Coffee Diary #2

Today I went to Cafe Ruisseau, my favorite local coffee shop. In fact, as I’m writing this, I’m sitting in one of their comfy single-seaters. It’s close to Bonito’s dog park, so every time we go to the park, I stop here. Or when I prefer a non-homemade brew, I also come by here.

I busted out my laptop and looked through my emails. It’s familiar. I did the same dance two months ago, except back then, it looked different. It was only a few days before I got laid off. At that time, I just decided I will start working at coffee shops again. I would usually buy one iced coffee and work in that cafe for the next three to five hours. I did not get to do much of that. Things changed immediately after.

Now I am here, with a different mindset, some personal goals revisited. Funnily, instead of my typical iced latte, I ordered a cortado. I was even surprised myself when it slipped out of my mouth. First sip and It immediately melted my heart. It’s especially gloomy and breezy in Los Angeles today, I made the right choice ordering a hot drink.

I have had cortado only once or twice in my life before. None of them left a good impression. It was usually too bitter for my liking, or too strong that it leaves me jittery throughout the day.

But this, it was so creamy and light. The foam (decorated with beautiful heart-shaped art) is perfectly sitting on top, not fading away. How sweet is that?

I was extremely fortunate that it was Edward, the owner of the cafe, that was manning the shop today. I asked if he was looking for a barista and he immediately answered yes. He asked if I was one, and I said no. But I want to be one. Or at least I want to learn the art of making coffee and running a coffee shop. I want to be behind the counter to see all the good, and bad, and ugly. I want to meet different kinds of people every day, what their choice of drink is, and how they feel after taking that first sip of their cup.

I got to talk to him a bit more and it definitely made me feel like I made progress. I have been visiting Cafe Ruisseau for over a year now. It is the closest local coffee shop to me, even though I know I don’t have to go here. But there’s some magic here that keeps pulling me. Every barista that has made my coffee here seemed kind and genuine. I even had the chance to chat with one of them for over an hour while we both simultaneously worked. It definitely feels like a place I want to be in for an extended period of time.

And don’t get me wrong. I don’t usually go to coffee shops to socialize. I love going to one for the obvious fact that I love consuming my caffeine in a delicious way and to admire the interior and exterior aesthetic of each. I’m compelled by how coffee shops look different but have similar energy radiating throughout. There’s stillness but there’s also a sense of urgency. I can’t pinpoint it; but whatever that is, that energy resonates with me. I must say, more recently, I have been craving some human interactions and stories, more than usual. I guess that’s also my usual day of being in meetings 50% of the time has gone.

I can definitely say this choice of drink has affected my mood for the rest of the day. Despite the weather, I felt excessively happy, supported, satisfied. Definitely a change of mood from what I have been recent.

I did not expect to take away some important lessons from this visit. Food and service have a huge impact on someone’s day, possibly life. As a business owner, you carry such an important responsibility when a person chooses to walk into your store. They chose you for a reason and how you handle that could make or break that relationship.