San Diego is the new hub of micro-roasted coffee, a panel of experts says.
Bird Rock Coffee Roasters in La Jolla won the 2012 Micro Roaster of the year award from Roast Magazine. This is the first time a San Diego roaster won the award.
Owner and principal roaster Chuck Patton was a community college teacher until his wife bought him a roaster – then, he said, coffee became his obsession. He began selling wholesale organic and fair trade beans and then opened a storefront across the street from Starbucks.
Patton now holds Friday-night tastings for members of the public. The storefront also hosts an acoustic music series.
The local favorite snagged the award for its sustainable and educational practices, innovations in coffee roasting and of course – the taste of their coffee.
Bird Rock Coffee Roasters is located on 5627 La Jolla Boulevard.
