A message from Kahawa House Coffee Lounge, 838 West Montrose, which is fast becoming one of our favorite new additions to the neighborhood: "Would you like to rediscover the joy of reading? Join Kahawa House Book Club!
We are recruiting avid readers and even those who are developing an interest and appreciation for the literary arts. Join us as we tour and journey through the wonderful world of print.
Our diverse group of members will foster discussions that will OPEN YOUR MIND'S EYE TO VARIOUS PERSPECTIVES, WORLD VIEWS, AND CREATE DISCUSSIONS THAT WILL LEAVE YOU FEELING EUPHORIC.
Our 1st Meeting will be held in Kahawa's rear lounge area on Sunday, August 3rd, at 12:30pm. Get there a little early, settle in, get your favorite drink/pastry and introduce yourself to the newest members of Kahawa Book Club.
If you are unable to attend the first meeting, no worries. Please send an e-mail to kahawahouseevents@yahoo.com and I can fill you in on all the details regarding the book selection, next meeting date and an overall agenda of items discussed.
Kindly R.S.V.P. I would like to have an idea of interested participants."
they are also going to have a Senegalese drummer performing there on Fridat Aug. 8th
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know what book was chosen?
ReplyDeleteThe book that was picked is titled "Them" by Nathan McCall. Its a book that explores issues of race and gentrification thr the story of a Bowe, a black man and Sean and Sandy, a white couple that moves in next door.
ReplyDeleteMakes for an interesting thought provoking look at race relations in America.
Hello!
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to let everyone know how great of a time my sister and I had at Kahawa House Coffee Lounge tonight. {This is the new coffee house that occupies the space that the Urban Tea Lounge used to be which is 838 W. Montrose.}
I spoke with the owner AJay and a barista, Sheldon {who are both super nice} about the coffee house. A native of Kenya, AJay jumped on the opportunity to open the lounge when he had seen the space remain vacant for some time. "Kahawa" is actually Swahili for "coffee". "It's funny because when I say it, it's kind of redundant in my head," AJay explained. "To me, it's like saying 'Coffee Coffee House', but other people don't know that."
I was immediately impressed by the selection of items they had on the menu for a small and new business - AJay put many of the drinks and all the sandwiches they are starting to include himself. The sandwiches are actually Kenyan fusion sandwiches - a new twist on old favorites. There are a few of these such sandwiches written up on a chalkboard in the coffee house, and a few more are in development. Currently, they all cost $4.99, but for an extra $1.50, you can add either an iced tea or iced coffee or a side of chips {they carry Aunt Vickies in Jalapeno, Barbecue, and Lightly Salted} or a fruit salad.
In addition to that, they carry some pastries and muffins. I found myself eyeing the corn muffin which was huge, and at $1.20, well worth it. The blueberry muffin was just as big. Lemon slices were also huge and AJay mentioned one of his personal favorites was the carrot cake.
I ordered a chilly strawberry lemonade blended drink which Sheldon made for me, and my sister ordered a very autumn-feeling caramel apple cider. Both were very good, but I typically have an aversion to anything made with a powder {my drink.} AJay was more than happy to substitute a puree for me. {Many of the blended drinks are from purees, but substitutions didn't seem like a problem for him.}
The atmosphere was inviting and a bookshelf along the wall contained books - a-take-a-book, leave-a-book sort of thing. It has a subtle, but a tastefully decorated Kenyan feel in the back part of the lounge, but up front you will find a more typical seating style with tables and chairs.
AJay takes pride in the product he delivers and shows a lot of ambition for the store - he has the lounge open from 6am to 9pm everyday currently which makes it perfect to stop in before work to grab a coffee and then later on, unwind with a nice tea and free Wi-Fi after work or hang out with friends.
That, and he's really thought of everything - he offered me a "Club Card" which allows me to claim a free drink after 9 drink purchases $3 or more. If that's not enough, he will accept and sign for packages for you from any carrier so you don't miss your package while you're at work as well as holding packages and mail for you when you're out of town. {This is something I've never seen any business do in my life.}
Tomorrow is actually their grand opening and they will be having a celebration from 7-9pm. Unfortunately I can't make it because I will be commuting home from 8-9, but I know I'll definitely be back soon to try out a Kenyan fusion sandwich, and probably a Tahitian vanilla frappe...
I highly encourage people to stop in for this as well as check it out in general - rarely do you find such a business with such great service, nice people, and a place that you can feel at home away from home.