Relaxing  cafe amidst Hollywood’s hustle and bustle, serving fair trade coffee and local foods.

Hidden amongst the epicenter of Hollywood night life lies a gem of a cafe.  Caffe Etc is the name and inside you will find more than just your average cup of joe.

Founded by married couple Vivana (world traveler/make up artist from Argentina) and Brian (Hollywood screen writer), the cafe was opened to be a place that would provide  tranquility, delicious food and outstanding coffee & tea for those seeking sanctuary from the Hollywood hustle and bustle.

One step inside and you are transformed to  a place of relaxation.  The cozy atmopshere, free WiFi and well stocked magazine rack creates the perfect place for coffee shop loungers to spend a few hours.

The food is one word:  FRESH.  With the popular Hollywood Farmer’s Market down the street every Sunday, the cafe is stocked to the brim with fresh and local produce.  Non-meat eaters fear not as the menu is highly vegetarian and can even be made vegan.   I’m a big fan of the Portabella Mushroom Salad and Panini.

While the food is tasty, our favorite thing about the cafe has to be the coffee.  Vivanna is extremely committed to fair labor and ethically produced coffee so she serves up one of the best Fair Trade, organically-cultivated brews, Thanksgiving Coffee.  After one sip you might be a convert for life.

And just in time for summer, gelato will soon be joining the menu soon.

At the end of the day, Vivanna says “It’s all about making people happy”.  My time there did brighten my day and just might do the same for you.

Visit Caffe Etc at 6371 Selma Ave.  Hollywood CA 90028, www.caffeetc.com. For extra kicks, watch the cafe inspired reality show.

Images via Caffe Etc, Mike L.’s Yelp and Deliciously Organized