BY: MICHELLE FASIG / PHOTOS BY: KARL LAMB
CAFFÉ BENE
Serving classically brewed European-style coffee, Caffé Bene also prepares authentic Korean pastries and desserts in-house using fresh ingredients…
Caffé Bene, a South Korean-based coffee chain has opened their doors at their first location in Georgia, right here in Suwanee. Tucked away in an unassuming corner off of Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road next to Office Depot lies the delightful little café. Serving classically brewed European-style coffee, Caffé Bene also prepares authentic Korean pastries and desserts in-house using fresh ingredients as well as additional breakfast and lunch items.
Upon first entering Caffé Bene, it is immediately clear that you are no longer in the land of Starbucks. Gone is the line of people loudly chatting away on their cell phones, there is no barista shouting your name when your grande half-caff soy latte is up, and there is definitely no sad display case filled with an assortment of English muffins, bagels, and the lone cake pop. Instead, expect to be greeted with soft music, a case overflowing with cakes, waffles and French macaroons, and the sounds of laughter and conversation from the people relaxing in the lounge area inside the café.
Fred Min and his wife/Co-owner, Kim Miri, opened Caffé Bene inspired by their mutual passion for coffee and the sense of community a simple cup can bring when it is sipped and enjoyed. Taking note from European coffee culture, Caffe Bene is designed to be a place that encourages customers to sit down, take their time, and enjoy a bite to eat. With offerings like the Snowflake Parfait, shaved ice topped with fresh fruit, sweet red bean paste and gelato, as well as decedent waffles topped with whipped cream, bananas and chocolate syrup, it is easy to see why this little café has quickly become a favorite stop within the community.
Apart from the delicious food, the true highlight of the business is the coffee itself. Caffe Bene takes pride in using only the highest-quality equipment and sources the beans directly from Brazil, Bolivia and Papua New Guinea. Head Barista, Jay Choi, additionally hand-crafts all of the syrups to ensure quality and taste. “People are used to Starbucks,” Choi explains, “but there really is a difference in taste.” And if there is one person who would know, it would be Choi.
Professionally trained in the culinary industry, Choi has spent countless hours research roasting techniques, bean quality, brewing methods, and flavor profiles. Caffe Bene uses roasting and blending techniques that while more time consuming, produces an exceptional tasting coffee. This is “not a caffeine fix,” Choi says. “We want to bring the best coffee. There has been a lot of overnight taste testing.”
Caffe Bene also hosts multiple events several times a month. From art showings to live musical performances, this café continues to find creative ways to draw in the community. Both Min and Miri are accomplished musicians themselves, and enjoy taking the opportunity to get on stage too when time allows. “Fred loves to play the piano, lots of the baristas play too,” says Miri.
With an atmosphere is that warm and inviting, coupled with delicious coffee and cuisine, it is easy to see why Miri described Caffee Bene as a place that was built on the love of good coffee, community and music.
