Matt Schodorf and wife Anya hope to open Café De Leche in Highland Park by mid-October, pending final inspections by the city.

Matt said their inspiration was simple: “Highland Park doesn’t have a proper coffee shop. I’ve lived there for 8 years, and we have to drive to Eagle Rock to get coffee.”

Café de Leche will occupy the northwest corner of the Nogueira Building (1966), which shares the same block as The York and Johnny’s. The Schodorfs have transformed the former home of M.A.N. Insurance Agency into what Matt calls a “modern Central American feel, which fits into our neighborhood, which is primarily working-class Latino.” David Freeland of nearby Freeland Design created a space that Matt described as “modern but warm and inviting. The color palette leans toward the tropical [with a vibrant green coffee bar and dark wood.] The décor is definitely not Starbucks.”

Anya is originally from Nicaragua, and her heritage is reflected in the name, a Central American beverage that Matt described as “sweetened milk with a little bit of coffee.” The couple will make that signature drink, along with pinolio, a Central American juice made from corn and cacao.

Matt said, “We want to focus on really excellent coffees and teas.” They’ll offer single-origin coffees on the Chemex and host tasting classes every couple weeks.

The hummingbird logo is courtesy of Mount Washington artist Cole Gerst. “We really like the fact that both our designers are local and represent the Eastside,” says Matt. “We want to be part of the climate of Highland Park, as opposed to coming in from the outside and setting up shop.”

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1. mattatouille, September 11, 2008:

   looks like a cool coffee spot and you can never have enough of those.

2. Cielo, September 11, 2008:

   OH my gosh! Matt this sounds Wonderful!!!! wow you guys really made it happen. I’m so happy for you both. This sounds like a great community business for the community by community members. I love hummingbirds too!

3. Vincent, September 11, 2008:

   I drive by that corner all the time and look forward to the addition. Good luck!

4. Margaret, September 12, 2008:

   I love that our neighborhood (I’m actually in Glassell Park) will have a Latin coffee shop owned and operated by a local family. Can’t wait to visit once it opens…hoping there still plans for a kiddie play area!

5. Rita, September 12, 2008:

   A dream come true for an amazing, eclectic, artistic and hard working couple. I am sure Cafe de Leche will bring so much to the neighborhood that you live and love. Congratulations!

6. Roberto, September 15, 2008:

   Very exciting.
   I live two blocks from the site. Now, I go outside the neighborhood to get my coffee. But, I am looking forward to coming to site. Congrats and good luck.

7. Joyce Montalban, September 16, 2008:

   CONGRATULATIONS GUYS! SURE WISH WE COULD BE THERE FOR ALL THE “FIRSTS’”! WE LOVE YOU GUYS AND WISH YOU ALL THE BEST!

8. Samantha, October 25, 2008:

   It’s about time a real coffeeshop from real coffee experts open in Highland Park! I can’t wait to try your signature coffee. This is truly a great addition to the community.

9. nina, December 3, 2008:

   It’s open, it’s open! And it’s fantastic- the cappuccino is perfection. There’s a small but sweet area in the back for your toddler to toddle around while you sip your delicious drink. We’re so happy to have a real coffee shop in the neighborhood. Yay!

This entry is filed under Coffee.