{Travel Size It} Sontuoso Illy Issimo

What does a long weekend mean to me? What else than an opportunity to travel? During the President's Day weekend, I had the privilege to attend an amazing opportunity. I am a member of the executive board of Boston University's chapter of the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality. To make a description of an amazing networking, professionalism developing, all-kinds-of-fun packing organization short, we plan and attend site visits to a vast array of hospitality brands, social events, community service opportunities, as well as major annual conferences. Recently, I just returned from NSMH's Nationals Conference which was held at the Hyatt Regency in Crystal City near Washington D.C. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life!...But I'll leave it at that, because I want to get to the munchies!

So across the street was the Renaissance and I couldn't help but notice a sign that says "Illy". Illy Issimo cafe isn't something new to me; we serve the coffee at Sweet Cupcakes! But I've never seen a Illy Issimo coffee shop! For those who are unfamiliar, it is basically a luxurious brand of Italian coffee where the packaging is different; "in steel containers pressurized with inert gas rather than air."A friend of mine gave it great remarks so as you all know, I just had to see it for myself. Turns out, the name of the cafe was Espressamente Illy. Walk into a contemporary haven of bright whites, bold reds, and splashes of black. As you greet the knowledgeable barista, you can't avoid the sleek-silver coffee and espresso machines ready to be handled with cafe expertise. Now, I've had Illy Italian drip coffee but I have never had their specialties; espressos, lattes, macchiatos, freddos you name it. My friend got himself a single espresso with a dollop of whipped cream on top; an Espresso con Panna! Served in a mini-espresso coffee cup, just the right amount of bitterness and earthiness to have just about anyone wired for a fully packed day. For me, I wanted to try something that was out of the box; so I went for a single Greco All'Italiana. If the exclusive Illy freddo cup wasn't enough to catch your attention, then the perfect balance between ice, milk, and espresso had to do the trick. You even have a nice dusting of chocolate powder on top! It had the chill of a cappuccino and the energy-inducing power a cold espresso treat should have. I just couldn't get over the freddo glass; how neat! But just to note, you don't want to miss the classy goods the cafe has to offer. There were desserts that resembled a chocolate cake cylinder elegantly garnished with a long chocolate shaving and even pies! Unfortunately, I had to abstain myself but I promise you all, I won't be holding back next time. But as great as the experience for the palette was, there was much more to appreciate.

If it isn't food, then it's art that has me marveling at any coffee shop. It's ordinary for a coffee brand to have art incorporated into its mission and values; almost every one I've been to has showcased a local artist of some sort. Illy's art project is derived from an ancient Greek philosophy called kalokagathia; "what is good cannot but be beautiful, what is beautiful can only be good." When applied to the Illy experience, "taste and beauty are inseparable". So Illy has chosen creativity to express its values and philosophy, "for a complete coffee experience involving the eye and the mind." As you walk around Espressamente Illy, you will notice a series of cups all designed by contemporary artists, all of which are miniature versions of reputable pieces and wholly contribute to the Illy Art Collection. Illy has also given artists the opportunity to design onto their cans, which they call the designer coffee cans. I find it absolutely unique; it adds a different perspective for coffee drinkers. The art on all of these coffee cups just added a cultural element to a very modern place.

It was like a brief moment of perfect pleasure. An hour out of a busy day to just enjoy a small glass of espresso and marvel at each and every single piece of art displayed. And to discover and understand Illy's connection between taste, the cafe experience, and beauty, the art on the coffee cups, made me feel nothing short of appreciation. I love when art is showcased because it shows an appreciation of culture from not only the people purchasing the coffee but also the brand itself.
I think people just enjoy art for various reasons. But when they are displayed in cafes, it adds a different vibe. Why do you like the art in cafes?

The Wired Puppy

For most of us Bostonians, the usual go-to spots were always Copley Square, Prudential Mall, or somewhere along Newbury Street. So I've definitely walked up and down that fashion strip countless times. The thing with Newbury is that there are nearly an unlimited amount of stores and restaurants you could shop at to your heart's content. But some people forget that there aren't only shops side-by-side one another, but there are also stores that are on top of another store below. So even for someone like me who has been here his entire life, there are a lot of places I haven't either been into or even knew existed. For about a year now, I have always walked past this one place that had a cute picture of a yelping puppy in a blue-bordered circle. I wasn't sure if it was clothing shop or if it was something else. So one day, I finally looked it up online and behold, it was another cafe! I guess it's not too hard to guess where my next cafe adventure took me...

First established in one of Cape Cod's thrilling towns, Provincetown, The Wired Puppy is a local favorite having been voted as Best of the Cape and Islands for four consecutive years. And finally, the founder opened one in Boston. They serve Organic Direct Trade Specialty coffees and teas. I must say, the perfect spot to start a cafe! The ambiance reminded me of a vintage scene but a bit warmer in tone. (Not even sure if that conveys it right.) The lighting was minimal, it was darker than most cafes. The walls were brilliant scarlet if not bold red, plastered with advertisements for various local activities. In front were two small round tables surrounded by mini-ovular orange chairs. My eyes were immediately drawn to the pastries: some in the display glass and some cookies and goodies in separate jars on top of the counter. And next to that was a wide range of The Wired Puppy clothing and accessories.

If you kept on walking towards the back, you will notice a little inlet leading you into another area with more seating. The two sides were aligned with a long counter top and chairs. The cafe even offered its own computer for customer usage! What I liked about that room was the very minimal lighting: the sunlight shining through the windows was the main source of light. Since it was a mild Tuesday afternoon and neither me and my friend had anywhere to rush to, time to chillax with something to drink! My friend ordered a Super Fruity Freddo which is basically a "super fruity" chilling smoothie. I decided to go on the warm side and ordered a Milkyway Steamer to go. It was perfect for a chocoholic like me: I described it as your unordinary hot chocolate with milkyway flavor and a hint of vanilla. There was a tranquil feeling to the ambiance of the cafe; a little darker, brick walls, and just natural light to really bring everything together. There is one question that lingers though: why is the cafe called "The Wired Puppy"? I'll have to ask the owners or employees because I'm just that curious. I took a guess: maybe the way they specially brew their coffee keeps people not only alive and awake, but also energetic, as if we're all "wired"! Why do you think it's called "The Wired Puppy"?

Jaho: "Live Slow"

It was a sunny and slightly breezy Sunday afternoon and I just finished my morning scavenging around SoWa Boston. I didn't have any plans, meetings, or commitments for the rest of the evening, so I figured why not go somewhere and get some coffee! Being on our feet all day, my sister figured driving would be best. We were originally going to hit up Flour Bakery in the South End, but I suddenly remembered that there was another cafe up the block from it that I wanted to check out. I always traveled past it but never actually went in. All I remember outside was a simple store sign, two metal round tables and matching chairs. So finally, my next cafe adventure takes me to a place that not only sells a vast array of coffees, but also culturally-influenced tea.

Jaho Coffee & Tea is definitely the most cultural cafe I have been in so far. The interior is definitely influenced by Middle Eastern themes and adorned with Asian flair. Bold red and orange walls, intricately printed fabric on dark, wooden chairs, low tables and a high counter top, it was fit for those eclectic intellectuals. Also, while I was waiting in line to order, couldn't help but notice the typical, Asian cat statue on top of the tea shelf. Judging from the menu, it seemed that the cafe specialized in not only coffees and espressos, but also teas. The founder, Anil Mezini, traveled all across Italy experiencing the joy of the deepest and finest espressos. And after a short pitstop back to his hometown, his journey across Japan, Korea and Thailand opened new doors to the concept of tranquility with a simple cup of tea. After accumulating all of the knowledge from his trips, he founded Jaho Coffee & Tea in his hometown of Salem, Massachusetts in 2005. Ever since then, it has become the locals' favorite cafe. Thankfully, he opened one in one of Boston's most relaxing areas. I went with my sister and my friend and we each ordered a different beverage. There are other cafes that offer tea as well, but it was clear that Jaho served their tea with pure authenticity. So instead of coffee, I got tea this time! I ordered a Maple Soy Latte: a sweet drink with a hint of spice for a bite. My friend ordered a Green Tea Matcha Latte: your typical green tea thickened up into a foamy latte with mild sweetness. And my sister ordered their Vietnamese Coffee: coming from Vietnamese people ourselves, it stayed loyal to the motherland's coffee. Our hot drinks came in boldly colored mugs and saucers: mine was dark blue and my friend's was the bright yellow. And for extra brownie points, not only do they do coffee art, but they also do tea art!

What's more important to capture about Jaho is the concept they like to foster. The idea of going into a cafe to order a hot beverage is simple enough in it of itself. But it's more powerful in feeling than anything else. To just sit in a cafe with a hot cup of coffee or tea in your hand in an ambiance naturally made for relaxing. To savor each sip and relish the warmth in your body. Once in a blue moon, people should fully appreciate and enjoy a slower-paced life. What better way to be welcomed? Right when you step into the shop, there's even at mat welcoming you! And to allow you to do the minimal amount of work, the baristas serve your coffee straight to your table. Lots of people like to go to a cafe to relax, to do their work, to socialize because it contains a friendly atmosphere. And after doing so, it leaves a positive impression on the rest of your day. I think all together, this the perfect concept to nurture in a cafe and Jaho definitely does it right.
What do you think is your perfect cafe? Why do you like to go to a cafe on a easy Sunday morning? Share your stories below!

Simple Here and There

So all of my friends have either moved back into their college dorms, finished their internships, or stopped working before the upcoming Fall academic year. I, on the other hand, am still working at my internship at Likeable Media until the end of this Friday. So at a 9 to 5 job, it's typical to take my lunch break at noon and since it's at a great location surrounded by plenty of restaurants, cafes, food trucks, and what not, I decided to meet up with a friend then. So just like I said I would, I returned to The Thinking Cup. And just like I said I would, I finally got the Affogato. Just to reiterate what that is, it's essentially authentic, sweet vanilla gelato deluged in hot espresso.  I have only had pure espresso once and I have to be honest, it was too bitter and bold for my taste. But with the vanilla gelato drowned in the espresso, you have a combination of contrasting ideas. The hot espresso with the cold gelato was like drinking a warm cup of hot chocolate on a frosty winter day. And then you have the sweetness counterbalancing the bitterness. It was amazing! I don't know anymore, The Thinking Cup could be my new favorite coffee place. If only they had one around Boston University campus. It's alright though, if I'm ever around the area I'll stop by and have a small cup of something-something!