It takes a
village to raise a coffee lover. My own village included my Swedish
grandmother, who poured her coffee into a saucer and drank from it. Visiting my
aunt in her cabin along one of the great lakes, where she boiled the coffee on
a wood stove. Coffee always had a chat around the metal red table. Of course,
my friends, who love to meet and visit new and familiar cafés.
There’s a new coffee shop (house) in town called Moka & Co. which opened a short while ago – such excitement as it’s close to where my car wants to travel.
Packing up
our computers, my husband and I went to check it out.
First
Impressions
Seating.
A plentiful selection of chairs with padded seats situated around tables. Cafés
with comfortable seating were all that was needed to make my day more
enjoyable.
Drinks. Excellent selection. My husband had a
traditional Saffron Adeni, which is tea with cream cloves and cardamom, and was
delicious. I chose the brewed coffee – deep coffee bean aroma, was rich and
smooth.
Pastries. A display case filled with
delicacies, many new to us. We decided on a chocolate volcano
"croissant" Danish, which radiated delicious chocolate with a crispy,
delicate shell; and a pistachio basbousa, which was similar in shape to a cheesecake
but definitely an entity of its own. The taste of the pistachio was evident and
the crust soft yet substantial, melt-in-your mouth tasty.
Staff.
I expected some confusion ordering with the employees as it was a new
experience for us, but they were all very delightful, accommodating and
friendly, patiently telling us about the pastries. They made our visit more an
excursion to a friend’s shop than being a stranger in a foreign land.
Owner. Smiling greeting, helpful, and when I
asked about the origins of Moka & Co., he explained that this was a Middle
East, Yemen to be exact, based café with the coffee originating from the Yemeni
mountains, which is picked by hand by the farmers. He also shared that they
will be bringing in bagels soon for more savory options.
The main draw
for me for a café I would visit regularly is:
Music. The mood created by the music at Moka
& Co. is relaxing yet upbeat. It’s not loud, which allows for easy chatting
with others.
Decorations. I don’t know much about design but
looking around the café brings me a sense of peace and comfort. The ceilings
are almost industrial, the lights adequate, with beautiful graphic artwork on
one wall. The colors are muted yet interesting.
Seating. a spacious table to set down my
computer, music that sends me into a pleasant frame of mind for writing. Moka
& Co fulfills my "strict" requirements. The smells and music
alone are worthy of a sit-down visit. I will return.
