SAN GABRIEL - Jimmy Tan talks about his business while effortlessly making a cup of coffee - measuring the grounds, flipping the switches on the coffee maker and pouring it into a cup. He's in his element.
"I feel good providing a good, fresh cup of coffee," he said. "I know it's the best quality from the roaster direct to the customer."
Tan owns Fresh Roast at 308 S. San Gabriel Blvd. He roasts and brews gourmet coffee from around the world and also offers tea, fresh pastries and sandwiches.
"I am from Vietnam," he said. "The whole country drinks coffee over there."
He distinguishes his shop from other coffee houses by roasting his own beans and also by using alternative methods of brewing coffee, including a coffee siphon.
A flame is placed under a small glass pot filled with water.
