ORIGIN:
Ilsa started in 2019 as a two-person specialty coffee roasting company based in Stamford, Connecticut, but moved facilities to North Canaan soon thereafter. Ilsa (pronounced Il - sah) is a feminine name, and was chosen by one of the founders -- Lucas Smith -- in honor of his grandmother.
CONCEPT:
The addition of a cafe in a former auto repair facility in downtown North Canaan invites customers to experience coffee varieties, as well as pick up some unique culinary products that are artfully displayed along the cafe's perimeter.
AMBIANCE:
Bright yellow cafe tables and chairs are scattered across what was once the auto mechanic's work space. Ample sunlight streams through two glass garage doors.
EXPERIENCE:
Outside of the effort to cap a cup with a decorative pour of steamed milk, a visit to Ilsa Coffee will make prior coffee house experiences to appear careless in comparison.
During my visit a macchiato was ceremoniously served on a wood tray in an amber glass with a side of sparkling water. The owners, Lucas Smith and Rebecca Grossman, have chosen a roasting method that amplifies the inherent flavors of the harvest. Combined, this results in a special coffee house experience.
TIPS:
Ilsa Coffee has opened its doors to periodic pop ups that feature the talents of local culinary artists. This is a great way to learn more about the surrounding community. During a mid-February pop up two local chefs prepared a special brunch menu, while a potter sold "seconds" of ceramics in the cafe dining area.
Bags of Ilsa Coffee are available in the storefront location.
Be sure to include North Canaan when using GIS as I was first directed to 35 Railroad Street in Canaan, around ten minutes away. read more