Secret recipe coffee from Iran at Sonia's Cafe

By Jasu Diaz --

The bright interior matches Sonia Sanatkar's bright smile to draw in the coffee-drinking medical personnel of the UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center on Arizona Ave. and 15th St.

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The establishment, now only 7 months old, has a steady stream of customers who come for the exotic coffees from Iran and for Sonia's huge, eternal smile.

The Sonia's Pulse -- an espresso nestled in warm milk and saffron sweetener -- is a signature drink. It delivers the caffeine punch with a touch of exotic.

Sonia says the saffron sweetener is her mother's secret recipe from Iran.

Sonia immigrated from Iran 10 years ago, studied hospitality, worked in a posh Malibu sushi restaurant. Her smile is probably what attracted her customers, one of whom proposed they partner at the current location.

(Sonia's mom is in Iran, in the northern region, far enough away from the war zones.)

If the Pulse is from Iran, the Cocoa Puff crusted coconut water with espresso is from Disneyland, she admits. there's a puff top iced coffee also.

The prices are about on par with Starbucks. In addition to the gimmicky drinks (an iced Mood Bloom with lavender syrup is one, and a strawberry spirulina latte is another), there's standard coffee fare and an array of teas.

Open Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Sonia's naturally targets the hospital personnel it shares space with at 1260 15th Street in Santa Monica.

About the writer: Jasu Diaz is a student journalist in Mr. Ashcraft's communications class at the Lighthouse Christian Academy. The assignment was to do a restaurant review.