coffee bars

chicago; intelligentsia coffee & tea - Low-key Intelligentsia is one of the most respected coffee roasters in the country. Coffee buyer Geoff Watts, a pioneer in direct-trade coffee movement when Intelligenysia launched in 1995, was among the first to seek individual growers, cutting out middlemen. Intelligentsia now has four outposts, the newest is in Los Angeles, 3123 N Broadway St - intelligentsiacoffee.com

SanFrancisco -BLUE BOTTLE CAFE -At Blue Bottle Coffee Company's new spot is just off Mint Plaza. owner, James Freeman brews coffee with a custom-siphon system using freshly roasted beans - his claim to fame for the past six years. The cafe also serves simple food, such as perfectly poached eggs on toast. 66 Mint St - bluebottlecoffee.net

Boutique Wine Tours Consider it the ultimate one-on-one guide to Napa: Monica Collins, founder of the new concierge service. All Access Napa Valley, arranges itineraries that might include visits to the custom crush facilities of supersmall producers like Cavus and Relic, as well as a personal tasting with star winemaker Robert Foley. - allaccessnapavalley.com