Staff Report
Good Seed Coffee is the newest addition in the heart of Solvang, a coffeehouse and bakery conceived and designed by Brad and Leyla Williams.
Brad is a “Q Grader” certified by the Specialty Coffee Association of America (similar to a sommelier in the wine industry) and roasts very small batches of unique and rare coffee seed in the Santa Ynez Valley.
Leyla, his wife, spearheads their bakery that offers all organic, with half the menu vegan and gluten-free.
The Good Seed Coffee environment reflects the owners’ passion for craftsmanship through fine furniture elements such as handmade rockers for the lounge area, converting an antique door to make a family table, “lumber hunting” for reclaimed wood to create an unusual bench and “waterfall” tables, as well as other unique features.
“Being roasters, we want to offer a coffee tasting experience and therefore we go beyond ‘just black’ coffee with our Trifecta brew method for an uncommon custom cup, using a variety of origin coffee seeds,” Leyla Williams said, “which combines the immersion of a french press brew with the agitation of a pour-over, delivering a thick, but clean, pour of coffee.”
Good Seed Coffee’s Matcha Tea Almond Milk Latte
Even the coffee and tea cups are embedded with intention to create a pleasant memory. Heath Ceramic artists made all the espresso-drink ceramics, and Trifecta and Far West Tea Traders’ teas are delivered in double-walled, hand-blown glass.
As for cold options, Good Seed pours its on-tap Nitro cold brew and Whalebird’s Kombucha that are astounding. Good Seed also cold brews Wild Gardenia Oolong Tea.
Adding an ancient touch from the heart, Leyla bakes challah bread on Fridays. Orders in by 10 a.m. will be ready for pick up after 2 p.m., she said.
Even the merchandise is carefully curated. Since coffee is such a cozy ritual, Good Seed has merchandise to match. That includes exquisite bamboo PJs, leather-patched knitted beanies, and weighted-handle kettles with temperature gauges.
Beyond their devotion to details in menu offerings and atmosphere, the owners and staff show a genuine and eager delight in hosting community. Whether you are looking for a spot to journal or read, work or study, or meet a friend, Good Seed Coffee offers a warm but sophisticated encounter for local coffee “foodies.”
Good Seed Coffee is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. with plans eventually for special off-hour events including coffee-tasting workshops, tea ceremonies, writers’ workshops, club meetings and live acoustic music.
Good Seed Coffee is at 1607 Mission Drive, No. 106 and 106B. For more information, visit Good Seed Coffee Boutique on Facebook or email goodseedcoffeeboutique@gmail.com.
