Dogpatch Urban Gardens
Jenny Quiner is showing how a plot of land in her community can be transformed into an Urban Oasis.
Des Moines, IA
Type: Café
Produces: Pitas & Hummus
Location: Iowa City, IA
Miles from Coop: 1
Yochai Harel is the owner and operator of Cortado, an italian-style espresso bar and cafe that offers a variety of warm caffeinated beverages, fresh baked goods, and Mediterranean-style sandwiches and salads in downtown Iowa City. It's a favorite among coffee connoisseurs and students from the university.
Yochai began working in coffee shops in Tel Aviv, Israel before moving to New York and later to the Iowa City area with his growing family. He dreamed of opening his own shop with a European influence and within a few years he and co-owner Ryan O'Leary did just that. In 2017, they opened Cortados across from the Old Capitol dome off of Clinton Street and quickly established a following in the area.
As for the name?
It's one of Yochai's favorite coffee drinks.
“The cortado was how I used to get jobs,” Harel said.
“People would say, ‘Show me what you can do,’ and I would make them a cortado. The balance of it is great.”
Cortado has since expanded, offering their house-made hummus taïm -that's delicious hummus in Hebrew - and fresh pitas at the Co-op and we're excited to have them.
New Pi's Grocery Team Lead says about the partnership,
"Working with small businesses like Cortado is what New Pioneer is all about. Helping take a vision these local vendors have and turn them into a reality is something we take great pride in. It's been a pleasure working with Yochai and you certainly can't beat snacking on some warm Cortado pita and fresh hummus he makes."
Be sure to check out these others great local producers!
Jenny Quiner is showing how a plot of land in her community can be transformed into an Urban Oasis.
Des Moines, IA
"We strive for regeneration of the land and ecosystem, equity in food access for our community, and advocating for small farms growing local food!"
Iowa City, IA
Iowa grown herbs and lettuce, grown hydroponically by this family owned business near West Union, IA.
West Union, Iowa
Switch to their butter and you’ll never go back: Hansen’s butter, cream, and long-lasting non-homogenized milks are known for their flavor.
Hudson, IA
Jake Simmons set out to make full flavored, sessional, go-to beers.
Coralville, IA
The best part of what I do is that I enjoy every bit of what I do. I like to work in the soil, seeding, taking care of plants, harvesting...but the best part is enjoying a fresh healthy meal
Fairfield, IA
Tomie, owner and creator of Iowa Miso makes delicious miso with Iowa grown soy beans.
Cedar Falls, IA
Earl, Ronda (above), & son Jeff Haffner grow organic grains and stone grind them whole – germ intact (unlike commercial flour). Their organic grains are in many of New Pi’s breads, prepared foods, and on New Pi shelves
Panora, IA