The mobile coffee cart often seen inside of the Hotel Congress’ lobby has a brand-new, official residency at Slow Body Beer Co.
Over the weekend, Cariño Coffee hosted its grand opening. Owners Itzel and Jon popped up for the first time inside the brewery at 831 E. 17th. St., dishin’ out specialty coffees and pastries.
Now open from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Thursday – Monday, it’s easy to spot the duo and the coffee bar situated near the entrance, just in front of the big white curtain. Cariño, a Spanish word that is used to express affection/love, was loud and clear to and from those who stopped by on their first day, Sunday, December 29.
“When we started Cariño we knew we wanted to build something that was warm and uplifting,” they shared. “Something that celebrated all the things we love about our culture. We weren’t sure how our ideas would be received, but wow, the community has shown up for it time and time again.”
The menu features both hot and cold espresso-based drinks like the Miel Canela, which is made with local honey, Saigon cinnamon, espresso, and your milk of choice. However, ceremonial-grade matcha is on hand as well — they’ve made Matzatli in the past (pineapple in Nahuatl in the form of Tepache, with piloncillo and matcha).
“Our hearts are full and we feel so grateful. Gracias, Tucson.”
Again, the current hours of operation are 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Thursday – Monday (closed Tuesday and Wednesday).
Cariño Coffee and Slow Body Beer Co. are located at 831 E. 17th. St. (just behind Barrio Brewing Company). To keep up with the latest, follow Cariño Coffee on Instagram.
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Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
