MUSIC own and manage a café. Not only has it been a job, but it’s helped me grow and learn immensely.” The first syrup Kyle introduced to the
“With each flavor, my first batch is good, but then I use it to connect with customers by asking them for their honest feedback. I put myself and my emotions aside and then take it back to the kitchen and figure out what needs to be done. Near the end of each season is usually when the syrup is perfect.” As a 25-year-old who loves coffee, music, and connecting with new people, Kyle fits in well at Isaac’s, where he’s the lead barista and barista trainer. He started working at IKE Box about 4.5 years ago, and immediately felt like he was part of a family. The mission of Isaac’s Room — the nonprofit that runs IKE Box and Isaac’s — is to “help divested young people build capacity to rise to the challenges of life.” It fit well with Kyle’s own desire to help people in his community. “I shared with the owners my dream to open up my own café in the future,” Kyle said. “They have come alongside me and they’ve given me different titles and positions, all so that I can learn more about the coffee world and what it looks like to
public was cherry blossom. He wanted a drink that would represent spring in Salem, while avoiding traditional cherry flavors that might remind people of cough syrup. He used black pepper and Sweet Bee green tea to add a floral dimension, and it worked so well that he had customers asking if they could buy the extra syrup and take it home. One of his most popular drink flavors has been brown sugar bourbon. That’s the one inspired by his home whiskey bar. “That’s been the closest I’ve come to making something that everyone enjoys,” he says. “I think it just hits that spot of a good flavor, not overly complicated, where the toastier notes of the coffee work well with the bourbon and brown sugar.” Kyle attributes his adventurous palette to his father, a former caterer who often tried out recipes on the family. “Sometimes I’d be worried about trying it, but he always assured me, ‘I’ll never give you anything that I think you won’t like, but I will give you things that are good that may be a little uncomfortable for you,’” Kyle said. “I think that built an awareness for flavor in me.” One of Kyle’s flavors is a golden latte. It made its debut last winter. The drink includes syrup made from ginger, cayenne and turmeric, which gives it a golden hue. If you see Kyle behind the counter at Isaac’s when you order it, let him know what you think. He’s listening. Grab a cuppa at IKE Box, 299 Cottage St. NE or Isaac’s Coffee, Wine & Dessert, 201 Commercial St. NE.
Story by Sarah Evans | Photos by Ben Mah
Record Release Show Rich Swanger and the Little Known Band is releasing a new album with a night of live music. The all ages Record Release Show will take place at 7 p.m. Saturday, January 22, at Infinity Room, 210 Liberty St SE #150. Rich is a talented singer/songwriter with roots in folk, gospel and countryblues music. After starting a solo project, Seahorse, in the late 2000’s, he stepped from behind the moniker, connected with some of the inspiring musicians he had met over the years, and launched Rich Swanger & The Little Known Band, which transformed his quiet, folky originals into mystic Americana. The show will also include the Salem debut of Evan Thomas Way and The Phasers. Evan served as the primary singer/songwriter for Portland-via-Los Angeles folk-rock band The Parson Red Heads for 15 years. This is his 10 years in-the-making solo project. Tickets are $12 in advance. Get yours at infinityroomsalem.com
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