Sahara

Sahara is the Arabic word for desert. The tagline is Sand. Spice. Blossom. Opening press framed it as the first U.S. location of a Middle Eastern brand, with the interior built out by the Michigan firm Studio Swank.

The Vibe
Neutral walls, a desert mural, deep red rugs, arches and brass. Community seating inside and a small patio out front. It reads like a designed room rather than a leased one.

The Coffee Program
The anchor is Turkish coffee brewed in sand. A copper cezve sits sunk into a heated sand bed and the coffee climbs slowly into a dense foam. It is an Ethiopian medium and dark roast with cardamom, served hot with the grounds.
The espresso drinks lean sweet and self aware about it: a Spanish latte with condensed milk, a tiramisu latte under cold foam, a cardamom latte, a salted maple with maple whip. There is a ceremonial matcha program served cold in clean layers (blossom water, biscoff, coconut, strawberry). Karak chai, steeped with oriental spices, sits on the tea side.

The Baking
Pistachio and walnut baklava. Za'atar mana-eesh spread on flatbread to order. A za'atar and labneh croissant with sumac and sesame. Crepes and waffles that reach into the regional playbook, including a Dubai chocolate build with kunefe filling and pistachio sauce.

I am working on the full review. Please check back soon.