-local café promises to bring unique experiences to Guyanese patrons

OFFERING a unique experience with a serene ambience and authentic brews, the newly opened ‘Love and Latte’ café at the Royal Orchid Mall, Track JW, Mandela Avenue promises to bring new flavours to the Guyanese palette.
The café was described as a ‘passion project’ between siblings Nicole Whittaker an accountant by profession, Abigail Whittaker an IT Technician and Robert Whittaker who is a mechanical / technical engineer.

Speaking with this week’s Buzz, Nicole revealed that an opportunity presented itself for the siblings to start a business, and although neither of them had experience in the restaurant industry, they felt compelled to pursue it.
She noted however that what is not new to them is being kind and treating people with respect and care.

“That alone is a driving factor in any successful business. We collectively put our ideas together and Robert was the hand behind all the fabrication and installation work in the café.”
The café officially opened its doors last Saturday.

Love and Latte is elegantly decorated with plants that hang from the ceiling and words of positivity on the walls. The seating arrangement allows patrons to have the option to socialise with those around them on the inside, or dine outdoors on a patio-like set-up.
It caters to customers who work on the go, as well as students, with spaces for them to set up their I-Pads and laptops and work comfortably, or perhaps even to read, or meet with friends for a quick chat.
For book lovers, a conveniently placed bookshelf allows patrons to pick up a book and purchase it to read.

Nicole explained that at ‘Love and Latte’ herself and siblings aim to bring an experience to their customers that provides them with the kind of comfort that makes them feel right at home.
She continued: “Not just with our warm and cozy environment and our friendly customer service but with the food as well. We were born and bred in Mabaruma, Region One and we’re half Amerindian, and so we tried to incorporate our culture and foods into our menu so you can expect to see not just pepper pot but tuma pot as well on our menu.”

“Cassava bread is also an option for our customers. We do have a variety of traditional breakfast and lunch meals like Pasta, salads, English breakfast, wraps etcetera. We have a variety of coffee as well. Coffee from Mabaruma, Jamaica, Columbia etcetera,” she added.
She expressed that in addition to its exquisite ambience, one thing that sets ‘Love and Latte’ apart is its diverse menu options.

While they do plan to maintain local authenticity, and are trying to keep the menu small, the siblings aim to appeal to everyone’s taste buds, offering customers sweet to savory options.
Persons interested in keeping updated with Love and Latte can find it on Instagram @ loveandlattegy, or can call 728-2364 to place orders.