Alyssa Angeles

Bagel sandwich with a lavender latte

In the heart of downtown Ventura, a white, vintage house sits on 71 N. Palm St. It’s 6 a.m., opening time for Cajé Coffee Roasters, and the morning sun falls onto the wrap-around porch, giving the cafe a warm glow. Baristas prepare fresh bagels and fruits while brewing rich coffees and teas. 

Customers breeze in and out of the door, plants hang from the walls and lamps illuminate the interior sitting area, creating a comforting, warm ambiance that’s perfect for studying, catching up with friends or just grabbing a quick and healthy meal. 

The roots of this plot of land run deep in Ventura history. Before Cajé was established less than a year ago, it was a French restaurant, and before that, a classic continental style home. The vintage appeal of Cajé being a historical landmark adds to the rustic energy held in the wood that has stood since 1910. 

“Ever since [Cajé] opened, it has become my new favorite breakfast spot,” junior Isabella Bruno said. “The food and the drinks look just as good as they taste,” 

Despite the limited food menu, the diversity of their recipes, specifically the drink menu, draws in coffee and matcha lovers across town, from their rose petal-sprinkled strawberry matcha latte, to their rich lavender coffee. 

As someone who drinks matcha everyday, it’s rare for me to find a high quality ceremonial matcha at a restaurant rather than a cafe that offers only drinks. Most restaurants that offer matcha lattes use cheap quality powder that lacks the sweet rich umami flavor of ceremonial-grade matcha. However, that was not the case at Cajé. The drink was generous in its ratio of milk to matcha and was naturally sweet without an artificial flavor.

“The lavender latte is very refreshing and floral, but also has a super rich taste. It made me feel like I was living my best life on a beach somewhere, which is really nice on a Monday morning,” Bruno said.

Their toasts are filling and generous with the toppings, offering both sweet and salty. The sweet and nutty “Coast Toast” offers a nutritious breakfast with blackberries, almond butter, banana with chia and hemp seeds to top it off. The rich “Avo Toast” contrasts that nutty, fruity flavor with a rich avocado spread, drizzled with balsamic vinegar and fresh cherry tomatoes. 

From the quality unique food items, to the history running through the veins of this establishment, Cajé Coffee Roasters has quickly become a motivator for me and other students to wake up with the sun and swing by for a satisfying breakfast before school.