Archives of Us

Archives Of Us works in first-harvest okumidori, a rare Japanese cultivar grown on the volcanic soils of Kagoshima. Okumidori is harder to grow than common cultivars and rarer still in organic form: by the company's own account, fewer than one percent of farms in Japan produce certified organic okumidori. They buy it from multi-generational farmers who pick at peak season, and the result is smooth and naturally sweet with almost no bitterness. Three tins go out under their own label: a Premium Reserve organic ceremonial grade, a Ceremonial Blend, and a single-origin organic hojicha. The Korean-inspired cafe sits on North Spring Street near Chinatown, open eight until eight daily and pairing its matcha with delicate French pastries. The current prepared menu includes straight tea, lattes, cream-topped matcha, orange and mint, and sparkling lemonade. Their matcha also pours at other cafes. RE:COFFEE stocks it in Northridge and Woodland Hills, and Yala Coffee carries it in Studio City and Silver Lake, so you may have had it without knowing whose it was.