Where Matcha and Mocha Meet: A Confluence of Culture in a Queens Cafe
By Colter Sienkiewicz and Alex Verbesey
A small fusion coffee shop nestled in Jackson Heights, Queens, combines the traditional caffeinated drink with Japanese cuisine.
JACKSON HEIGHTS — As a customer opens the door of 969 NYC Coffee, the rich smell of Matcha Tea and black coffee wafts through the air.
The cafe, tucked between Little Colombia and Little India, is a fusion of traditions. Upon entering, one can find a coffee menu harmoniously hanging beside a Matcha menu. The space can be seen as a symbol of the integration of many cultures, not only in Jackson Heights, but also in the United States.
Everyday at 7 a.m., Oda Mitsumine opens the cafe to begin the meticulous work of making his well-known Japanese cuisine. Since having moved to Queens, Mr. Mitsumine has enjoyed the unique backgrounds of people in Jackson Heights. The cafe serves food and drinks all day long to a diverse array of customers who are treated like family. “Everybody is nice, customers are nice,” he said.
Mr. Mitsumine makes many of his native dishes but also serves a large menu of hot and cold specialty beverages, such as an Iced Matcha Latte or espresso. The front of the cafe appears as a typical coffee house, but, in a unique twist, offers a small East Asian market selling things such a mochi and pork rind chips.
Mr. Mitsumine was born in Chiba, Japan. After immigrating to the United States in 2009, he opened the cafe in 2016. “America has opportunity,” he said when asked why he left his home country. When Mr. Mitsumine came to New York, he opened Just Sushi in Manhattan, but after three years, he closed that restaurant and moved to Queens to open a coffee shop. “I like coffee,” he said. “You can’t find a lot in Japan.”
Before coming to New York, Mr. Mitsumine worked in the kitchen of a five star restaurant in Tokyo gaining much of the cooking experience he uses today.
Mr. Mitsumine’s devotion to his work can be seen through the food. “Don’t think about the money, come from the heart,” he said. He wants his customers to be happy. Anything he does, he does as well as he can.
With an ear for stories and a warm smile, Mr. Mitsumine will patiently listen to any customer who will talk with him. “I want to listen,” he said. “I want someone to talk and teach me.”
His care and empathy for the community and his customers has raised his profile in Jackson Heights. His humor is contagious. When asked about his age, he replied “Older than your father.” As a child, the lack of educational opportunity available to him has spurred his lifelong goal to learn as much as he can. He also encourages younger generations to read and listen as much as possible.
In the current times of partisan politics and pressing social issues. Mr. Mitsumine continues to get up every morning and serve the customers he loves. He hopes that his cafe stays a safe, friendly environment for the community.
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