Espresso and Orange Juice, Match Made in Heaven?
We were on the second day of our vacation in the Dutch Island of Curaçao and while exploring their capital city called Willemstad on foot, the scorching hot climate of the country was very much getting to us. It was not long before we decided that we needed something cool and refreshing to replenish our stores for more shopping and exploring. What would be better than an iced coffee for that extra caffeine push! My wife saw this cool looking coffee shop on instagram that was nearby and we decided to take a break from the city exploration to head to Bonchi Coffee House.
We typed it in on google maps and followed the walking paths. This cobblestoned road was the one we walked down to get to Bonchi Coffee House. On the right, you can see a Synagogue that is a UNESCO heritage site and was quite a famous tourist attraction but we were in need of some energy and pushed on.
This what the storefront looked like when we got past the synagogue with a vibrant blue hue that contrasted yet fell in place well with the rest of the buildings in Willemstad that seemed to all have vibrant colors of different kinds.
As soon as we entered, the cool and crisp air conditioner breeze hit our bodies and immediately we felt like balloons being inflated once more, easing us up a bit. The decor is what striked us next with its unorthodox but interestingly beautiful choices!
On the left side of the cafe, there was an industrial look with these beautiful and intricate wooden window panes (painted green) that seemed to be antique and come from an actual old building influenced by the Dutch styled architecture prominent in the city.
They were quite interesting a the mirrors within the panes reflected the pink wall on the opposite side that matched perfectly with the chairs. If I lived here, I would come everyday to sit, enjoy my coffee and do work!
The other side of the room was more cosy and comfy with a large soft sofa, throws and pillows and other decor that seemed so warm and inviting maybe for those who would rather lounge and have a conversation. There were also work benches along the front windows that you can see in the background on the right.
We headed up to the counter that had a plethora of goodies that delighted the eyes. There two types of coffee beans on grind that looked very interesting that were a Brazillian and a Honduran blend. The flavor notes of each were quite typical and I was excited to try coffee in Curaçao!
I ordered the ice cold, refreshing orange juice and espresso. It was the first time I had ever seen espresso accompanied with a tart medium like orange juice but I am an adventurous person and decided to try it and boy was I glad! The sweetness and citrus flavors of the orange juice paired very nicely with the wonderfully brewed espresso shot. The glass was served with a wonderful and unorthodox board and a sugar cookie that cut the acidity of the orange juice perfectly!
My wife had an iced cappuccino with almond milk, I don't have to tell you that she was not as adventurous! She said that her shot was expertly drawn as well and all the flavors were well paired together as you would expect with your shot and foamed milk combos.
Bonchi Coffee house was an oasis in the scorching hot Curaçaoan sun. The air conditioning was exactly what we needed to cool down after walking around the capital, Willemstad, for hours. The iced orange juice and espresso was extremely satisfying and rejuvenating. The caffeine allowed us to go on for another few hours without fatigue and enjoy the sites and sounds of an unseen city during our vacation! Thanks a lot for coming along! Cheers!