The Northern Rivers Times Edition 128

Life Lessons: Rachael KoningCoffee with the addition of heart & soul

AS a sign of the place and importance of cafés in our culture, one of the very frst questions many of us ask in towns we’ve never been before is, “Where can I get the best coffee?

As such, the frst ‘Coffee House’ (or ‘Kiva Han’ in Turkish) which was the precursor of the modern-day café, was in the city of Istanbul way back in 1475. Soon after, believe it or not, it was actually legal in Turkey for women to divorce their husbands should they fall short of supplying them with enough coffee!

It wasn’t until the mid-1650s that the frst coffee houses opened in Britain; in time they became known as “penny universities”, which was the price of a coffee back then. The word ‘tips’ originated there next to coin jars that read, “To insure prompt service.” The future Lloyd’s of London insurance company even started out as a coffee shop run by Edward

Lloyd in 1668.

To say coffee houses and cafes have featured at the very centre of townships and their commercial precincts the world over, would be an understatement.

Fittingly, Grafton boasts a ‘Heart & Soul Café’ in its main thoroughfare – Prince Street. “Our wholefood café”, said Rachael Koning, “is now 9-years old. I co-own it with my husband Marcel, and our dear friends Evan and Shelley Kirke.”

That their establishment is called Heart & Soul is more than just a fgurative play on sentiment, it is a literal refection of the combined affection each person has for one-another, and for everyone that walks through their door.

When asked what inspires and drives her, Ms Koning said, “I’m inspired and motivated to get out of bed each day by love. Love for my family and friends …. being around the

people I care most about and also being around like-minded people.

“Café life can be a tough gig, but it really is so rewarding working alongside great people and serving great people. We are so proud of our Heart & Soul crew members, it’s a big deal to have so many amazing people working together.”

Not one to take anything for granted, or to overlook the things that matter most, Ms Koning said, “Life has taught me that I’m not invincible and to rest when I need to. Love many, trust a few and always paddle your own canoe, my mother used to say. And, basically show everyone care, some you can really trust with your life, but know that you’re at the helm of your own boat.

“As far as others go, everyone is fghting a battle we know nothing about. I realise this and it just makes me appreciate life and people more. To live a good life, treat

others as you want to be treated.”

As a person who doesn’t just wear her heart on her sleeve, but fttingly her soul too, Ms Koning said, “Don’t be so busy with things outside of the home that you forget your family.

I think the foundation of every fourishing community is strong families supporting each other and fowing into supporting our community. It’s also about supporting and encouraging our local businesses, I always spend my money in my local community.

“It’s going to the local farmers market or small fruit and veg shop. Finding a local cafe that knows how you like your coffee. That’s community to me.” And if there’s one place where this refned communal approach is put into practice each day, it’s the café that embodies the beating heart and blazing soul of Grafton.