My first time in the newspaper 🗞️
@amnewyork
A stranger walked into the café with her whole family and told me she had read the article and decided to come see the place for herself. She had cut it out and brought it with her. They stayed, we talked—and just like that, they became my customers. I was deeply touched and completely caught off guard.
I feel humbled and proud to place a piece of my childhood at the heart of what I make here. Some of the most rewarding moments are watching not only the younger generation, but especially the aunties and uncles—some now in their seventies—quietly sipping coffee, recognising flavours and textures from the motherland, memories they didn’t realise they still carried.
Thank you,
@she_isastoryteller Neelima, for such a warm, thoughtful article and for the generous conversation where I could share a bit of the behind-the-scenes. I truly appreciated the care you took to research and understand the story before reaching out.
This article capped my birthday in the most perfect, magical way—arriving in the most unexpected and serendipitous manner. And somehow, I found out through strangers—on Christmas Day. Unexpected, a little magical… and yes, if you know me, I definitely cried my eyes out right there with everyone around. 🎄
To all the friends near and far who have been around, thank you for sharing this special moment with me, and for every message, greeting, and gift sent so dearly, from heart to heart. 🤍 I could go on all night about how much I appreciate you—and even then, it still wouldn’t be enough.
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Collages from 2015-2025 of how I started
@larbre.blvd and now
@hien.fromvietnam 
