Profile: Cafe Corazón
Meet the newest coffee shop on the block: Café Corazón is an homage to cultural heritage, quality coffee, and excellent flavor.
All photos by Anna Petrow
Back in August I was informed by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce about a new coffee shop that would be having a ribbon-cutting in September. Unfortunately, I wasn’t going to be able to attend due to travels. Fast forward a few months later: a dear friend invited me to coffee at said coffee shop, Café Corazón, and I fell IN LOVE! I had to meet the owners of this coffee shop that gives homage to the Latin American Heritage.
I met Miel Castagna-Herrera initially, and later her esposo Curtis Herrera. When I sat down with them, I wanted to know the inspiration behind Café Corazón– a place so obviously steeped in care and love. The duo wanted a joyous coffee and Yerba Mate tea house that would represent their American, Mexican, Argentinian, LatinX and Chicano roots. The word corazón means “heart” and signifies love, emotion and passion. Café Corazón reflects this sentiment through diverse flavors, art (made by their daughter, Dulcinea Herrera) and an ambiance that has flourished in Latin households for generations.
Café Corazón was largely influenced by Miel’s and Curtis’ families. Curtis’ grandparents came to the U.S. from Guadalajara, Mexico in the 1930’s, bringing with them traditions and a love of flavors that would translate to the café many decades later.
Miel’s father grew up in the heart of Buenos Aires and emigrated to the U.S. when he was 16. He was a lifelong, multi-talented artist (runs in the family), an example of all that is great about South America and the Spanish speaking world, and of course– an avid Yerba mate drinker.
The café is the Midwest’s premier Yerba mate house, offering 11 different Yerba mates from Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Brazil that are mega popular throughout Latin America. This herbal infusion is the social drink that can be shared for hours over long conversations and laughs. It also packs a great caffeinated punch with the additional health benefits of vitamins and amino acids. The café is Kansas City’s first introduction to the drink, and customers are loving it.
The Herrera’s believe that the coffee bean is an important and often misunderstood fruit that mostly comes from Latin American countries like Mexico, Columbia, Costa Rica and Brazil to name a few. And yet, when you go to a coffee shop, the bean frequently has no voice. It does not speak in the flavor that stems from its lineage.
Café Corazón serves coffee from Latin America, choosing beans that are beyond the threshold of fair trade from farms that pay more than the going fair trade price. The beans are then roasted here in Kansas City before making their way to your cup.
Once here, Café Corazón gives the bean the opportunity to sing in its own language and in its own identity. The Spicy Mayan Mocha with ancho and chipotle chilis uses organic, Peruvian, single origin cacao to ensure that cacao farmers make a living wage. The Horchata Latte is homemade with rice milk, vanilla, and cinnamon, making it a beautiful partner to espresso. The Dulce De Leche Latte features rich caramel, and showcases the coffee farmers’ care and warmth, which radiates through Cafe Corazon’s drinks.
This fabulous coffee/tea shop partners up with other locally owned businesses to provide delicious eats– like savory tamales (chicken, pork, vegetarian and sweet) and American, Mexican and Argentinian pastries. You can find alfajores in the pastry case– delicious, delicate cookie sandwiches with dulce de leche in the middle. They’re the perfect complement to a cup of Yerba mate or a steaming hot coffee.
“Our main mission is cultural pride with each pour,” says Miel.
Come by the cafe, and get to know their culture for yourself– you will love it!
Café Corazón
1721 Westport Rd
Kansas City MO 64111
816-205-8010
