One of Apelu’s many fun iced drinks.
Brian Madden|Marlin Chronicle
Just 15 minutes away from campus, Apelu Island Cafe takes you across the world to the Southern Pacific and has the caffeine fix a college student might be looking for. Whether you need to study or start your day with some caffeine, Apelu Island Cafe has that and much more. This cafe is not just another walk in. They provide a bit of a different experience compared to normal cafes. Enriched with Samoan culture the cafe offers refreshing drinks as well as baked goods and other foods. When you walk in, you become immersed in a little piece of Samoan culture.
Founded by a family with Samoan roots, the cafe was built with hard work and determination. They chose the opportunity to bring a little bit of their Samoan culture and share it with all of us in Norfolk, Virginia where the family lives and learns, as they have two students currently attending Virginia Wesleyan University. All of the wallpaper and decorations were Samoan and Polynesian themed, accompanied by tropical plants and patterns.
This cafe is a little piece of home for the owners, transformed into a quiet but busy cafe.
“My family has always been deeply rooted in our culture and established Apelu Island Cafe as a way to bring the island of Samoa to Virginia,” VWU junior Aviana Medina, whose family owns the cafe, said. “My mom and her sisters came up with the idea of starting a family business, but my entire family, including my aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and siblings came together to help bring their ideas to life,” Medina said.
The cafe gives a welcoming and friendly vibe when you enter along with the amazing decorations. It has the modern cafe vibe that younger, college-age students look for while maintaining a Samoan theme. The music in the background also helps with the ambiance and really creates the Southern Pacific vibe. The lit up signs, plant walls and handmade artifacts make it a great place to hang out.
Other than the decorations and music, the menu sets the Apelu Island Cafe. All of the foods, drinks and their names are a nod to Samoan culture. Their coffee types are Island, their medium roast, and Samoan, their dark roast. The energy drinks they provide are labeled Tsunami Energy with names like The Pacific, Volcanic Ash and Coastline. Other than coffee and energy drinks they provide matcha and chai, frappes, refreshers, smoothies and lemonades. Signature drinks, such as the Apelu Island Latte are made with taro, a starchy root vegetable popular in Samoan cuisine. It has a slightly sweet and creamy flavor, with a purple hue that makes it enjoyable to get and instagram photo worthy as well.
A look inside Apelu Island Cafe, featuring Samoan and Polynesian decor.
Aviana Medina|Courtesy
Their food options range from quick snacks or baked goods to full breakfasts and lunches. Their Spam Musubi, which is grilled spam with seasoned rice and a seaweed wrap is a favorite among customers as well as a popular snack in Polynesia. Like the latte, their Taro Cupcakes have the same sweet and creamy flavor with the beautiful purple hue. They also have pimento cheese bagels and fresh baked pastries with tropical twists like coconut cream or mango jam. They offer vegan friendly milks and gluten free snacks so everyone can enjoy.
The cafe also sells some unique accessories such as Samoan-themed bracelets, earrings and necklaces.
While they are a place with Samoan culture and background, they fully embrace the Norfolk community. They frequently host pop ups or local artists. With the strong connection to the community, students, professionals and cafe enjoyers all come to enjoy the little piece of Samoan culture as well as their delicious baked goods, food and caffeinated drinks. Located on Little Creek Road, this short drive from Virginia Wesleyan is worth it. Next time you want to get coffee or want to feel like you are somewhere else, consider visiting Apelu Island Cafe at 1710 E Little Creek Rd. #104
By Brian Madden
bvmadden@vwu.edu
