Author Spotlight
Annabelle Moore
Growing up, my favorite Saturday activity was picking out a mini cactus and feeding the fish in the koi pond at Family Tree Nursery with my mom.
When I saw my Instagram feed flooded with pictures from the semi-new coffee shop and cafe inside of Family Tree, I immediately grabbed a few friends to try it out.
Walking into the plant-filled greenhouse struck a sense of nostalgia within me. I scanned the scene for the little wooden pop-up cafe — Café Equinox — that lies just steps from the greenhouse entrance.
Café Equinox, a “botanically inspired café” according to their website, was started in Kansas City inside of Family Tree Nursery in mid-February of 2019. In the past few weeks via Instagram, it seems as though Equinox’s popularity has blown up — especially within the East community.
According to an article written in the Shawnee Mission Post, brothers Bo and Jesse Nelson — previous owners of Thou Mayest coffee shop in the Crossroads District which closed in December 2018 — started Café Equinox, inspired by their love for nature. They wanted it to be a calming and enjoyable environment inside the nursery where people could relax and sip on a delicious drink.
Going in, I was expecting to be able to sit down and munch on a homemade scone or muffin and enjoy some yummy coffee. Unfortunately, upon my arrival, I was informed that Equinox was out of food from the busy weekend prior. According to the barista, they get shipments of a few different baked goods from Heirloom bakery and other local vendors on Tuesdays and Thursdays — I was unlucky to try it out on a Monday.
So, I proceeded to try three different coffees due to the scarcity of food on that Monday afternoon. Overwhelmed by the large array of drink options, the barista was extremely helpful by asking me what types of coffee and drinks I prefer and helped me order from there. The first drink I tried was a Batch Brew Caramel Café Au Lait with what the barista called Wild Child (Ethiopia Guji or coffee supplement) and caramel.
The Café Au Lait was light and airy — if you will — and not overbearing or dark by any means. It had little flavor, but if you’re in it for the caffeine like I am, this drink is definitely for you. I couldn’t taste the caramel as much as I’d been hoping, and I’m one to rave over a sweet drink, which it lacked as well. However, I was able to finish the whole thing feeling somewhat satisfied.
The second drink I tried — a warm Chai Latte with two espresso shots — tasted exactly as I had expected. It was truly the perfect mix of sweet and spicy, including ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, cardamom and black pepper. To me, it felt like I was drinking a warm and soothing coffee and tea all in one. If you’re someone who strays away from the deep and bitter taste that regular coffee has to offer, or if you just love a good Chai tea latte, this drink has it all. It was flavorful and fresh, and you could taste the cinnamon and tang.
The last drink I tried was a seasonal beverage, the Harvest Moon. This drink contained pumpkin, maple, black walnut, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, milk and espresso. The beverage had another strong sense of flavor, like the Chai, and also a tea-like taste. I could distinctly recognize the flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon, although I will say it wasn’t for me. For a person who likes to venture out of their coffee comfort zone, the Harvest Moon won’t let you down. But if you’re like me and your niche is a warm mocha or Au Lait, maybe consider skipping this purchase.
Aside from the products themselves, I thoroughly enjoyed the earthy and fresh-feeling environment that Café Equinox and Family Tree have to offer. Despite it being 30 degrees Fahrenheit outside when I visited, it was warm and cozy in the greenhouse, giving you the feeling that you’re sitting outside on a nice spring day.
While sitting and sipping my drinks, I was surrounded by beautiful greenery and tropical plants. Not to mention, The Sill Blog says that plants are shown to boost your mood, reduce stress and eliminate air pollutants — making for a healthier, happier you.
This environment was definitely peaceful — with the exception of the little kids running around everywhere — which was expected with the koi carp pond and fish food dispenser across from the pickup bar. I would categorize Family Tree and Café Equinox as a family-friendly atmosphere, whichever way that may sway your opinion, I’d still give it a try.
Despite not getting to try their baked goods, I was pleasantly surprised with my experience at Café Equinox and now have an excuse to return. And for the record, I’m sure my parents would have appreciated a quick cup of coffee while chasing me around Family Tree Nursery back in the day.
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