Spending Time in Perry Hall: A Café Moment
Last weekend I was scrolling through the inter webs and was targeted by an ad for Haraz Coffee House, a new café that was having a soft opening in Perry Hall that day. This was not just any café though. This was a Yemeni coffee culture experience. To be clear, I do not go anywhere when it’s first opening. My philosophy is if it’s truly good, it will still be good when ever I do get there(AFTER the hype settles down). Clearly my algorithm knows my weakness though. I threw the phone and told the kid to get dressed. We’re headed to Perry Hall to try this new coffee house.
You could see the beauty of design from the outside and we know I love being in beautiful atmospheres…I literally have to be in them for sanity sake. Anyway, stepping inside did not disappoint. The lighting, attention to detail in seating, the cleanliness (It did just open, but still.) It all said “Come. Sit. Stay a while.”
Things That I Loved
The staff was patient and joyful in helping our ten year old navigate her way through dessert and drink options appropriate for her age. After we took our seat, they continued to check on us. Fun Fact: Our daughter’s name is Amira. My husband intentionally named her this because in Arabic it means Princess/Leader. The cashier picked up on her name and delighted in reinforcing how special it was. That made her day. Lol
The aroma! Fellow coffee lovers will tell you that the smell of good coffee is a trigger for us. However this aroma was amplified by spices that aren’t commonly used in american coffee shops. That aroma showed up in my cup when I ordered the Harazi, which is coffee, cream and cardamon. I assure you the spice makes a world of diffrence. If you want more than just your normal syrups and sugars, Try. This. Place.
I also had a lavender matcha latte. Nothing much to say about it except it was smooth and tasted as expected. Amira told me to tell you that the brownie cheesecake is worth a try if you are in the mood for a good bit of chocolate. “It’s good, not overly sweet”, was her commentary.
I learned that Yemeni coffee is brewed in a traditional unfiltered style, which is why you may find grounds at the bottom of your cup - depending on your selection. You are meant to sip slowly and stop before the last swallow. With that said, I can assure you, this coffee is not weak nor for the weak.
I can not speak to Haraz’s remote workability. I saw one person on their laptop, however he was the only one. I actually can’t recall even seeing phones out. I mostly saw people engaging in good, genuine conversation and shared desserts. Refreshing.
Places like Haraz Coffee House add so much to Baltimore. They create a hub for community which fosters moments, connections and reasons to spend time in the pause of life.
If you find yourself nearby, it’s worth a stop in. And if you have a favorite local spot I should know about, I’d love to hear it.