Colours &amp; Flavours is no more. It's a shame and I sincerely hate to write this sentence. I thought when friends told me this last weekend that it must be a mistake. I mean how could my favorite coffee shop close and not tell me? But it turns out that they were right.

Two weeks ago the shop closed suddenly and it's a loss for the neighborhood. When I followed up with the owner, I was told that there was some disagreement/discrepancy regarding the physical space and there was little to do to prevent the closure of the shop. I also understand that the decision is under review but that this could take months.

What's a girl to do? <!--more-->

Sure shops close all of the time and I assume that this is more common for coffee shops--given the prices that you can charge for coffee versus the expense of rent, employees and the product. But, in my mind, what make the closing especially sad is the fact that the shop was forced to close. It was not a matter of choice.

I'll miss Colours and Flavours.  It was a little oasis of good service, kind staff and coffee tucked away not far from the national theater and the central post office.In my mind it was a bright spot in these blocks of gray office buildings and cracked sidewalks.  I think it was good for the neighborhood--it had a following of regulars, great coffee and a wonderful atmosphere. Now the corner space that was Colours and Flavours is closed with advertising in the windows.  There's little trace of the coffee shop that was.

Luckily, for me, the espresso machine and first rate baristas have moved down the street to Memento. So I can still get the same top-notch coffee.  But Memento is not and was never meant to be Colours and Flavours. The feeling is different. Not bad just different. Memento is much less of a neighborhood coffee shop and more up-scale cafe.

For a creature of habit like me, change like this is hard. But, change is good. I had my first coffee outside yesterday at Memento and I have to admit, it was pretty good. The weather was wonderful and to sit outside on the covered patio was nice.  Also nice? The easily accessible toilet. Oh and I think there's free wifi which I have yet to test out but it's nice to know that it's there if I ever want it.

So, I guess this is it--adieu Colours and Flavours.