Chew on This: NewBo coffee shop opening soon

A new coffee shop in the New Bohemia District will allow shoppers to get their coffee and their flowers in one spot.

Kismet Coffee & Bloom — a flower cafe and coffee roaster — will open soon in the former Dostal House, 1000 Third St. SE in Cedar Rapids.

Owners Maya Gonlubol and her husband, Jeremiah Kasner, plan to open the shop later this month. A porch party is planned for Friday to coincide with the Cider Stroll, giving those who are curious a chance to peek at one of their fall specials, the Apple Carrot Tonic, as well as the flower bar.

Rodina chef named Chef of the Year

Chef Samuel Charles, who works for Rodina in the Czech Village, was named Chef of the Year Oct. 7 by the Iowa Restaurant Association.

“This year’s winners exemplify diversity and opportunity in our industry,” said Jessica Dunker, president and CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association. “From an entrepreneur who built a national pizza chain, to a chef that offers award winning cuisine, to an immigrant restaurateur introducing Iowans to African signature dishes, this year’s winners cover the gamut in business model, value proposition and customer experience. There is a reason the honorees and their establishments have not just survived, but thrived, in a post-COVID recovery and we can’t wait to feature their stories in the coming weeks.”

The association will present its annual awards Nov. 15 at the Community Choice Convention Center in Des Moines.

Cider Stroll planned for Friday

An apple-themed event for those over 21 is happening this Friday in the New Bohemia and Czech Village District.

From 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, sample apple-themed drinks and treats — both alcoholic and non-alcoholic — in retail locations around the Czech Village and New Bohemia. Apple-themed specials will be featured at local restaurants.

Find a Cider Stroll Map at participating businesses. Luminaries will mark participating locations.

Memorial Service for former restaurateur

A memorial service is planned for Brett Klein, a former restaurateur and owner of Grin N’ Goose in downtown Cedar Rapids.

Klein died Sept. 30 at the age of 40 after “a short illness,” according to his obituary. A celebration of life will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Nov. 13 at Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre in Cedar Rapids, 2121 Bowling St. SW.

The obituary says Klein found his love for the bar business while working in Johnny Poppers and had his first bar tending job at Moose McDuffy’s in Cedar Rapids before he helped open the Keystone in Elkader in 2001.

Klein was able to fulfill a “lifelong dream” when he opened Grin ‘N Goose in 2017.

“Grin ‘N Goose was opened, and Brett loved every minute of it,” the obituary said, calling him "a driving force in the bar/restaurant industry.”

Grin ‘N Goose at 227 Second Ave. SE closed June 26. The location has since become Cliff’s Dive Bar and Grill.

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