LA Scene: Rubies + Diamonds Hosts a Grand Reopening

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Category: Wine, Spirits, Epicurean

Published on Thursday, 14 January 2016 11:56

Written by Janet Walker

Rubies + Diamonds, the upscale Coffee and Tea House located in the trendy Columbia Square complex, on Sunset Boulevard, recently hosted a grand reopening introducing a new line of teas, a chic interior design, and a simplified exotic menu.

The evening began with a meet and greet as guests arrived the incredibly friendly wait staff and owners circulated with drink offerings.

Similar to a wine tastings, the Tea Tastings began with a brief description of flavors were accompanied by a sip taste. The straight offerings one tea, Ruby Red Cheeks, and one coffee, Robusta, CAF Rating 04, had acquired tastes and would offer additional flavors in a different setting, where one could measure the extent of boldness through personal flavor choices.

Beginning with Nitro Creamy Matcha Tea, a green tea with froth, full bodied citrus flavors, the sampling included Ruby Red Cheeks, non-caffeinated organic Rooibos tea that brews up ruby red, Robusta, CAF Rating 04, a fully 100% Robusta, full bodied coffee with a nutty earthy flavor. Nitro Ginger Ale Green Tea, Classic ginger ale paired with green tea.

Nitrogen infusion, produces a smooth body, ginger gives it a spicy finish. Sea Salt Cold Brew, R&D Signature Cold Brew paired with milk and a sprinkle of sea salt yields a creamy, milky concoction and Smoked Chili Mocha Latte, Espresso with the house blend of Republica Chocolate and smoked chili brown sugar. Prepared with textured milk.

The Sea Salt Cold Brew and Smoked Chili Mocha Latte were blended drink varieties, like the chocolate spice infusion the tea infusion also added Carmel and sea salt over ice and a Peruvian chocolate with cayenne spice.

Of the samples the Sea Salt Cold Brew over Ice held the smoothest flavors with a simple sweetness. The Smoked Chili Mocha Latte had a delicious taste and personally the bold pop of the cayenne overpowered the chocolate finish. Having enjoyed the zip of chocolate spice mixtures from solid pieces of chocolate spice bark to cayenne chocolate martini’s  the mastery of mixture is building a perfect blend where the two flavors marry in unison. The spice is never hidden or so smooth it doesn’t pop and it shouldn’t be the lingering taste either.

Invited guest were a cross between Haute cuisine foodies, members of the Asian community, bloggers along with the Scott Mangan of Rubbish interiors the designer behind  responsible for the stunning new interior and Vincent Tomczyk, a local artist commissioned to create the centerpiece installation, which is appropriately named Cascade.

Although it gives the appearance of a Chandelier, it is not, an installation piece with streaming plastic non-electrical LEDS suspended from the base, reflects light either direct or indirect and shimmers, projects and glows accordingly.

The interior design at the gifted hands of Scott Mangan, was a combination of modern sophistication gently working the open ceiling and piping into the contemporary pairings. The fashionable and stylish sofa and standalone chairs with glass top coffee tables give the appearance of a ultra-chic loft apartment with a impressive industrial kitchen and entertaining area. Contemporary artwork hung throughout complementing the décor.

As the entire historical building went through the renovation process the menu was also modified to fit the new ideas of upscale sophistication for the trendy urbanite tired of other well-known coffee and tea bars.

Combining the beverage menu to include the newest fusions of coffees and teas, Rubies & Diamonds also offers wines and international beer.

As in most tastings, the hosts opened the bar and mingling attendants introduced the ales which consisted of four unique offerings from equally unique brewing companies. From Pizza Port Brewing, Pick Six Pilsner, a Czech-style Pilsner brewed in Solana Beach with a mild sweetness and hops and the dry finish expected from a good pilsner. Mother Earth Brew Co, Boo Koo IPA is also on tap. Boo Koo is a straw colored IPA. This brew is hop forward in flavor spotlighting a piney aroma and foresty flavors.

The Lost Abby Brewing provides a Red Barn Ale. Saison or Farmhouse Ale. Lightly spiced with Organic Ginger, Orange Peets and Black Pepper. Ommegang Brewery provides a lovely dark and deep oatmeal stout with aromas of roasted malt and coffee with cream. A stout body with a hint of sweetness and chocolate.  

Rubies + Diamonds offers a selection of wines from 2013 and 2014 vines. The Alta Maria, a 2013 Sauvignon Blanc from Santa Barbara County, a medium bodied white. Folk Machine, Hobo Wine Co, a 2014 Pinot Noir is also served from the California Central Coast. From Vesper Vineyards a 2014 Rose of Grenache and a 2014 Red Blend from Mendocino County’s Parts and Labor Vineyard.

Rotis, the Asian flatbread, is the main menu item used in five different wrap style sandwiches. Each are given a global regional name to assist in picturing the flavors expected. The sandwiches were delicious. The combination of flavors blended together to create a savory experience.

The African – from the continent rich in culture and flavors a recipe of grass fed beef peanut sauce, jicama, garbanzo beans, peanuts, and arugula.

The South American – A South American specialty – pork wrapped with purple potato, avocado puree, hearts of palm and cilantro.

The Indo – From Southeast Asia, an Indonesian receipt of chili roasted tofu, chili mayo, red cabbage, carrot, cucumber scar and basil.

The Caribbean – Jidori chicken with jerk sauce, sweet potato, black-eyed peas, arugula and red bell peppers make a tasty Caribbean treat.

The East Indian – From the Indian subcontinent, Jidori chicken done in clay-oven Tandoori style with mango, curry yogurt sauce, paneer cheese, spinach and cauliflower.

The evening ended with a wonderful gift bag of Rubies & Diamonds Coffees & Teas.

For more information: www.rubiesanddiamonds.com