Introducing H’anger MGMT & Coffee Sarap: A Delicious Collaboration

We are thrilled to announce the soft opening of H’anger MGMT, our newest venture in collaboration with our friends from Crush Wine Bar, along with Coffee Sarap, bringing you a delightful blend of morning bites and Filipino-inspired beverages.

About H’anger MGMT:

At H’anger MGMT, Nancie and James Lewis, also owners of Castle Rock’s favorite wine bar, Crush WIne Bar, are redefining the breakfast experience with a focus on morning bites that are perfect for those on the go. From freshly baked pastries to hearty breakfast sandwiches, our menu is designed to kickstart your day with flavor and convenience.

About Coffee Sarap:

Coffee Sarap is no longer just a mobile operation! We now have a more permanent location (as well as continuing our mobile business) with H’anger MGMT and we couldn’t be more excited about this collaboration. Continuing to be inspired by Filipino flavors and techniques, we are excited to bring you a range of delicious beverages that will tantalize your taste buds and keep you coming back for more.

Soft Opening This Weekend (4/27-4/28):

Join us this weekend for our soft opening as we invite you to be among the first to experience the delectable offerings of H’anger MGMT and Coffee Sarap. Get a sneak peek into our menu and enjoy exclusive promotions to celebrate this special occasion.

Please note that our soft opening in dining service are invitation only. However, walk ups are available to the public!

Grand Opening Next Weekend (5/4-5/5):

Mark your calendars for our grand opening next weekend! It's going to be a celebration of flavors, community, and the joy of good food and drinks. Bring your friends and family to experience the vibrant atmosphere and indulge in our delectable creations.

Location and Details:

Find us at 3911 Ambrosia St. Castle Rock and follow us on social media @hanger_mgmt_cr and @coffeesarap for updates, behind-the-scenes peeks, and more.

We can't wait to welcome you to H’anger MGMT and Coffee Sarap as we embark on this delicious journey together!

More Changes Coming to Coffee Sarap in February!

The Mahal Fog will be coming back this February!

Dear Coffee Sarap Family,

As we step into February, we at Coffee Sarap are thrilled to unveil some exciting changes and updates that will enhance your coffee experience with us. Please remember that we are a very small business and are still learning and growing this business as best we can. However, we are committed to serving you delicious Filipino-inspired beverages that celebrate our rich cultural heritage, and we're excited to share what's brewing this month!

Changes in Location: First and foremost, we want to inform you that we will no longer be serving inside Cakeheads Bakery. Our heartfelt thanks go out to the Cakeheads team and all of you who made our time there so special. Our last days at Cakeheads will be on February 1st and 2nd. While it's bittersweet to say goodbye to our cozy spot inside Cakeheads, we're eager to embark on this new chapter and continue serving you with the same passion and dedication.

Potential Adjustments in Opening Days: Additionally, we want to be transparent about potential adjustments in our opening days for February. Due to staffing considerations, there might be fewer days when our cart is open this month. However, rest assured that we are doing everything we can to ensure that we remain operational on as many days as possible. For real-time updates on our operating hours, we encourage you to refer to our calendar schedule on our website coffeesarap.com, where you can find the latest information on when we'll be serving up your favorite coffee delights.

New Menu Items: To add an extra dash of excitement to your coffee adventures with us, we're introducing some tantalizing new menu items for February! Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with innovative creations that infuse traditional Filipino flavors with modern twists. Whether you're craving something sweet, savory, or simply irresistible, our new offerings are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.

We're immensely grateful for your continued support and enthusiasm for Coffee Sarap. Each cup we serve represents a piece of our heritage and a shared love for great coffee, and we're honored to be a part of your daily rituals and special moments.

Thank you for joining us on this journey, and we can't wait to share these exciting changes with you throughout February and beyond. Stay tuned for more updates, surprises, and of course, plenty of delicious coffee!

Warmest regards,

Chelsey and Hannah

CEOs of Coffee Sarap

2024 Changes: Exciting Updates From Coffee Sarap

Hello, Coffee Sarap supporters! We hope this blog post finds you well, filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the warmth of Filipino-inspired flavors. We're thrilled to share some exciting changes happening at Coffee Sarap, as we continue our journey of bringing you the best specialty crafted drinks that embody the richness of our Filipino culture.

Embracing Creativity with a Revamped Menu

At Coffee Sarap, we've always strived to offer unique and culturally rich drinks that transport you to the heart of the Philippines with every sip. To enhance your experience, we've decided to make our current menu more focused and innovative. By streamlining our offerings, we can devote more time and attention to each drink, ensuring every cup is a masterpiece of flavor.

Our updated menu is on the home page of our website and also at the end of this blog post!

Introducing Our Specials: A Burst of Flavor in Every Sip

In line with our commitment to creativity, we're thrilled to introduce a range of exciting drink specials. These specials will showcase the diverse and vibrant flavors of our Filipino-American culture. Be prepared to be surprised and delighted with every visit as our specials rotate regularly, providing a fresh experience every time.

Changes to Boba Availability: A Special Treat for our Fans

In our pursuit of refining our menu and enhancing creativity, we've decided to limit the availability of our beloved boba drinks. However, fear not! Boba enthusiasts, you can still get your fix by reaching out to us in advance. If you're planning to swing by and are craving the delightful chewiness of boba pearls, simply send us a direct message or drop us an email at coffeesarapco@gmail.com, and we'll make sure your boba dreams come true.

Flexible Hours for Family Time and Demand

As a mobile coffee cart, we understand the importance of balancing work and family life. To better accommodate the demand for our unique drinks and ensure we have quality time with our families, we're adjusting our days and hours of operation. By doing so, we hope to continue serving you the best coffee and drinks while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Please make sure to check out our calendar under “Schedule” to see where we will be

Connect with Us for a Sip of Sarap!

These changes are all geared towards enhancing your Coffee Sarap experience. We invite you to join us on this exciting journey as we continue to bring you the finest in Filipino-inspired specialty drinks. Don't forget to follow us on social media for the latest updates, and if you're craving boba or have any special requests, reach out to us via DM or email.

Thank you for your unwavering support, and we can't wait to share more Coffee Sarap moments with you soon!

Crafting Connection: A Filipino-American Tradition of Making Parols on Noche Buena

It’s almost Christmas time! But first, we celebrate Noche Buena, the Filipino Christmas Eve feast. Noche Buena is a time of joy, togetherness, and cherished traditions. And we would like to share one of our families’ newfound tradition of making Philippine parols—a symbol of light and hope—during Noche Buena. Below is a step by step instruction on how we make parols every Noche Buena with our children, and now you can to!

Embracing Two Cultures:

As Filipina-Americans, the holiday season is a poignant reminder of the duality of our identity. Balancing the rich traditions of the Philippines with the unique experiences of being part of the American melting pot can be a challenge. However, the creation of parols serves as a beautiful fusion of these two worlds and something that I can share with my children and their multifaceted heritage.

Building Bridges Through Craft:

In adapting this tradition, Filipino-Americans are not just replicating an age-old custom but also using it as a means to build bridges between generations and cultures. The process of making parols becomes a time for families to bond, share stories, and impart the significance of the lantern in Filipino culture.

Materials and Techniques:

Crafting parols is a hands-on process that involves various materials and techniques. Bamboo frames are carefully shaped into a star, and colorful paper or cellophane is intricately cut and attached to create a vibrant, luminous effect. Families often gather to cut, paste, and assemble, turning the act of creation into a communal experience.

how to make a parol:

Materials you'll need:

1. Bamboo sticks (at least 6 per star)

2. Dowels (at least 5)

3. Colored cellophane or tissue paper

4. Glue (I like to use a hot glue gun)

5. Scissors

6. String or small rubberbands

7. Optional: Christmas lights or LED candles

Step 1: Gather Materials

Collect all the materials you'll need for making the parol. Ensure you have enough bamboo sticks, dowels, cellophane or tissue paper in various colors, glue, scissors, string or small rubberbands, and optional Christmas lights or LED candles.

Step 2: Prepare the Bamboo Frame

Begin forming the points of the star by connecting two sticks to form a “v” shape. Secure at the point with a rubber band (do not glue!). Do this once more, so you have two sets of connected “v’s”. Take the two “v” shapes and position them across each other to form a new “A” shape, the points should be facing up. Connect the open end with a rubber band. Complete the star shape by adding in one single length stick. Connect to each open end with rubber bands. Carefully adjust the shape of the star so that it is to your liking.

Step 3: Add Small Dowels

Connect the points of the star with small dowels to strengthen the frame. Glue additional bamboo sticks across the points of the star to create a more solid structure. Let the glue dry.

Step 4: Cut Cellophane or Tissue Paper

Cut the colored cellophane or Japanese paper into strips or pieces. The size of the pieces depends on your preference and the size of the parol. You can cut them into long strips or smaller squares.

Step 5: Attach Cellophane or Tissue Paper

Apply glue to the bamboo frame, and carefully attach the cut cellophane or Japanese paper to the frame. Cover each section of the frame with different colors to create a vibrant and colorful effect. Repeat this process until the entire frame is covered.

Step 6: Add Details

If you want to add more details, you can cut additional shapes from the colored paper and glue them onto the parol. Traditional parols often feature intricate patterns and designs.

Step 7: Attach String or Wire

Attach a string or thin wire to one of the points of the star. This will be used to hang the parol. Make sure it's securely attached.

Step 8: Optional - Add Lights

If you want to make your parol glow, you can insert Christmas lights or LED candles through the cellophane or Japanese paper. Be sure to secure the lights in place and conceal the wires.

Step 9: Hang and Enjoy

Hang your finished parol in a prominent place, and enjoy the festive and colorful glow it brings to your home.

Remember to get creative and personalize your parol according to your preferences and the materials you have available.

Chelsey’s (co-owner of Coffee Sarap) daughter holding up her parol that she made on Noche Buena

Conclusion:

In the heart of Filipino-American homes, the glow of handmade parols during Noche Buena symbolizes the warmth of cultural connection. Through this beautiful blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary adaptation, a new holiday tradition is born—one that celebrates the richness of being Filipino-American and the enduring spirit of Noche Buena.

Coffee Sarap: Featured on Instagram's AAPI Foodie Fam

We are thrilled to share the exciting news that our unique and culturally infused beverages have been featured on Instagram's AAPI Foodie Fam page. This recognition not only celebrates our commitment to exceptional coffee but also highlights the vibrant influence of Filipino culture in every cup.

From Our Roots to Your Cup: The Filipino Heritage at Coffee Sarap

At Coffee Sarap, we take pride in our Filipino roots, and it reflects in every aspect of our business. Our journey begins with a deep appreciation for the diverse and robust flavors that define Filipino cuisine. From the bustling streets of Manila to the serene landscapes of the Philippines, our heritage is embedded in the heart of our coffee-making process.

Crafting Culture in a Cup: Our Specialty Beverages

Our specialty beverages are a fusion of traditional Filipino ingredients and modern coffee craftsmanship. Imagine sipping on a cup of our signature coffee, infused with the warmth of ube (a purple yam) and the aromatic essence of pandan (tropical leaf from Southeast Asia). Each sip is a journey through the rich tapestry of Filipino flavors, a delightful homage to the culinary treasures of our homeland.

Instagram's AAPI Foodie Fam Spotlight: A Celebration of Culture

Being featured on Instagram's AAPI Foodie Fam page is a testament to our commitment to showcasing the diversity and excellence of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) culinary experiences. The spotlight on Coffee Sarap is not just about our beverages; it's a celebration of our mixed Filipino and American culture and its profound impact on the global food scene.

Connecting Through Coffee: Building Community Beyond Borders

Coffee has a magical way of bringing people together, transcending geographical boundaries. Our featured spotlight on AAPI Foodie Fam has enabled us to connect with coffee enthusiasts, foodies, and individuals who appreciate the cultural nuances woven into each sip. We believe in building a community that cherishes the rich tapestry of flavors and stories behind every cup.

Sharing the Joy: The Future of Coffee Sarap

As we bask in the glory of this Instagram feature, we are fueled by the passion to continue sharing the joy of Filipino-inspired coffee with the world. Our commitment to quality, cultural authenticity, and community-building remains unwavering. The future holds exciting possibilities as we explore new avenues to spread the delicious legacy of Coffee Sarap.

Join us on this delightful journey of flavors and cultural exploration at Coffee Sarap. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Instagram's AAPI Foodie Fam for recognizing and celebrating the essence of our Filipino heritage in every sip. Together, let's raise our cups to a future filled with the aroma of exceptional coffee and the warmth of shared cultural experiences. Mabuhay! (Cheers!)

*For the full post, check out @aapifoodiefam on Instagram*

Pasko Menu: Brewing Filipino Christmas Traditions at Coffee Sarap

The holiday season in the Philippines is not just a time of festive decorations and joyful carols; it's a celebration deeply rooted in the country's rich history and vibrant culture. At Coffee Sarap, we are delighted to embrace the spirit of Christmas by introducing our special Pasko menu. Each beverage in this menu is crafted with love, inspired by Filipino traditions, and named with intention.

Kape ng Pasko Series (Christmas Coffee Series):

1. Noche Buena Presko:

   • Significance: Named after the traditional celebration Noche Buena, which translates to “Good Night”, and is the celebration of the night before Christmas where Filipinos typically have a big feast after midnight Mass, or Simbang Gabi.

   • Drink inspiration: Our Noche Buena Presko is our delicious cold brew topped with cheese foam. The cheese foam was inspired by one of Noche Buena’s traditional dishes, “queso de bola” or Edam cheese. The saltiness of the cheese foam pairs perfectly with the chocolate, nuttiness of our cold brew.

2. Noche Buena Bubble Tsaa:

   • Significance: Same as above but as a bubble milk tea version.

   • Drink inspiration: Our Noche Buena Bubble Tsaa is made with wintermelon tea and topped with our cheese foam. Wintermelon is a type of melon that has a mild, sweet flavor and with the addition of the cheese foam, is both refreshing and indulgent. Filipinos love the sweet and salty combination and this drink embodies the interplay of those flavors.

3. Bibingka Latte:

   • Significance: Christmas in the Philippines is not done without bibingka, a traditional Filipino rice cake. It is a sweet, and sometimes salty, delicacy and is seen at almost every dinner table during the holiday season.

   • Drink inspiration: Although bibingka can have various toppings such as salted duck eggs, cheese, or grated coconut, we at Coffee Sarap, love our bibingka with coconut the best. Our bibingka latte is made with sweet coconut rice milk, our delicious espresso, and topped with coconut flakes.

4. Kendi Kane:

   • Significance: The Kendi Kane was one of our first holiday drinks we created last year and was so popular that we decided to bring it back! The name is what gives its significance since there is no letter “C” in the Philippine alphabet and instead many Tagalog words are used with the letter “K” such as “Kendi” for “candy”.

   • Drink inspiration: Because the name of the drink was created first, our inspiration was to make a drink that resulted in the flavor of a traditional candy cane. Our Kendi Kane is a white chocolate, peppermint latte that will instantly put you in the Christmas spirit.

Mainit na Tsokolate Series (Hot Chocolate Series): This series is dedicated to our children and their love of hot cocoa and children movies

1. Grinch Cocoa:

   • Significance: A Grinch hot cocoa is a festive and whimsical twist on traditional hot cocoa inspired by the character "The Grinch" from Dr. Seuss' classic holiday tale, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas."

   • Drink inspiration: To emulate the Grinch’s green appearance, we decided to incorporate our sweet pandan milk, peppermint syrup, and chocolate sauce, and top it with our delicious vanilla bean cream and sprinkles

2. Anna Cocoa:

   • Significance: This hot cocoa is inspired by Anna from Frozen! Anna is known for her lively and adventurous personality, and her purple attire.

   • Drink inspiration: Her purple clothing is the distinction we needed to integrate our specialty ube hot cocoa, except this time we top it with the vanilla bean cream and sprinkles to give it the extra “liveliness”

3. Elsa Cocoa

   • Significance: This hot cocoa is inspired by the Snow Queen herself, Elsa from Frozen! Elsa’s personality is both elegant and enchanting and we made a cocoa that embodies just that.

   • Drink inspiration: With her elegant blue dress in mind, we infused our milk with butterfly pea tea to create that minty blue color. Then added white chocolate and vanilla to bring out the enchanting richness of this cocoa. And like all the cocoas in this series, our excellent vanilla bean cream and sprinkles top this beloved drink.

As we celebrate the magic of Filipino Christmas at Coffee Sarap with our Pasko menu, we invite you to join us in embracing the warmth and traditions that make this season truly special. Each sip tells a story, a story of family, love, and the unique cultural tapestry that defines the holidays in the Philippines.

To stay updated on our menu specials, exclusive deals, and more, sign up for our email list. We'll be sharing the joy of the season with our subscribers, ensuring you never miss a sip of the festive magic.

From our coffee family to yours, Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon! (Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!) 🎄☕️✨

Watch Coffee Sarap on Denver7

Coffee Sarap was recently featured on Denver7 because of the close ties to a family suffering from the Lahaina Fire. To watch the full news segment, see below

Financial support encouraged to help Maui and avoid a 'second disaster'

'Second disaster' occurs when well-intentioned goods overwhelm disaster zone

Posted: 9:11 AM, Aug 14, 2023

Updated: 1:58 PM, Aug 14, 2023

By: Colette Bordelon

CASTLE ROCK, Colo. — The death toll of the Maui wildfires has reached 96 people, meaning it is the deadliest wildfire in more than a century in United States. That is only expected to rise as the search for missing people continues.

In Castle Rock, Chelsey Solemsaas has a deep connection with Lahaina. One of her best friends, who she met while attending college in Hawaii, was born and raised in Lahaina. Her name is Keisha Pagdilao, and she currently lives on Oahu.

“She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat. It was almost over 24 hours where she didn't know if her family was safe or not. She just knew that the fires were happening and she couldn't reach anyone," Solemsaas said, explaining that cell towers are destroyed and it is difficult to reach people on Maui.

Pagdilao's twin sister is a firefighter in Lahaina.

"She never cries. She is like the most level-headed. She was meant to be a firefighter," Solemsaas said. "But, she was crying. And she told Keisha, Lahaina's gone, everything's gone. And then because of the fires, the phone cut out. Just completely lost.”

RELATED: Here's how you can help Maui residents amid deadly wildfires

The family lost everything in the fire, including an extended family member. Hearing what one of her best friend's family was experiencing made Solemsaas feel helpless, and she had to do something. Her support came in the form of her business Coffee Sarap, and a drink called the Lahaina Latte. Half of the proceeds from the latte will be donated directly to the Pagdilao family.

“I had a customer come up to me the next day, and she was part of the Marshall Fire. And she gave me cash, like, just right up front, and she goes, 'Is there any way you can get this to your friend?' And I said, 'Oh, absolutely. Like, thank you so much,'" Solemsaas recalled. “'People donated a bunch of stuff to us from the Marshall Fire.' She goes, 'I got an instant pot but I have no kitchen to plug it into. I needed money, not things.' And so I thought that was just such a powerful statement in itself.”

The Pagdilao family GoFundMe reached half of their goal, and Denver7 verified the fundraiser through GoFundMe.

For the full article, see https://www.denver7.com/news/front-range/castle-rock/financial-support-encouraged-to-help-maui-and-avoid-a-second-disaster

We are asking for your help!

We have some big plans ahead and would love your help and support! To help support us, please consider donating to us at https://ifundwomen.com/projects/help-fund-sampaguitas-doctors-bills