KAPA‘A — Many people start and end their day at The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, a friendly coffee shop tucked in the corner of Waipouli Town Center in Kapa‘a since 2005. In the morning, some grab a dark roast
KAPA‘A — Many people start and end their day at The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, a friendly coffee shop tucked in the corner of Waipouli Town Center in Kapa‘a since 2005.
In the morning, some grab a dark roast and a bagel on the way to work, or sandwiches and pasta salads for lunch. Others enjoy a hot cup of tea in the afternoon or an ice drink to end the day.
The mocha latte is one of the more popular coffee drinks at The Coffee Bean. It is perhaps the choice for people who want both the steamed chocolate milk of a mocha, and the steamed milk and foam of a latte.
Taylor Foster, shift supervisor, said the mocha-latte is made from two shots of espresso and nonfat milk, with 1 1/2 scoops of chocolate powder and topped with whipped cream and a chocolate drizzle.
“Its very good for cold nights,” Foster said.
Most prefer the drink served hot, but some enjoy it chilled with ice.
One reason for the Coffee Bean’s popularity is that its drinks are flavored with powder instead of syrup, Foster said. “I think that makes them taste better,” she added.
“Our espresso shots are freshly ground,” barista Donnamay Norial said. “It’s pretty strong, and you can get extra shots or choose decaf.”
The ice-blended drinks use coffee extract with half espresso and half nonfat milk. There are also lower calorie latte and mocha drinks.
The Coffee Bean has a line of black, green and herbal teas and serves them hot or iced.
Other popular items are the mochi ice cream and the Fru-tea drinks that are somewhat like slushies, as well as fat-free lemonade and mucho mango.
“Customers say our relaxing environment is friendly, and students come in here to do their homework,” Norial said.
“Its a great place to meet up with someone,” Foster added.
The Coffee Bean is a national chain with a couple of shops on O‘ahu and one on the Big Island.
