Pouring out passion
To say Valorie Steinbeck loves coffee would probably be a misrepresentation of her full passion.
She really, really loves coffee.
For her, the warm dark beverage (with a little cream and sugar to taste) is more than a drink, though: it’s a memory.
Steinbeck started drinking coffee, with a lot of milk added, when she was 3 years old. It was the thing that connected her and her mother together – they could talk over a cup of coffee, spend time just the two of them together, and do their own thing together.
Now as an adult, Valorie hopes to embody that welcoming vibe in her and her husband’s newest endeavor.
The Cape Coral couple will open the Twisted Bean Cafe in Seagrape Plaza Friday, Jan. 6. The coffee and light-bites spot is geared both for grab-and-go customers as well as the loitering crowd who may want to settle in with the free wifi and a charging station to get some work done.
Her husband Steve Steinbeck said her vision and creativity is what will keep people coming back to their new endeavor. The two both had previous careers, but always wanted to move to be near the watr.
“Nothing is better than the ocean breeze in your face and a good cup of coffee in your hand,” Valorie said.
But it took Valorie a month just to find the right coffee to serve.
Steinbeck wanted to be sure she was pouring the best cup of joe around, and she was looking for a specific flavor: something creamy and rich, not bitter.
She toured the state looking for a local roaster with her palate. She knew she had found the right producer when she was able to drink an espresso straight, no cream or sugar necessary.
The Steinbecks are serving up Oceana Coffee of Jupiter. The beans are roasted in Florida by the company owners, Scott and Amy Angelo. The Angelos were the overall champion on the 2016 Compak Golden Bean Competition, which judged more than 700 different coffees.
Besides a Florida roaster, the Steinbecks are trying to serve up other food items that are as locally-sourced as possible. The breads and pastries are coming from Cusanos Bakery of Coconut Creek, and they are getting other gourmet food items from vendors in state.
In addition to award-winning coffee, the Twisted Bean will serve pastries, smoothies and acai bowls with fresh fruits, as well as some snack sliders.
“There will be healthy and not-so-healthy things,” she said.
With the combination of offerings, Valorie hopes her shop will appeal to the diverse population of Fort Myers Beach – children, adults, retirees, locals, vacationers, and even the spring breakers. She’s developed a special “hangover” smoothie just for the late-night crowds, with hydrators and protein to get the body going again, she said.
“Her dream and vision is right on point, attracting the locals and visitors and giving a warm welcome to all,” Steve Steinback said.
The shop can cater pastries for gatherings and get togethers; local fishing charters can pick up coffee-to-go for the sail out. For now, the couple plans to run the shop from 7 a.m.to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m.to 1 p.m. Sunday, but will adjust their hours as they learn the needs of their customers.
“I want to know everyone’s name when they walk in the door,” Valorie said.