Ayat Elhag
Ayat Elhag is a woman of many talents. Not only is she paving the way for Sudanese coffee in DC, but is also a trained Muy Thai Fighter. Her mission is to use coffee as a reason for people to gather instead of fuel to be consumed on the go. This philosophy comes from her Sudanese roots and extends to YELLOW, the coffee shop where she makes the magic happen. This busy Breaking Down highlights just how much joy and hard work the coffee industry demands.
Breaking Down With Ayat Elhag
“I wake up in Annandale, VA and commute into DC. The most east coast thing about me is my road rage. Time to stare at my cat, and think about what I want to wear. I’ve always enjoyed self expression through fashion–what feels the most affirming today? First cup of coffee: v60 pour over - Lucio Luque - Geisha variety - Cusco, Peru”
“I arrive at YELLOW. I forced myself to become a morning person when I started working in coffee 8 years ago. I like to taste the drip and espresso every morning. Our drip is a rotating single origin, and right now it’s a Bolivian bean called Nueva Llusta from Counter Culture. This bean helped me first experience and understand mouthfeel and texture in coffee. Espresso is a lot more finicky.”
“A blur of time passes: staring at my laptop, taking an order, answering emails, running food, steaming a drink or two, making a change to our playlist (YELLOW the Playlist on Spotify). I have another coffee–this time a macchiato. Whole milk, if I’m feeling it. I drink it in 45 seconds.”
“YELLOW is a high energy cafe, definitely. I like those moments just as much as I like the quieter times. I love how cafes can be both energizing and restorative, and the supportive role they play in people’s lives. Maybe I should drink some water. Probably eat a sfeeha (our lamb meat pie), the item on the menu I most love.
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“Time for another coffee as I leave. The specialty coffee drinks at YELLOW reflect how much fun I believe coffee can be. My family is from Sudan, and there is a very rich culture and tradition surrounding this beverage. Coffee in America feels so utilitarian sometimes. Where is the pleasure? I usually oscillate between the coconut cardamom or our seasonal espresso tonic. The former is a flash brewed iced coffee with a coconut and cardamom cold foam, a fun and creamy way to drink an iced coffee that is still light on your palette. The latter is currently an apricot espresso tonic, fruity, zingy, espresso gives it some base–come try it out.”
“Sit in more traffic. Experience more road rage. Remind myself it’s not that deep.”
“Lotus Thai Boxing. I am an amateur Muay Thai fighter., I started a little over 6 years ago when I was looking for a hobby. I have an all or nothing type of personality and had no idea what I was walking into. This gym has taught me so much about choosing humility, and how to keep my cool when everything feels like it’s on fire. The playlist here also bangs.
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“Pho 24. I am here at least 2 nights a week, nursing a bowl of pho ga. I could write a love letter to this chicken broth.”
“Somehow I’m staring at my cat again, and will probably fall asleep with the lights on. Enforcing a bedtime is really difficult.”