Josh Hebert - From My Brain to Yours: Kahili - The Eastside's Best New Coffee House

Most remember or have heard of the TV show "Cheers", built on a solid premise which was delivered each week in the theme song, "Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name." It is an interesting commentary on our need for community.

Kahili is an relatively new coffee house in the heart of Kirkland which truly has a community feel. Of all the places I have been in the past year on the east side of Seattle, Kahili is the first one to hit the nail square on the head. Driving home the value of a great place to be, good coffee and incredible people.

You may have picked up on the Hawaiian sound of the name. At Kahili they have captured the vibe of Kona, in aesthetics, coffee and vibe. A very laid back place that makes you want to set aside your worries and busy schedule and just relax for a few minutes. Whether in one of the cozy chairs or couches, at a table with a good friend, at the bar chatting with the personable and expert baristas or at the laptop bar browsing the free wi-fi or working (which wraps around the northwest corner of the room) you will want to stay for a while and soak in the moment.

Life goes so fast and it is so powerful when we find that place which allows us to pause, and breath and live. Kahili has done all they can to make this a place for you to enjoy life.

Room - Good colors, warm and comfortable. Going against the grain of the typical Seattle coffee house the ceiling is standard white panel. Believe it or not, it works. They have given you many seating options with a mix of tables, reading areas and the bar.

You really can come here for any purpose. One of my personal favorite items is the large windows in the front which open wide to create and open air feel.

Coffee - The Kona Coffee is rich and flavorfull yet not bitter or too strong. I find it to be a very balanced coffee. I have had my two classic drinks; tall vanilla latte and tall americano with room. Both were very smooth and rich. Definitely a coffee drinkers coffee but still gentle enough for the occasional beverage. At Kahili you will

see and hear the grind of the stand alone grinder and the sound of fresh shots being pulled from an actual port. No push button machines here. I have found that the baristas do quite well at pulling consistent shot and providing a consistent experience. I highly recommend the coffee.

Free Wi-Fi - Unless you are traveling interstate weekly or have a company account with T-Mobile, STOP PAYING FOR WIRELESS! The wireless connection at Kahili is strong from all areas of the restaurant, but at only six months old 54MBPS is a letdown.

As one of the only true coffee house destination this side of the University District, Kahili promises to keep you coming back.

Coffee -