Success
02.08.2004We had our "official grand opening" for O Mundo Café last night (though we've been open for two weeks). It was filled mostly w/ invited friends & family of the other three owners. I kept the event a bit low-key, since I was worried we weren't quite ready (we weren't, but we did a tremendous job winging it). I also realized everyone would end up chatting w/ their friends & family, and since it was my shift to work that night, I'd stay behind the bar and try not to get too uptight (I can be a bit "fussy" at times).
The place was crowded. To the point where we had trouble keeping up w/ who ordered what. The logistics of running a bar (coffee or pub) are always more complicated than they at first appear. And though I've some experience at a coffee house (ah, The Space), coffee's much simpler than alcohol. Much simpler.
But it was a success. Despite no one showing up to the 3pm meeting. Despite trying to work behind a very crowded counter w/ as many as four other people. Despite almost running out stock. I qualify it as a success.
Specifically, because I finally overcame the "Denver effect" and made espresso w/ a consistent crema (thick, rich, tan). A couple in attendance — who work in the coffee export business — complemented the taste. What could be better?
It was also nice to see some Canadian & Irish tourists make a return appearance. Apparently, Huari beer's pretty good. It's good to know that the tourists (who'll likely be our bread & butter) enjoy the place.
Before opening, while I waited for everyone to show up to the 3pm business & planning meeting (that never happened), I took some photos in the café. I took a series using long exposures — hoping for a rustic, earthy tone. Unfortunately, it drained my battery. So. No pictures of the place all packed. Not that I'd have had a moment to snap a shot.
If you're passing through La Paz, stop in. We're on the corner of Linares & Sagarnaga, in the same building as the Coca Museum. And, of course, we use organic, fair-trade, local products.
Posted by Miguel at 02:21 PM
Comments
Oh wow.. they are wonderful pictures!
Congratulations on your opening, Miguel!
Posted by: Stephanie at February 9, 2004 02:36 AM
Wow, this looks dashing. It's kinda classic and peaceful. Great place. Congrats.
Posted by: Nenad at February 9, 2004 09:55 AM
Yes, it was a great night indeed, though sunday we (Silvia and me) felt the place needed a good clean up (not that there was too much mess from the night before). We bought some cleaning supplies and cleanded evreything, in the process I found O Mundo's mascot (huge spider), who moved from the door frame to a wall opposite to the middle window (table height), be aware! (so we don't accidentally kill her).
Posted by: Daniel at February 9, 2004 10:33 AM
I wish I could of seen the place before returning to the USA. I am excited to come back and see the place. Keep up the good work!
Posted by: sam at February 9, 2004 11:14 AM
Wow, those pictures do it justice. What a great interior space. --scott
Posted by: Scott Barnard at February 9, 2004 11:17 AM
Miguel:
congratulations. looks like a great spot.
Posted by: mike d at February 9, 2004 12:51 PM
Felicidades!! que bien, estan muy bonitas las fotos. Y en verdad, creo que la Huari es muy buena, el tio Jorge me invito un vaso es muy distinta a las otras.
Te cuento que la primer semana de Marzo estare vijando nuevamente hasta desaguadero llevando el total de los videos, solo que no se si pueda quedarme un tiempo en La Paz... aun no estoy seguro, de todas maneras aun falta bastante y vere como acomodo el horario... de todas maneras soy bueno a la hora de llegar de imprevisto, no??? jejeje
Nos vemos.
Posted by: David at February 9, 2004 02:22 PM
Thanks to all the kind comments. You're all welcome any time. Even after I leave to go back to Kalamazoo, Michigan. Oh, and I hope our spider mascot's neve harmed in any way. She's quite harmless, really.
Posted by: Miguel at February 9, 2004 04:56 PM
What is the Bolivian term for "A cup of Joe" ... save me one, for when i come see it in July. ;)
OK, set me up with m-type
Posted by: Andres at February 9, 2004 05:47 PM
There's no such expression that I know of. Just "un café" is about it. Sorry.
Posted by: Miguel at February 9, 2004 05:54 PM
The coffeeshop looks tremendously cool.
Kanpai!
Posted by: tom at February 9, 2004 06:17 PM
hey, you should write into lonely planet ... maybe even get in the next edition. :)
Posted by: Andres at February 10, 2004 10:13 PM
Very dashing indeed. I wish our building had such brick and morter charector. I am stoked for you to check out the rocket when you get back. Jim the barber says hi.
dan
Posted by: dan at February 12, 2004 12:35 PM