roles.  But as I watched her guide over her new baristas, it was clear she was passionate about leadership roles in general and promoting individual growth.  She has a bigger picture in mind for her employees than most bosses do.  She doesn't want them to look at barista-ing as a one dimension job, but an opportunity to explore business management, leadership, community outreach and so much more.

Wall painted by local artist at Patch Coffee.

She then spoke more on her goal to bring together the community of Lake Forest through music and arts and use coffee as a platform to do so.  And I know, you probably hear that with every single coffee shop that opens. But then you dig a little deeper into their story.

You learn that local artists are who designed the space.  You learn that before Patch Coffee, Lake Forest didn't have a hub that champions community, creativity, and conversations.

Geographically speaking, Lake Forest is pretty spread out. It's more inland compared to the other coastal communities where businesses and homes are right up against each other. 

But here the land is spread out. Large IT companies have been migrating here to take advantage of ample square footage all the while still being an inviting 20-30 minute drive from the beach.

And so for a community like Lake Forest, finding a community spot takes innovation and grit. And that's exactly what Patch Coffee makes you feel when you walk in.

Bright Colors. Warm Staff. Good Coffee.

Patch Coffee, Lake Forest CA

MY EYES COULDN'T STOP SCANNING the place as soon as I stepped into Patch Coffee.  There has been careful consideration and creative input placed into every corner of the café

As I approached the bar I was met with a warm and welcoming barista. 

Her name was Rachel and she also works part-time as a Kids Ministry Director at a church nearby. She couldn't imagine not barista-ing.  She loves what she does and thrilled when Patch Coffee opened its doors to the community.  

This is Kyle's first gig in coffee and he is loving it.  He first became really interested in specialty coffee while visiting Verve Coffee up in Santa Cruz, CA about a year ago. 

Coffee from Four Barrel & Steadfast Roasters

Patch Coffee Co. offers San Francisco roaster Four Barrel, and Nashville-based Steadfast Roasters.  They offer a variety of brewing methods including; espresso beverages, pour overs, standard batch brew, cold brew, Vietnamese coffee, and a solid tea collection.

The coffee bar itself acts like a kitchen island, allowing for the barista-customer interaction to be more fluid and you can watch the full process of your coffee being made.  To your right and your left and behind the counter you'll find ample seating: Whether it's along the oak tables, the window sills, or even inside the refurbished storage container underneath twinkling lights.

My favorite seat in the house, however, is the sofa chair in the back corner with a side table.  I feel right. at. home.

I SIPPED ON MY GUATEMALAN pour-over from Four Barrel and chucked my sandals off and sat criss-cross applesauce on the sofa chair. Maybe I was getting too comfortable.  But I got the sense at Patch Coffee there was no room for judging.  Just good conversations and good coffee, because hey - they go...

Mugs Up,

The Coffee Nomad