The new Kissa-inspired hi-fi space, Soe, is now open in Penticton. The Japanese meets Danish-designed spot transforms from a cafe by day to a wine bar by night. Here, you can set aside your phone, tune into your company, and enjoy a coffee or a glass of wine amidst a thoughtful setlist. 

Soe (pronounced so-eh) takes its name from the concept of ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, also known as kado, “the way of flowers.” It symbolizes the harmony between heaven and earth. The philosophy at the core of ikebana is something co-founders Ryan and Thuy find relevant to current times and how they approach their work: an art that can expand your appreciation of beauty and connectedness. 

Situated at 105-285 Westminster Avenue, Soe is a small 15-seat spot, that is minimal and warm during the day and intimate and cozy at night. The space, designed by Kate Richard of Ette with co-owners and life partners Thuy and Ryan, and built by Beaux Home & Design represents the founder’s living room–vibey, imperfect and full of intentionally curated art and records. 

With a background in art direction, curating, and project management, Thuy is passionate about challenging creativity and traditions to diversify visual spaces and amplify marginalized narratives. “Art and design is our every day, and it’s important to us that we have a cultivated space that supports artists. Our ceramics are made by Haneu Haneu and Janaki Larsen from Vancouver, our speaker enclosures were built by Raf Lau, our communal table was made by Penticton’s Sam Cordova, and objects scattered throughout are by Elizabeth Lenny in Toronto,” she explained. “We’re collecting more objects, but trying to curate experiences where intention and connection is foremost.”

Soe's daily casual counter-service menu will feature espresso-based drinks crafted with their sexy (there's no better way to describe it) matte black Slayer Espresso Machine. The daily coffee selection includes beans from Bows Coffee Roaster in Victoria and the Tulip House in California, with a rotating assortment from around the world. For food, think locally baked goods from Heather Jefferys, tartines on sourdough bread by Grist Microbaker, and an ever-changing menu showcasing seasonal selections. 

As night falls, the cafe will undergo a transition into a laid-back, first-come, first-serve wine bar with snacks and small plates by guest chefs. The menu will constantly change and is a reflection of the season, relying on the close relationships they have built with a handful of small farmers and producers from the region, including Puzzlegrass Farm. Born and raised in the Okanagan, co-founder Ryan has dedicated the past 5 years to the pursuit of viticulture and winemaking. He’s worked in production with many Okanagan-based winemakers and also has his own label, Home Wine. Fueled by his interest in and commitment to low-intervention and natural wines, he and Thuy have curated a list featuring both local and international winemakers. They will be pouring a selection of wines from their Okanagan friends, including Keenan, Ursa Major, Scout, and Pamplemousse Jus, alongside international wines they love.

The cafe will be open 5-days a week from Thursday to Monday, 8 am-3 pm, with wine nights on the weekend starting shortly after. Follow Soe Cafe on Instagram @soe.cafe.