The Power Of Coffee

The other day I was talking to my friend about the power of coffee shops.

Flat White

I mean a coffee date/meeting can work for just about anything. Blind date, grab a coffee and go for a walk. Seeing an old friend, meet at a coffee shop. Hanging out with a coworker on lunch break? you guessed it, coffee shop. And that’s only naming a few! I mean think of it, any scenario works for a coffee shop date. 

The coffee shop culture really does stretch worldwide. No matter where you are in the world, coffee shops all have the same universal vibe that make them a familiar safe space. Whether you’re out and about in downtown Vancouver or even walking the streets of Paris, you can expect the exact same thing – coffee! But this is the best part no matter where you are, you can have a little piece of home because unless you are a coffee freak, it all tastes the same, and the language is practically universal as well! Your favourite chain may be in different countries too! Like look at Starbucks, it’s everywhere so you have that little piece of home as soon as you step into a Starbucks, pretty great right. 

Sometimes it can be awkward meeting new people, especially if you aren’t a super social butterfly and outgoing like me, but you know what can save you in those times? Coffee. I don’t know the amount of times I’ve used a coffee shop as a place to meet up with unfamiliar people or even start that group project that’s due soon. It’s just the best place to break the ice. 

Coffee shop #Covid

The one thing that doesn’t maintain to be too similar in the coffee world is prices. I’ve seen some pretty outrageous prices for one simple cup of coffee. I mean yea, I do get the whole thing for paying for a fun holiday drink like a pumpkin spice latte or a peppermint mocha, but really $10? That’s pretty steep for a cup of joe. 

At the end of the day, coffee shops are just the best.  It doesn’t matter where you are or who you’re meeting—it’s the one thing that can turn an awkward situation into something comfortable and familiar and that all people can agree on. 

The Art Of Small Talk

Small talk. 

The thing we do as a society to be polite, but the thing most people hate. The awkward elevator conversations about the “weather we’ve been having” or small chats in your local coffee shop’s busy line – “sure is busy today, right?”. So simple, a bit unnecessary, but kinda sweet?

talking

So why do we do it? I mean I guess there’s an art in sparking up a conversation with a stranger, I mean you never know where it will take you. Maybe this random person could be the perfect candidate to date your sister. Or maybe this stranger will one day become your boss. Whatever it may be, we all engage in small talk from time to time but whether you like it or not, is up for you to decide. 

I honestly love it, I want to talk to a stranger. Everyone has their own unique perspective and stories so why not hear it? My job practically revolves around small talk. I’m a server and when I’m on the clock I can’t even count how many groups of people I talk to. Every conversation is so different, sometimes it’s something I completely disagree with and the conversation kinda goes in one ear then out the other, but sometimes it’s awesome. I can learn new things, make connections, sometimes I even feel like a therapist for people.

CoffeeBar_Albuquerque

Last summer I served an older man all alone who didn’t seem up for small chat, but still to be kind, when I brought his food over I asked him how his day was going and if I could bring him anything else over. He went from being quiet to having a full 30 minute conversation with me. He let me know that his wife had passed and he was having a hard time. He left the restaurant and I realized that who knows if he had anyone else to talk to. And it brought me back to you never know what someone is going through. Everyone has something going on in their life that you may have no clue about and just asking something as simple as how their day is going and change their day for the better.

So next time you run into a moment where small talk is inevitable go that extra mile to ask the person how they are. You never know the last time they were asked that and it could really make a positive influence on their day. They say it’s all about the little things in life and a little chat truly can go a long way. 

 

% Arabica Whistler Village Grand Opening!

Whistler, BC – Get ready to awaken your senses and embark on a journey through the world of coffee as % Arabica Whistler Village officially launches this month.Save the date on Saturday, May 11th, when the esteemed coffee brand will commence operations at 4295 Blackcomb Way Unit 123, Whistler.

arabica.ca / instagram

Since its founding in 2013 by the visionary Kenneth Shoji, % Arabica has become a renowned global symbol in the coffee business. % Arabica has established a strong reputation for its exceptional coffee quality and design aesthetics, with a total of 188 outlets located in North America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

The excitement around % Arabica’s upcoming opening in Whistler has been tangible, particularly following the triumph of its initial two establishments in Toronto’s Union Station and Yorkdale Mall. Whistler has now become the newest location for % Arabica’s distinct combination of high-quality coffee and enhanced lifestyle experience.

“We’re thrilled to introduce % Arabica’s distinctive coffee and lifestyle experience to Whistler, a destination renowned for its outdoor activities and appreciation for quality,”

– Kenneth Shoji

“Whistler’s breathtaking scenery and international appeal perfectly align with % Arabica’s ethos of inviting people to ‘See the World Through Coffee.”

arabica.ca / instagram

When you visit % Arabica Whistler Village, you can anticipate nothing less than exceptional quality. Their coffee is made from the highest quality beans and brewed with great care to ensure excellence. The atmosphere of their establishment is designed to take you to the origins of coffee from different parts of the world. Every aspect of thier  coffee experience is carefully constructed to bring you joy and inspiration.

To celebrate the grand opening, the first 50 customers will receive a complimentary pastry on launch day. It’s a perfect opportunity to indulge in the culinary delights that complement % Arabica’s exceptional coffee offerings.

Join them in a new era of coffee culture in Whistler. Whether you possess a deep knowledge of coffee or simply have a strong appreciation for high-quality items, % Arabica Whistler Village guarantees a unique and exceptional experience.

For more information, visit www.arabica.com or follow us on social media (Instragram or Facebook) @arabica.ca.

Interesting Fact about % Arabica:

Established in 2013 by Kenneth Shoji, % Arabica is an internationally recognized coffee brand renowned for its dedication to excellence and groundbreaking ideas. % Arabica, a global chain with 188 outlets, entices clients to experience the world of coffee by providing the highest quality beans sourced from various countries, all inside aesthetically pleasing environments. Arabica coffee beans include a smoother texture, a sweeter taste, and a more intricate flavour profile compared to other varieties of coffee.This makes it even more intriguing to try for those coffee lovers.