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“Chase Adventure” should be my mantra, because I’m always ready for new people, new coffee, and new atmospheres. I’m naturally curious and always looking for new things with which to fall in love. Like a new coffee house, for example.

I found Huya Craft Coffee while scrolling aimlessly through my Instagram feed one night. Our local coffee roaster, Rêve Coffee Roasters, shared an image of Huya’s storefront, and I sat straight up in bed, ready to get dressed at 11:00 PM to see what this place was all about. As soon as I saw their Instagram photo advertising Chantilly Toast…I knew I couldn’t go another day without one. I meet with a group of friends from church every week, so I sent out a message with the map to my newfound treasure to change up our meeting spot this week. (Would you call that manipulation…?)

When I arrived this afternoon, I was lucky enough to pull the owner away for a brief interview. I was excited, he was excited, his sweet family was excited, the baristas were excited–it was an exciting afternoon. Somehow we managed to hear each other through face masks, which I think was a win in itself. Let’s get to know the Hines family a little better, shall we?

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interview

thought-provoking…

1. How long have you been in the coffee business? Did you have other coffee shops before Huya Craft Coffee?
   1. David had his first cup of coffee in 2015. He told me it changed his life–like magic. His first coffee house was a mobile one in 2016 called Brewed Over. He had a full-service café setup with all of the professional brewers, as well as seating inside this trailer. There was a drive thru window as well as a walk-up service window. Serving his customers three different ways in one portable shop showed off his effective and meticulously-devised coffee crafting!
2. What excites you most about this new coffee house after being open for 2 days?
   1. David said it excites him most to see someone enjoy a cup of Huya’s coffee black–no cream, no sugar. He couldn’t stress enough that a cup of coffee brewed the right way brings a new flavor experience. It’s as exciting to taste good coffee as it is to watch someone’s face exploring all of the intricacies that each sip brings! The time he spent learning to brew a quality cup of coffee really pays off.
3. What do you hope customers will feel after coming to your coffee house?
   1. Good coffee should be like good wine, he said. My translation: it should be sipped and enjoyed, tasted thoughtfully, and enjoyed with good company. He hopes that he can make everyone who comes in feel better when they leave. If they can make someone’s day a little better by giving them a little extra something with their order, he hopes it inspires his customers to go out and give to others. He says it’s cool to watch how one giving gesture inspires another.

fun stuff!

1. What is the inspiration behind the unique array of treats you have available?
   1. Shayna, David’s wife, and their business partner, Kily LaGarde, are actually the food designers! According to the coffee connoisseur, Shayna and Kily are gifted in their bakery visions. They make their food look beautiful and taste even better! They are wizards in the kitchen. Kily also designed the interior of their sleek and modern café. Shayna paved the path to the opening of Huya because she is “the financial guru.” You know you are supporting a uniquely-talented family each time you visit. They will release their fully-stocked toast bar this weekend, and I’m excited to see what else is in store.
2. What is your favorite coffee drink and food item on the menu?
   1. Hands-down, David said the Americano is his go-to drink. The best way to tell a good coffee house from a bad one is by drinking their espresso or drip coffee black, he said. You can taste when a coffee is brewed incorrectly. I could tell he has spent many years studying the art of coffee brewing and perfecting it–like how each brand of non-dairy milk varies from another when steamed. The list of non-dairy milks thrilled us, too! His favorite treat, though, is their Avo Caprese: an avocado toast with roasted tomatoes, mozzarella, and a balsamic glaze on top of Great Harvest‘s Dakota bread. This toasty dream will be available on their menu soon (and in my next order)!

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my coffee house experience

I had a truly memorable experience meeting everyone at Huya Craft Coffee. At the owner’s recommendation, I ordered an Americano with a beautifully assembled Chantilly Toast. It tasted just like Berry Chantilly cake. Again, Shayna and Kily made it look beautiful, but it tasted even better!

The Americano was actually my first. I’m usually a latte regular, so it was new for me to drink this piping hot espresso with no milk…and I loved every sip. Just like David promised, the flavor profile of the Rêve-roasted beans really came through. It seemed to move from fruity to a slightly walnut-like flavor, and I enjoyed letting the flavor develop as it sat on my tongue.

My first impression of the coffee house itself was a feeling of sophistication. Its design is sleek and bright, with natural touches of greenery and wood. It was cozy, but not crowded. My friends and I watched the sunset this evening while lounging in their patio chairs.

All the way around, it was a warm experience. I felt at home as soon as I stepped inside. The Hines family was happy to talk to this weird girl asking lots of questions on the spot, and I am forever grateful for their time. Just as David mentioned during the interview, I left feeling much happier than when I first arrived. I also had that magical flavor experience he wished for all of his visitors, because of the time and care he put into brewing the espresso.

I will definitely be returning to Huya Crafted Coffee soon, and I hope you will get the chance to visit them, too! Let me know your thoughts below: on Huya Craft Coffee, Americanos, or what you want to ask a café owner in the future.

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