Lov A-Da Coffee Serves Up Sushi, Too

Coffee fiends in Bradenton have something to rejoice about, and they're not the only ones. Sushi fanatics and live entertainment aficionados do, too.

That's because the family owned and operated Cuban espresso bar, , has something to offer for everyone. Ever since opening their doors in August of 2009, the staff at Lov A-Da Coffee has made it their mission to provide the best coffee and the finest customer service available in Bradenton.

Mark Eman, owner of Lov A-Da Coffee, was born and raised in Curaçao, an island in the south Caribbean. It wasn't until 11 years ago when he relocated to Miami that he tasted the sweet, smooth and highly caffeinated beverage, Cuban espresso, for the first time. He's been hooked ever since.

In April, 2009, Eman relocated again – this time to Bradenton, in order to be closer to his children.

"We wanted to do something together as a family," said his daughter, Jaci, and that's how Lov A-Da Coffee came into existence just four months later. Undertones of the Emans' close-knit family values are reflected in Lov A-Da Coffee's approach to business, where ties to the local community are just as strong as the espresso served. It's this characteristic that truly sets Lov A-Da Coffee apart from its neighboring big-name competitors like Starbucks and Panera Bread.

"Our biggest thing is customer service," says Jaci. "We love seeing our customers come back again and again, and we really like to get to know them. We strive for a relaxed, 'at home' atmosphere where you can come to study or read – or even go on a comfortable, stress-free first date."

Jaci also emphasizes that customer feedback is one of the most important elements of Lov A-Da Coffee, where patrons have the freedom to order virtually any beverage creation they can dream up – even if it's not on coffee bar's already-extensive menu.

It comes as no surprise that Lov A-Da Coffee's diverse menu is the shop's other greatest attribute. To the consumer whose appetite is whet by diversity, look no further. The beverage menu itself is impressive, with unique, wacky-sounding concoctions such as "Chai-Ay-Ay" (a sweet chai with a hint of orange) and "Pajama Princess" (two shots of Cuban espresso with white chocolate and raspberry flavoring). In addition, a variety of fruit smoothies are also available, as well as beer for the 21-and-older crowd.

Lov A-Da Coffee also serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Typical soup, salad and sandwich options are available, but like its drink menu, the food choices at Lov A-Da Coffee extend beyond typical café fare. Its signature dish, Po-Poyo, for instance, features Spanish rice and black beans with cheese, tomatoes, sour cream and the shop's own special "Lov A-Da Sauce."

And the most unique item on the menu, though, is Lov A-Da Coffee's latest addition: Sushi.

Although it may seem out of the ordinary, the unusual nature of the menu item has certainly not hindered its popularity. Perhaps it's the weekly "All You Can Eat Sushi" deal that Lov A-Da Coffee offers, or the entertainment value of watching the sushi chef prepare fresh rolls right at the counter that keeps customers coming back for more.

"Our poor sushi chef often has to work 10- to 12-hour days non-stop," Jaci said with a sympathetic chuckle. "It's just really popular."

The shop's espresso bar is also a regular hot-spot for live entertainment. Every Thursday night, Lov A-Da Coffee hosts performances by Allie Leydon, a talented local teenager who writes and performs her own music. On Friday evenings, karaoke night draws a large, primarily teenage crowd that fills the building. On Saturdays, a diverse group of all ages gathers for open mic night, where local musicians, artists, and poets share their original work. Lov A-Da Coffee's Facebook page has more than 3,000 fans, and the coffee shop communicates most of its events via the social networking site.

Jonathan James is a regular customer who frequently utilizes the coffee shop's free Wi-Fi to work on his Internet-based business. When asked what makes Lov A-Da Coffee such a fantastic addition to the community, James finds it impossible to choose just one thing.

"Well, first there's the Cuban coffee, and of course the staff. ... I also really enjoy the space and the atmosphere – it's just got a really great feeling because it's always so full of energy with all the young people that come in. And have you heard about their sushi? Oh, man. You have got to try the sushi."