By Kathy Chouteau
Catahoula Coffee is more than a Richmond coffee shop, it’s a community of “Catahouligans” bonded by camaraderie, got-your-back-support and tasty brew. It’s also the perfect place to dish about food for the Standard’s “Rich Dish” series about where and what to eat in Richmond and beyond.
From a Rosie the Riveter volunteer to a Contra Costa County worker, the Catahouligans had some sage advice when it comes to chowing down in the Rich—including what to order at the coffee shop.
Catahoula Coffee Company Executive Director Alfredo Zambrano, who’s worked there since 2008, treated this reporter to a peek at the business’ behind-the-scenes coffee roasting machines—their former roasting machine, the San Franciscan, and the newer S35 Loring, which helped them streamline their business. Also in this back-of-the-house area, Zambrano’s decorated with coffee bean bags and other ephemera, and the business had artist, A.V. Apostle paint a wall mural that honors the building’s origins as a tortilla factory named Guadalaharry’s Tortillas. Then he weighed-in on what he likes to eat locally.
“I try to keep it close as much as I can,” said Zambrano, glancing diagonally across the street from the coffee shop at Tacos El Tucan, a popular Mexican eatery where he regularly orders the quesabirria tacos. Down the street he likes Vietnamese restaurant Huong Tra’s beloved #54, which is the spicy chicken over white rice—a local favorite. Zambrano also recommends Angelos Gourmet Delicatessen, where he said, “You can’t go wrong.” He’s also heard good chatter about Tommys Burger Co. up the street from their coffee shop, but hasn’t tried it yet.
Kat O., a Catahoula Coffee staffer, loves the mixed ceviche at El Mono, a Peruvian eatery on San Pablo Avenue just over the Richmond border in El Cerrito. Another staffer, Ruby Soria, enjoys La Gran Chiquita Restaurant on 23rd Street in Richmond, where she orders the chicken flautas. “That one’s really good,” she said of the Mexican restaurant.
Inside the coffee shop, Tiffany Heath Elvin had her own recommendations. “I definitely recommend Catahoula, they’re my favorite,” she said, highlighting the regular drip coffee, blueberry muffins and the twice baked almond croissant. She also gave a shout-out to the coffee shop’s iced Mexi-mochas, calling them “a summertime treat after a hot day of gardening.”
Kevin Pormir, who hails from Berkeley and works for Contra Costa County, also has deep love for Catahoula. “I actually come here—Catahoula—more than anywhere else.” Pormir shared, “I just really love their roasted mocha coffee bean. I think it’s one of the best coffee beans I’ve had.” He said the bag of coffee has a chocolatey and very rich flavor, and isn’t sour, which he appreciates. “It comes with a free cup of coffee as well,” he added. “I’ve probably been getting the iced Mexi mocha for…years now—it’s an iconic drink.”
Sitting by the shop’s window with her super adorable toddler, Frida Guiterrez shared her love for Catahoula’s iced horchata latte. As far as eateries go, she also likes Little Louie’s Café & Catering in Point Richmond, recommending their grilled chicken sandwich with avocado, lettuce, pickles and onion.
Seth Little also likes to head across the street to Tacos El Tucan for his red shrimp tacos. “That is the best item in the entire East Bay,” he shared about the dish, adding, “I’ll plug those tacos all day, every day.”
Also inside the coffee shop, Gabriela Cardona shared her love for Taqueria La Bamba’s El Salvadorian pupusas and the al pastor or steak burritos. “They’re very yummy,” she said. Down on Rumrill Blvd., she likes the Cazadores Market, where you can order from the Taqueria Cazadores inside and she enjoys the carnitas.
Later, Tiffany Heath Elvin circled back to offer another recommendation: Café Gran Milan, which she said is “an amazing Italian bakery, breakfast and lunch spot,” where everything is made fresh, including the baked goods, and the owners are from Italy. “Fresh goodness,” she emphasized.
A Rosie the Riveter WWII National Historical Park volunteer, Marie Davies, worked her way over to offer her recommendation: The Artisan Café, located in Richmond’s Marina Bay neighborhood. There, she loves the Saint Andre, a sandwich made of pear and candied walnut spread on multigrain bread. This reporter also recommends the fried buttermilk chicken sandwich with cole slaw.
“Rich Dish” asks Richmond residents where and what they like to eat in the city. Want us to stop by your business to dish? Contact [email protected].
