EVERYONE desires a bar that is ‘comfy’ and definitely oozing that special ambience that is conducive to good relaxation and desired coziness.Well, my dears, I guess your hunting is over, because the highly creative Evie Kanhai-Gurchuran and Miguel Gurchuran have sensed your cravings and have just recently opened the ‘Java Coffee Bar’ on the second floor of the Sharon’s Mall, at Charlotte and King Streets in Georgetown.

I must say I was certainly taken aback by the somewhat mystique setting the moment I visited, and this is all accentuated by the excellent style of furniture and décor. As I sat myself down, I was instantly arrested by a rush of moods ranging from cozy to chic, relaxing to exciting; and I was later smothered by lulling, soothing solitude, all just magically conjured by the mere setting of this new joint.

Of course I had to mind deh business ah little, suh I start firing questions. I soon discovered that the concept of this sleek little coffee bar emanated from the brilliant minds of this couple and was made reality. “Java Coffee Bar is a pet project that my husband (Miguel Gurchuran) had often talked about. I developed a deep passion for the coffee culture when I volunteered in North Africa and Libya… There is no alcohol in those primarily Muslim countries I visited, so the afternoon ritual was visiting the tea, coffee or hookah shops.

“I also worked in a coffee shop for a while, and I have always wanted to have my own place. My husband loves the coffee shop smells and the food!

“We both agreed that we wanted to do it right or not at all, so, three years ago, we built our dream spot in Duncan Street, (Campbellville) Georgetown and we were set to open in 2013, but had the most wonderful surprise: Our daughter came along, so our plans to open were pushed back a little.

“Our other businesses eventually spilled into the space we had designated for the coffee shop, and it seemed like the opening date would never come. But we continued to prepare…

“I did both the elementary and advanced baking classes at Carnegie School of Home Economics, and Miguel continued to research equipment and suppliers. In the summer of 2014, both of us, along with my youngest sister, attended training in New York to become Baristas. It was intense. We did coffee culture, different drinks, coffee terminology, pulling espresso, latte art…the whole works!

“It was pure curiosity that caused us to venture into Sharon’s Mall and inquire about renting a space, and the minute I saw the spot I said to Miguel, “Please let’s open here”, and within six weeks we were open!

“We want to be different and still accessible to everyone with any budget. We want people to have the best experience in service, food and drinks. We have developed our own drinks and sandwiches; they truly are unique, and still we offer what everyone is used to: pastries, cakes, sodas…. Our lunch specials are also different and are a fusion of Italian, Mexican, American and Guyanese cooking. Our breakfasts are pretty good too; you should definitely try our waffles some time”, Mrs Gurcharan said.

The Java Coffee Bar is currently limited by the mall’s opening and closing hours, but the couple hopes to open the Duncan Street location by October, 2015 where a lot more will be done, and there would be consideration for the dinner patrons.

Folks at this bar have a few activities for February, and will be rolling out their new Signature drinks for Valentine’s Day, including their “White Hot (Chocolate) Love” and “Red Velvet Kiss” treats.

My dear readers, do ensure that you stop in at the Java Coffee Bar for a sip and a nibble whenever you are in Georgetown.

(By Alex Wayne)