The search for coffee’s perfect companion

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This article was published 16/08/2021 (1512 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A couple of Maples residents are on the hunt to solve one of life’s greatest mysteries: What pairs best with coffee?

This fall, cousins Lou and Lyn Alarkon are launching Coffee With X, one of their initiatives born out of the pandemic.

Coffee With X aims to give businesses in Manitoba an opportunity to rebound from the economic turmoil triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic and to reconnect with the community.

“It’s just something to promote the local food industry and the local food makers,” Lou said. “They’re one of the hardest-impacted industries. Our goal is to drive business to them.”

“Our goal is to just help the community to keep on moving on,” Lyn added.

Similar to events like Le Burger Week — restaurants flaunt their best burger recipe in a battle for bragging rights — Coffee With X asks restaurants, eateries, and cafes across Manitoba to present their prized cup of joe and/or an unforgettable treat that pairs well with it.

Whichever business receives the most votes, wins a cash prize, a trophy, and a donation to a local charity of its choice. There are a handful of other prize categories, as well.

The event will take place Oct. 23 to Nov. 6. Pre-registration is required; the early bird deadline is Aug. 29 and final registration is Sept. 19.

“Coffee is basically the cornerstone of communication; you have it when you’re doing business meetings, when you have a date, or when you just have life conversations,” Lou said.

“We have to keep places like these alive. It’s what keeps the neighbourhood safe and engaged and, I think, progressive.”

The Alarkons are founders of creative management firm Alark Co. Together, they’ve organized a number of events and initiatives, including Pinta! Paint Series, GameFest Winnipeg, Around the World in Winnipeg, and Bite Back Winnipeg.

For more information, visit www.alarkco.com or www.coffeewithx.ca