Nat L.
Yelp
1:48 pm on a thursday. walking around kits on a miserable rainy day, i made my way to their there on west fourth, looking for shelter from the downpour. puddles everywhere, umbrellas colliding, that familiar vancouver rhythm of drizzle and grey.
inside, the air felt warm, sweet, and familiar. the baristas were friendly, easy smiles, quick chatter, the kind that instantly softens the day. i ordered a caramel apple oat matcha latte, an interesting combination of matcha, apple syrup, oat milk and caramel drizzle.
it arrived in a warm, heavy glass, pale green beneath a drizzle of caramel that caught the light. the first sip tasted like apple pie in a cup, thick, decadent, soft sweetness, buttery caramel, and the mellow depth of oat milk. underneath it all, the matcha gave just enough bitterness to keep it grounded. rich, cozy, slightly over the top, but exactly right for a day like this.
i used to come here a lot for their mochi donuts. the black sesame one caught my eye, followed closely by the brown butter, sitting neatly in the display case. i thought about it for a moment or two, then looked away. my small act of restraint.
rain tapped steadily against the window. people came and went, shaking off umbrellas, brushing water from their sleeves. outside was cold and miserable, but inside, it felt still, warm, fragrant, and safe from the weather.