The Highlander Cafe is an integral part of campus and is a student-run establishment managed by Chef Carrie Smith. The cafe is open every Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. for both students and staff to get an extra pick me up for the day. The cafe offers a wide variety of drinks, including teas, coffees and ice blended drinks. In addition to all of the above, the cafe now offers a new addition to the menu, the popular drink which is a Matcha Green Tea Latte. As well as an opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience of working in a culinary institute. Senior Fernando Jaimez, who works at the cafe shared, “I think that the cafe has made such a big impact on my learning.”
As matcha has become a new hyperfixation for people, to the point of a matcha shortage occurring throughout the world, according to NBC new in April. The tea itself is rich in antioxidants specifically catechins like EGCG which has been proven to reduce inflammation. As well as L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and enhances cognitive function by increasing alpha brain wave activities. The global demand for matcha has surged driven by its health benefits and popularity on social media. Japan, the primary producer of matcha, has faced challenges meeting these demands due to limited seasonal harvesting and declining number of tea farmers.
The cafe has special versions of matcha latte such as adding different flavorings or a special cold foam on top. These flavors are lavender, vanilla, and strawberry. Not only does it have new drinks but also a testament of the greatness from students here on campus. Sophomore Katelynn Sodek shared, “It’s a great example of how students can come together to support something that benefits the entire student body.”
