Up until August 2009, I was happily immersed in the rat race, scurrying underground everyday for the commute to my son's elementary school, then off to my teaching job. At least once daily, often more than once, I'd pop into one of my favorite cafes for a coffee or later in the evening for a glass of wine.
The cafe bistro was my living room on the go, a place to do a little work, read a book or magazine, or meet up with friends.
When I injured my back, so badly I couldn't walk, much less think about popping down to the cafe, I made a very difficult decision to relocate closer to my family who could help me with my recovery and with my school age son.
For a while I was pretty miserable.
But one day, I was walking better and my pain was almost gone and the next day I could see the most amazing opportunities begin to open up for me. I discovered what a big little foodie city Durham, NC is and I nearly wept with joy.
Suddenly my grey cloud had a shiny silver lining.
But really, the happiest I have been in six months was the day I walked into BeYú Caffé (335 W. Main St.,
Durham, NC 27701, 919-683-1058). The cafe bistro, only open about two months, is like a delicious slice of my former urban life served up with a huge dollop of fresh whipped cream.
Owner Dorian (DJ) Brown has transformed the space in the historic Snow Building into a cozy, ambient place to chill - morning, noon and night. The decor is decidedly inviting with colors that are warm and inviting - walls of deep turquoise, rich burgundy and sunflower yellow - and interesting, carefully curated art. The staff is wonderfully warm - there is nothing like a Southern welcome - and the coffee is brilliant. I can't wait to try the food, particularly my favorite - Red Velvet Cake. It goes without saying, I'm cheerful about a well-stocked wine bar.
Brown, a former big city finance guy, graduated from Duke University and left to chase money. He found himself dissatisfied and began thinking about what to do with his life. He researched and he worked a part-time job as a barrista before leaving his suit behind. This is the sweetened condensed version, but the end result was BeYú Caffé.
I, for one, am exceedingly glad he followed his dream.
I heart BeYú Caffé.
