Tribal All Day Cafe – Bishop Arts District, Dallas, Texas

 

Tribal All Day Cafe is at the heart of Bishop, where all the magic happens and all the non-local locals come to hang out and explore. I was very much stoked to have come in the morning I did because my experience was unforgettable! The food there is passionately and carefully made; both healthy and creative food is served here. What initially attracted me to this place was not the choice of cuisine, though. Finding them through Yelp, I saw the super instragram-worthy pictures, white and airy lighting, and the West Elm choice of furniture. After, I quickly experienced a mouth-watering sensation that sparked my curiosity to visit this place which was helped me finalize the decision of making it there . Although the business is not identified as strictly a coffee shop, they care about the art of coffee just like one, and they were sitting on my “Coffee Dream List” on Yelp, therefore I had to come visit.

I mean just look at their website, it literally sparks joy into my life just looking at it. I’m into little aesthetics and details that make feel like I don’t have to live in New York or San Francisco to experience greatness and unique creativity. It’s not always about the coffee… oops did I say that? Yes, I did. Sometimes I swipe through Yelp to find what captures my eye, and plenty of time that isn’t just the food. Sometimes I want what looks good, both food and scenery wise. Call me a little boujee and extra if you will, but just wanna be in a cute place with cute people and cute food because those are the little details that fuel my heart. 

I love the Magnolia style cafe, super Joanna Gaines if you ask me, and I hope Tribal All Day feels fine for me saying that. The bar is neatly decorated and designed. It is the main attraction, and I feel like I would just want to sit there because it would make me look pretty, not the other way around if you know what I’m saying. Love the hanging  vanity-style lights, and the round mirror.  One of my most favorite details about the place was the cutie plants that were on this very attractive and neatly placed shelf above where Victor was sitting. If you can’t tell by my house decor (for those who have entered my home) I’m kinda into plants now. 

Tribal All Day Cafe is passionate about bringing quality food to the table and they believe that is the start of the real-life experience for a person in the community. They believe in nourishing the body with the best possible foods and best possible combinations of tastes and nutrients. They are both conscious about what is plated but think outside the box to ensure that people get the food-gasm they came in here for. You feel me? Their focus is healthy foods and healthy juices which are featured and sold in many other local business around Dallas like “Royal Blue Grocery Store” in downtown. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, and their menu, as simple as they may seem, have a lot of creatively healthy food choices for every hour of the day, which include building your own juice or smoothie!

Another very cool thing, before I get to what I’m actually here for, is that they sale all natural products like like for immune support, and snacks. Too be honest, I didn’t look into that very much but that gives just more reason why you should check this place out for yourself. Do some research.

Tribal has all the drinks, beer, cocktails, juices, smoothies and coffee. Happy Hour, here we come! Isn’t that right.  And I’m not sure why I did what I did y’all… but I order their the Chai latte instead of a regular, espresso latte. I do crazy things in the morning when I’m hungry ya’ll.

Victor and I shared the egg sandwich, which I could not find on the menu but was a must-have recommendation on Yelp. My goodness, it was so good I was left wishing I had my own because we gobbled it so fast. The sandwich as big as it looked, was very light in the stomach and didn’t leave me feeling heavy. I hate when foods are so greasy I can feel my arteries clogging as my life continues to end. Gross. With this sandwich I felt very happy and satisfied, especially since Victor and I had worked out that same morning and didn’t want all the guilt alongside the pleasure.

Their chai latte was delicious! I am not a tea or matcha girl. Strictly coffee beans for me, please! But truly I have never had something taste this delicious, softly sweet, not overbearing, and welcoming and then no be coffee! I don’t know what chai latte is supposed to taste on the regular, but my honest opinion is that I could have this again if I was in the mood for it. For the most part it tasted like warm almond milk and hints of cinnamon. The chai went very well with my sandwich, and complimented the mood and ambiance of the place. Mmm.

Victor, too be honest, wasn’t filled up with the sandwich. He actually proceeded to go eat some more just down the street a little after this picture was taken. But Victor eats pretty much the size of a house on a daily basis, without gaining any weight may I add, and that is why I don’t weigh his opinion very strongly when it comes to these sorts of things. Although, if you are like Victor, you have been warned!

So yeah. I didn’t bring the total coffee experience. I’m sorry for the let down. But it’s one of the ten “shops” I visited during this one week gateway I had, and the chances are, I would repeat the entire process all the same, again and again, if I had the choice! I’m coming back for you Tribal. Next time, I’ll be wearing active wear and a pony, ready to gulp a declines healthy green juice and not share my egg sandwich!

Let’s talk, I want to hear all about your own coffee addiction! And if you liked my post please hit like to this post, follow my blog and comment your thoughts. If you have time go visit my personal Instagram page, click here.

Also follow me on Yelp so that you have all the details on the coffee shops I will be visiting. Click Here for Yelp

 

 

-Xo Monica H

Civil Pour – Walnut Hill Ln, Dallas, TX

Today I want to invite you to be part of a different kind of coffee experience. To be honest, when I was on my way to check this place out, I had not much hope that I’d find good coffee here. Usually, in my experience, businesses who oversell their products are trying to hide the fact that it really kind of sucks. Is that mean? Well, I was totally wrong about that on this one. Victor even recorded the experience because that’s how good it became.

They even have their own merchandise.

Civil Pour is located in the Northern side of Dallas, on 75 going north and Walnut Hill Lane. I use to live around this area and I cannot believe that I missed this place. According to the website, Civil Pour is known for perfecting things. Their coffee, beer, and panini sandwiches. They have taken their sweet, sweet time perfecting the art so that their customers receive the best of those items because they honor the ritual of having these items in our lives. For their coffee, which is always my main focus, they hand select only about 10% of the coffee they taste and test in order to curate the most delicious and creative selection. For their beer, well they do a bunch of fancy stuff to it to make it taste not so beer-y, and for their panini sandwiches, well let’s say they have travelled all over the USA looking for the best tasting Cuban sandwich and they buy the best local meats and cheeses Dallas/Texas can offer. Click here to read more details about what Civil Pour is all about.

All pictures taken by me and sometimes my husband, Victor H.

My first impression of this place was “wow, why am I wearing a leather jacket?” Everyone else here was wearing a suit and tie. I was definitely dressed for the wrong party here. All except maybe a couple of men that were having a business meeting, were plugged into their headphones and seemed to be very focused on what was on their laptop screens. They were all probably “working from home” too. It definitely looks like a place that you could spend hours on your computer on, watching Netflix or working on your homework.

The shop itself is very large, spadeful and bright. There is plenty of seating and tables, and there’s nice high chairs by the huge window so that you feel enlightened and motivated to kick-ass! There’s is a cute dainty bar by the front so that you can watch these very knowledgeable and scientific baristas pour you a beer or some coffee. I would say the theme is modern. And judging from their customers appearance, it located in a very corporate-business sector of Dallas.

Vic and I decided to splurge a little even after seeing the prices, and yes I do mean they are pretty expensive for just coffee. The barista was very helpful, she recommended the Blueberry Pancake oat milk ice latte for me, and recommended their signature hot latte, The Warlock, for Victor. Of course, we had a sandwich to share! We decided to get their signature Cuban pork panini which is made with our Dallas, local Pecan Lodge pulled pork. (Side note, I have NEVER actually ate at Pecan Lodge, their line in Deep Ellum is legit the longest line in that area (always) but, I can say that I’ve had many and plenty of their meats because they partner with everyone around the DFW area!)

So let me get you back to the experience. But first, I would encourage you to watch the very short video my wonderful and creative husband made for this blog in particular.

WATCH VIDEO VIA YOUTUBE HERE

Wasn’t it cute 🙂

Anyways. If you can’t tell by my facial expressions in the video, that sandwich was truly deliciously amazing and flavorful! The cheese melts just the way I like it (yes, I still eat cheese and I want no judgement). The meat to me wasn’t a huge deal, but it does go well with the cheese all the other condiments and spices they’ve added to make the so-called Signature Cuban. After eating my half I secretly wished I had my own. And although most of my exciting emotion was shown while unraveling that delicious Cuban, the “different kind of coffee experience” I mentioned earlier, didn’t begin until I took a sip of my own iced latte.

When the barista said it would taste like blueberry pancakes, she meant, it would literally taste like blueberry pancakes. I’m not even joking you guys. I am still craving  another cup of this coffee right NOW. *Crying on the inside because I wasted precious time buying Starbucks coffee while living in this side of the city instead of tasting blueberry pancakes every morning.* I tell you, please go and ask for this drink at least once this summer. I believe its a seasonal drink of theirs but maybe if everyone contributes to requesting it as much as I will, they might add it to their more permanent menu –fingers crossed. The magic doesn’t end there though.

The Warlock latte that Victor ordered, ugh. Magic sent from Heaven. When I thought that no other drink could get any better, I was wrong once more. No wonder that the Warlock is Civil Pour’s signature latte. Its freaking delicious. I have never seen Victor drink any other coffee as fast as he chugs a beer. Thankfully I took a sip and got to experience the magic myself. The only thing I will fall short of telling you today is: I cannot remember if I ordered non-dairy milk for this drink. It all just happened so fast and once it was all gone, I was sad that it was over. I wanted this moment to last forever. I wanted to be sipping on the lattes all day, all night, maybe even till the crack of dawn the next morning. But the drinks were too addicting and delicious. I had no chance against my own fast-sipping habits.

Will I ever be back? Of course! Hands down the best coffee I’ve had. Or do I say that with every coffee shop I come across? I feel confused. Seriously, maybe their anal-way of testing and selecting their coffee has truly paid off? Maybe other coffee shops don’t even stand a chance when they find out what Civil Pour has done with their business. All I know is that I’m so glad that Civil Pour exist and that I was part of an amazing coffee-drinking experience.

 

I love you “latte,” latte. (pun intended).

Let’s talk, I want to hear all about your own coffee addiction! And if you liked my post please hit like to this post, follow my blog and comment your thoughts. If you have time go visit my personal Instagram page, click here.

Also follow me on Yelp so that you have all the details on the coffee shops I will be visiting. Click Here for Yelp

 

 

Xo – Monica H

The Wild Detectives – Bishop Arts District, Oak Cliff, Dallas

AHHH! Friends I am so excited because today I will be talking about my most favorite coffee shop in Dallas. Like, I actually do have a favorite, can you believe that?

This stay-at-home-vacation truly has been exactly what I needed. I’m sureyou understand exactly what I mean when I say “sometime work stinks and life is hard.” This season of my life has been moderately easy compared to part years which is of weird to compare and say, but it is how I feel. I realize that as you get older, things that use to sound like amazing opportunities and amazing life-milestones, begin to seem like chores and boring (maybe even unsatisfying) responsibilities in life you just have to get through.  Oh, wait, no? You don’t fee like that? Oops. Just me then. MY BAD.

All pictures taken by me, Monica S Hernandez.

Anyway. What I’m trying to get to is that I have enjoyed being away from my full-time JOB and being able to enjoy this week with Victor 24/7. I love it.

Another thing I do love is this coffee shop I’m going to be reviewing today. My favorite. Strangely enough, one of the reasons that it is my favorite is because they aren’t just a coffee shop. Actually, they don’t even title their business as one at all. They are a bookstore-bar venue. Because so much culture, so much thought,  and so much vision has been thought-out to make this place come to life, I encourage you to read The Wild Detective’s About Me section to get a better understanding. Basically two guys decided to combine their passions for books and booze. As you can see from the pictures all around this text, the shop is filled with books, all selected by the community to initiate thoughts and ideas that people can get together and talk over some beer or a mojito.

Why do I call it a coffee shop then? Because the environment of this venue was created to do and be whatever it is that you want it to be. It is an open space that can transform itself from a chatter-room of entrepreneurs and artists into a silent and genius-working laboratory. People can choose to come and be in community with strangers or they can choose to plug their headphones in and focus on their own work, sipping coffee or beer, whichever you prefer. This is one of many other reasons why I love this place and have chosen, in the past, to drive my ass from Denton just to study here. Yes. You fellow DFW residents will understand my level of commitment as you hear me say “from Denton”.

So there’s tons of books, there’s a beautiful and rustic, hipster-like bar, and plenty of seating to choose to connect or unplug. What else is there?

Delicious coffee. Because of course my mission in this series is to tell you about Dallas’ best coffee shops, I did come with the intention to drink some coffee on this occasion. The barista was able to guide me through their coffee menu and poured me a drink that I was in the mood for. She convinced me on a honey and cinnamon latte with almond milk, best for those who are looking for something sweet but don’t want the regular syrups. My favorite part about the drink is that it still had that strong kick of espresso that I desire to taste every time I have coffee. Surprisingly the drink was not overly sweet (some may differ).

The music. Unless I’m just taking a stroll down the area and have no plans to work on a current project, I usually stick to plugging my headphones into my own playlist, but the music here is very stimulating for my brain. One of the songs I downloaded to my phone while I was there this week was Plastic 100°C by Sampha which you can find if you click here. I’m not into this music typically. What I mean by that is, I don’t drive home to music that might otherwise begin to engage muscles in my body that are not the muscles in my foot that are touching the gas pedal. Music at The Wild Detectives is always great and truly stimulate me to be more creative an efficient with the projects I’m working on. It also adds another level of coolness to the venue which I find authentic and sexy.

Their menu. We spoke about menus on my first post of the series (Merit Coffee – Deep Ellum, Dallas) and now you know how they speak to me about the establishment’s presentation but, this time what captured my attention is the selection. Because they aren’t just a coffee shop, their menu expands to offer breakfast & dessert, food, wine, beer, cocktails as well as hot and soft drinks. It is truly magical. In fact, my first time at WD was with Victor on date night a few years back when we came for some drinks and an event they were hosting. Oh yeah, did I mention they host community events?

WD May Event Calendar

Coffee and Soft Drinks

Some of their foods

Yeah this place is pretty amazing. Their level of interaction with the community and their passion for socialization and celebration is splendid. You can literally have a cup of coffee, some dessert, write a blog or two, and then stay for the evening show and have some wine! I mean literally all your money can go to but one establishment. Incredible isn’t it?

 Their space is very inviting and cozy. You feel zero pressure to come in looking like a million bucks because after a few drinks, you’ll be feeling like it anyway. They have tons of books to look at and read if you get bored, and they even have a cute nook-reading area which is very Instagramable. Their Wi-Fi is completely free and they have a very strict rule about shutting off their Wi-Fi after 6 PM on weekdays and weekend nights. Again, they want to create an environment where people will feel free and welcomed to share ideas with one another without being in any distracted.

There is so much I could continue to say about this place, and even then I might repeat myself a few times in the process because I just cannot get enough. I’m really glad that I now live just a couple of minutes away and with MBA school starting in the fall, I have even more reason to come and hang out. If you’re not just reading my blogs but also intend to visit some of the locations that I’m writing you about, I urge you to come check it out for yourself. You will not be disappointed. Bring your friends along because it’s not just about the coffee, it’s about the community.

Let’s talk, I want to hear all about your own coffee addiction! And if you liked my post please hit like to this post, follow my blog and comment your thoughts. If you have time go visit my personal Instagram page, click here.

Also follow me on Yelp so that you have all the details on the coffee shops I will be visiting. Click Here for Yelp

Xo – Monica H

 

 

Staycation Series: 10 Dallas coffee shops in a week.

Sup! and

Good evening,

I realized just recently that my tagline can say so much about my blog without even having to write a single post. When I first started blogging (really not too long ago but you know what I mean) I didn’t think much of what my tagline had to say about my site. I found it very inspirational that I was able to say “former meat eater finding ways to honor my body as the Temple of God” but then I realized along this blogging-process, that I have written very little, if nothing at all, about how I am a former meat eater. My husband brought to my attention last night that my tagline also states “all while looking for the next stop to drip my coffee”. This area of my life is genuinely true. I am authentically and passionately always looking for a new place I can have coffee at. I’m not a drug user, but some would argue that I am addicted.

I’m on a twelve-day vacation which I desperately needed. Unlike a lot of bloggers that I follow and admire, I am not a full-time blogger. That isn’t by choice by the way. I work a regular, full-time, 8-5 job Monday through Friday, and I binge-drink coffee, amongst other stuff, during the weekends mostly. Actually I take that back. I drink coffee every day, but I don’t blog every day, is what I mean. Who has time to blog during the week??? Welp. This is my opportunity because Vic and I decided to make zero traveling plans this time around. He suggested we try to experience a more low-key, relaxed time off from work by being tourists of our own city.

This means:

1. I finally updated my tagline because lets face it, my dream isn’t to write about how I don’t eat meat. My dream is to write myself into my own happiness.
2. When people have asked “what’s your dream date?” I’ve said certain things, but when people have asked “what is your dream staycation?” I’ve said “coffee.”

Dallas-based blogger firmly believing that I can write my way into my own future all while looking for the next stop to drip my coffee.

As I am writing this I’ve realized that realistically I can only go to about 10 coffee shops this week. As much as I love coffee, I don’t think I could physically spend an entire day drinking coffee just so that I can tell you how it went. It would just go bad. BUT I’m going to try! For the longest I have saved and bookmarked all the coffee shops I’ve either slowly tried, or have wanted to and just haven’t had enough time, in the last 5 years of living in Dallas, to do so. So here’s to a challenge that will truly spark joy in me and hopefully it will spark interest in you.

My hope for this so called series in my blog is to be able to connect with fellow coffee lovers, especially here in Dallas, and really guide them to the best coffee that this town has to offer. I want you to see all the words I can come up with talking only about coffee. Coffee coffee coffee. Yup. And if you don’t drink coffee, still read. I’ll give you insights on the shops that I visit as well. Are they the type of coffee shop that will allow your brain to fit an entire semester’s worth of notes in one night? Or will they force you to plug your headphones in? Do they offer delicious “treat-yo-self” parties? Or maybe they will have you participate on a “diet-while-you’re-here” green-smoothie party? I’m really excited about this friends, and I hope you are too. For now, just start sharing and tell all your friends I’m coming for that coffee!

 

 

 

Let’s talk, I want to hear all about your own coffee addiction! And if you liked my post please hit like to this post, follow my blog and comment your thoughts. If you have time go visit my personal Instagram page, click here.

Also follow me on Yelp so that you have all the details on the coffee shops I will be visiting. Click Here for Yelp

 

Xo – Monica H

 

S1:E6 Califia Farms Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew Latte [Vegan]

Good morning and Good Friday my friends!

I’m going to pretend no one reading this blog actually knows me. Although we all know sisters, best friends, and maybe even coworkers are sitting on the other side of this screen.  Today’s post is exciting to me because it’s about COFFEE!! You should know this about me, I love me some good and hot [sometimes iced] black liquid pleasure. I won’t get carried away and talk about my first encounter with coffee but, I will say that it is no longer a source of survival but a lifestyle choice. My husband is assured I don’t love coffee and I’m just addicted to it. He’s calling me a coffee junkie. That’s

Honestly, if I need to be addicted to anything in this world, I think its Califia Farms. We talked about Califia Farms on one of my last posts and guess what, it’s so good it had to be brought up for a second round! This time, its Califia Farms Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew Latte, made with the one and only Almond Milk. Does anyone else love almond milk as much as I do? I think I love things too much. Oops.

This drink is soy free, dairy free, BPA free, gluten free, Kosher, carrageen free, and vegan. Califia is known for their delicious and healthy beverages who support and promote a healthy plant based diet. I’m all about plant based diets, healthy eating, healthy drinking, healthy living and Coffee. *grin on my face* I went to Target last night, nothing related to all things pumpkin spice, but instead of buying the gorgeous black jacket I wanted to get, I found this gem. I’m not entirely sure how new it is to the Pumpkin Spice fad, but Califia sure did a great job inventing a new item for the season.

MY TAKE…

Honestly, it’s delicious. It taste like Pumpkin Spice milk. Yes. Milk. Unfortunately it doesn’t have enough of the bitter coffee flavor I was anticipating. When I see the word latte I automatically think, “Well it might not be strong” considering the higher content of milk lattes are made of but, I was hoping that the cold brew would have stood out a bit more. After I took it home and had a sip, I read the label in the back (always read labels before buying the product, FYI) I see that this is a very mildly caffeinated beverage. It has less than 50 mg of caffeine. That isn’t even the normal amount of caffeine a usual espresso contains. BUT WHATEVER. I can deal, I guess.

Focusing on the pumpkin spice aspect, I would say YES it passes the All Things Pumpkin Spice. It meets all of MY requirements. If you take a small sip and just let your taste buds analyze it a little, it taste very identical to the Starbucks PSL, except better. The pumpkin is there, and the spices leave a delicious aftertaste. My recommendation when trying this would be to maybe add it to cold brewed coffee, kind of just like you would add syrup and almond milk to the any other latte. Especially if you’re a coffee junkie like me, you’ll want more of a coffee than an almond milk flavor.

Lastly, I would also recommend putting it in a cup full of ice. The beverage is not as thick as the Califia Farms Half and Half we talked about last time, it’s very thin just like your normal cup of almond milk but I think just like every other latte, too much of it will get sickening pretty quickly.  Although, an 8oz drink contains 80-90 calories, so if you usually get a Grande at Starbucks, that’s about 180 calories with ice compared to the new Iced PSL from Starbucks that contains over 200-370 calories! YIKES! *Cringe*

If you pick up the courage to go try one, please leave a comment below on your own thoughts because I would love to hear them! Links are below if you want to purchase your own, you brave soul.

 

Xo – Monica H

Califia Farms Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew Latte

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