In my previous life I was an independent coffee shop owner (Strawberry Lounge)! When it comes to business I know everything about having guts and taking risks, investing my own money and loving my guests!
Therefore, whenever I can, I choose independent over franchise, box store or huge corporation!
We here in beautiful Maple Ridge have a variety of independently owned shops, restaurants and coffee bars. But nothing and nobody has conquered my heart as much as the guys from Mango
Moka (MM) have!
The guys I'm talking about are Sukhi and Sukhi, husband and wife team from Punjab.
(To keep it easy for the rest of us, they both use an abbreviation of their first names-which happens to be Sukhi!)
They created this very interesting mixture of traditional coffee shop with smoothie bar.
MM is not a restaurant nor is it a bar. But you can eat here for sure!
It's a little bit of sandwich bar and a little bit of coffee shop!
It's a little bit of India (samosas, butter chicken)
and a little bit of Canada (modern coffees, teas, banana bread, cakes).
It's a little bit of this and a little bit of that. And all little bits are freshly prepared in front of your eyes.
MM is bright and cheerful when you walk in.
The music is playing (very good to set the mood and to create an atmosphere), the service is always impeccable. Sometimes it's a bit slow- but then, good things come to those who wait.
(However, if you are in a rush you can always call in advance and order your goodies
(1-604-380- 4848)! They even deliver to our door step, certain conditions do apply!
Their espresso machine is a killer!
The paninin and bagels are phenomenal.
This comment comes from one of the biggest critiques I know, my children! If they don't like something they aren't touching it! At Mango Moka they are leaving nothing on their plates!
I don't come for the coffee necessarily, I love their smoothies!
I love to hang for a chat! With whomever I can chat with!
Oh, and the samosas ($1.00 a piece!) They are such a delight! Homemade! Vegetarian! Crispy on the outside, nicely spiced on the inside! They are 1000 x better than the ones you get at our local supermarkets!
Running a coffee shop is not for everybody! First and foremost, you must love what you do! And you must love your guests- customers! If you're working behind the counter you have to have the ability to chat! To listen to people!
Sukhi is a fantastic conversationalist! He goes out of his way to explain stuff and let's you sample if he has something new in store!
MM is located in one of these peculiar little strip malls: a five- shops in a row- kinda mall on the beginning, or far end of town (depending from which direction you are coming from)!
The location is a pain in the butt to get to- especially when you are day dreaming and find yourself in the wrong car lane - or when you are travelling the opposite direction!
But once you made the right turn and have parked, the culinary delight begins!
Only a few short months ago Sukhi has opened his MK Farm Market right next door!
For us die-hard homemakers (yep, that's me) this is a dream come true! Never ever in a million years have I thought I would do my grocery shopping at a corner store!
Live and learn Christina!
I don't know how Sukhi does it, but he offers the best Basmati rice ever at a price I can't find anywhere else!
His prices are compatible to every supermarket in our area- if not cheaper!
Note to myself, I need to have a chat with the man, need to know how he does it!
Maple Ridge can call itself lucky to host such a bright, happy, cheerful, affordable, healthy, delicious
fusion coffee-smoothie bar!
If you are on a mission to support independently owned shops, Mango Moka is the place to go!
Way to go Sukhi and Sukhi!
Find them on Facebook. If you are online, give them a virtual LIKE.
If you are in the area, stop by- you will like it, in real life that is!
