Image by Rina Jordan
Image by Rina Jordan
Located just half a block south of Downtown Bellevue Park, Third Culture Coffee has emerged as one of Bellevue’s beloved cafes, celebrating diversity through delightful coffee, dessert, and food. Third Culture Coffee offers a variety of artisanal beverages, ranging from traditional Indian teas to locally-sourced coffee blends. The abundance of natural lighting throughout the cafe helps create a soothing ambiance, making Third Culture Coffee the perfect place to relax with a tasty beverage in hand.
We are excited to introduce cafe co-owner Radhika Kapur, whose dedication and unbridled passion for her craft make visiting Third Culture Coffee all the more worthwhile.
What is your name?
Radhika Kapur.
Which coffee shop are you with?
Third Culture Coffee.
What inspires you to come to work every day?
The belief that I can and will make a difference.
Signature coffee order?
I love experimenting and trying out new flavors so when visiting specialty coffee shops, I try and go for their signatures or Single origin Pour Overs. At Third Culture, I generally go behind the bar and whip up an experiment myself…some habits die hard I guess! And at other coffee shops where unique options are not available, a Cortado would be my first preference.
What is your favorite accompaniment to your morning coffee?
My preference here is distinctly Aussie. A crisp raisin toast with butter melted in, or toasted banana bread with butter …. its sublime! I am also very partial to a simple avocado toast to kick start my morning along with coffee.
When you’re not drinking coffee, what’s your go-to beverage of choice?
Sherry or Port from Purple Bar in Bellevue.
Do you have a favorite place in Bellevue?
Bellevue Downtown Park. It is Bellevue’s crown jewel, in my humble opinion. It’s a place for everyone, to relax, have fun & enjoy. It is beautiful at night & the kid’s playground is amazing and it brings the community together – right in the heart of downtown. I’m a HUGE fan!
If you were going out after work in Bellevue, where would you head?
I would be spoilt for choices really. Depends on who I’m going out with and what we are in the mood for. For drinks and appetizers, I would stick to Bellevue Way, there are so many options there from W to Joey’s. If the focus is on food, I’m very partial to Facing East, Din Tai Fung or the newly opened Lake House. And if I’m in the mood for catching a flick, Lincoln Square has great movie options with a late-night bite at Bollywood Café.
If a customer asked you where to go for “the best bite” in Bellevue, where would you send them?
Hmmm…That’s a tough one since there are so many options. I think our neighbors at Third Culture have great bites, whether it’s the Carmine’s, Park 99, Monsoon, Peony. As I have said earlier, I think we would be spoilt for choice.
What, in your opinion, is the world’s best coffee creation?
Cold Brew. The depth of flavor and you can do so much with it! It is incredible.
What activity in or around Bellevue is a “must” for those visiting the region?
I think Snowflake Lane and ice skating in the Bellevue Downtown Park around Christmas time are awesome activities and an absolute must do for visitors.
Where’s your go-to happy hour spot?
With 2 kids and a crazy schedule, I have to admit I haven’t been able to make it to too many happy hours. I do like Monsoon a lot and since its right next to Third Culture, I am very familiar with their happy hour and really like it.
Where do you go when you’re craving something sweet?
Sweet = Drinking Chocolate, Sherry Affogato & Hot Cakes Molten Lava Cakes….my three favorite desserts, so thankfully I head straight to Third Culture.
Where do you enjoy drinking your coffee when you can take it wherever you like?
I love sitting next to the water, so the two classic water spots for me are Meydenbauer Bay or in Kirkland near the water.
What’s your favorite event in Bellevue?
I’m a huge Bellevue Arts festival fan. I wait the whole year for it and love spending my entire day in the fair. I also love the movie nights that are hosted in all the local parks. As my kids grow older I appreciate Bellevue for the community places and family spots.
How would you describe Bellevue to visitors?
Bellevue is a charming, beautiful & diverse city where you can enjoy nature’s beauty along with family. It has good eats, hip places and lots of things to do through the year – shopping, trails, parks and so much more!
Stay tuned for more Bellevue Coffee Maker Spotlights from Visit Bellevue Washington. Also, be sure to pay Radhika and her crew at Third Culture Coffee a visit this fall and post your photos with the hashtag #MyBellevue!
Photos courtesy of Rina Jordan Photography.
The post Bellevue Coffee Maker Spotlight – Meet Radhika appeared first on Bellevue Washington News.