What’s better than an all-new cafe serving up delectable and regional treats? One that also doubles as a lifestyle hub of course.
That marriage of food and familiarity comes in the form of Forin, a new cafe opening up Monday in Kensington tucked inside Harbison’s Dairy, which was recently refurbished and turned into a boutique residential and commercial space. The new concept comes from Seth Kligerman, Kyle Horne, and Will Landicho, and the bi-level cafe’s main focus is to feature local and regional producers, boasting carefully sourced coffees, farm fresh smoothies, and artisanal pastries and breads from local makers.
Cafe Forin marks the first venture for the partners, who say they came together on this particular project due to their bond of worldly experiences and passion for hospitality. According to the release, Kligerman boasts over 10 years of hospitality experience, holding executive positions at hotels and restaurants spanning national and international locations, including Kimpton Hotels. Horne hails from public charter education, having served in a number of roles within Philly, and most recently HR consulting. Having lived abroad, Horne’s favorite moments are always spent at a neighborhood cafe, watching the local scene unfold. Landicho enters Forîn with over 12 years of hospitality experience in key executive roles. From nurturing guest relationships at Hilton and Marriott and most recently Urby, a fresh take on modern apartment living, Landicho’s passion is to curate hospitable moments for others.
Forin has tapped into the experts at Moonraker Coffee Roasters to make their main event: The co-branded Latin House Blend coffee. This particular blend boasts hints of dark chocolate, amaretto, citrus and cherry, or diners can check out their Espresso, which is made with a blend of Panamanian and Ethopian beans. There’s also an experimental side to the new coffee spot with pour-over options there for those whose tastebuds want something a little bit different.
In other news, Triangle Roasters will provide three varieties on the menu, including a custom Ethiopian blend made exclusively for Forîn. Another local brewer new to the scene, Persimmon Roasters, has roasted a single origin from Huila, Colombia, which boasts sugar, peach, and lime. Other specials that can be seen on the opening beverage menu include the Forîn Soda, featuring espresso, chaga, sparkling water and grapefruit, and the Pistachio Iced Latte with espresso and pistachio milk.
Then of course, there are those who aren’t as keen on caffeine, and for them, Forin offers an ever-evolving list of seasonal sips that currently include: Guava Iced Tea and the Harbison’s NA Spritz, boasting non alcoholic aperitif, local kombucha, soda, and mint.
The release also states that Forîn’s roster of cafe bites counterbalance the robust coffee and beverage menu. Guests will find cookies and brownies from Darnel’s Cakes, Kismet Bagels, croissant varieties from Au Fournil, plus seasonal specialties and pop-ups. A house specialty smoothie, made with yogurt and dairy milk from Lancaster Farm Fresh Co-Op, banana, cacao nibs from Triangle Roasters and blue majik, a spirulina powder that transforms the entire smoothie into a blue superfood concoction.
If you haven’t noticed, everything on the menu takes a little bit of the region and puts it on display for Philadelphians to sink their teeth into.
“Because this is our first ‘solo’ venture, we really had the freedom to make decisions on who we partner with, what we carry and so on,” says Landicho in a statement. “We wanted to make sure we used that power for good and elevate other small, independent businesses — like ourselves — that align with our values and provide products and experiences our guests can trust.”
Coffee may bring the guests in, but the creative hub is what will make patrons stay. The cafe will serve as a welcoming space for creatives, with a few offerings specifically put there to create a community. Those who head to the new Kensington venue can expect to find thought-inspiring workspaces and lively artistic programming, plus private events and catering capabilities. In the months to come, Philadelphians can also look out for pop-ups with existing partners, neighbors and small businesses.
“We wanted to provide guests with the experience of travel at Forîn — a place you can go for great coffee, unique lifestyle goods and a creative atmosphere. The key for us is to highlight this concept of travel but also equally highlight the amazing talent that Philly has to offer in the lifestyle and F&B realms,” Kligerman added in a statement.
For shoppers, local goods at Forin is also the only way to go. According to the release, minimalist garments, accessories and home goods will be among Forîn’s lifestyle selections from independent makers, including: Frunzi Ceramics, The Corner Store, Wynnefield Candle Company, SCB Naturals and more. Forîn’s clothing selection will highlight both local and international designers, such as Paratodo, HardenCO, Soulland, Bather and Kestin. To round out their retail offerings, Forîn teamed up with Triangle Roasters, again, in order to introduce a unique chocolate bar, consisting of Haitian Pisa chocolate, oat milk, and maldon sea salt — which also happens to be completely vegan.
“Just as important to us as working with thoughtfully selected partners and creating a welcoming lifestyle destination was the actual aesthetic of the space,” Kyle Horne said in a statement. “It was our plan all along to keep the design minimal, but impactful, which guests will see when they walk into the cafe. We really want to bring something different to Philly’s scene and hope that people enjoy spending time in the space.”
For more information on Forin (2041 Coral St.), visit Forîncafe.com
