| rev:text
| - You are in a futuristic space station. You have died and gone to Morgan Freeman's white-walled heaven. You are dreaming - you're a pearl inside the cavern of a shell. White in every direction: white wall, white brick, white light.
YOU are the highest contrast in the room. Outside, colors jump and spread like weeds. Green grass, blue sky, gravel black, tones of dust and bark and brick. You are oblivious to these elements, having entered the milky chamber of dream.
But it's not an illusion. It's not a mirage. You're standing two steps inside the entrance of the Palabra building just off 1st Street and Roosevelt in the heart of Roosevelt Row. The interior is spacious and obstinately white. Minimalist, lucid, pure.
You can count the number of seats on the fingers of one hand. Occasional bursts of green emanate from hearty potted plants - curated eruptions of nature - intentioned for the space. Light here is a blanket; shadows don't exist.
You feel the urge to breath deeply, and slowly: there's space for it here. You are greeted by Jen, the barista, who is pleased to help you navigate the menu, all in Spanish. (The menu is a single white sheet, stuck to skin of spotless glass.)
Jen is dressed in contrast - black and white - a mirror of the habitat she tends. Based on her description, you decide to try the Tónico, an artful blend of sweet tonic water and espresso. (It is bitter like a shock.)
The barista bar, the fixtures, the walls, the rafters - all are freshly painted perfect white. Local art pops from the wall as it stretches like infinity to your left. There are two seats facing it (both black), a marble table, nothing more.
The back gallery is closed off for a photo shoot. Models and photographers siphon to and from its sectioned hall. There are frequent flares of light, subtle popping sounds and conversation. (Any other day, this space would open to more art, and a salon.)
Seated now, you ease into the shape of relaxation. Your back is to the entrance but you feel and hear the sounds of inbound guests, outbound guests, lazy conversation. Someone asks, "What is this place?" You nod and briefly smile.
CONCLUSION
Futuro is an EXPERIENCE. One you definitely should not miss if you're nearby. Set within the Palabra building - a hive of other options - it has managed still to set itself apart. Palabra is not like any other coffee shop you've been to. Find a time to swing by for a drink. Peruse the local art. (Get a haircut?)
The service is wonderful, the drinks are tasty, and the atmosphere is truly inspiring. As if I didn't already have a hefty list of favorites, Palabra's sitting pretty near the top. Super modern, super trendy, super clean - can't be beat!
A NOTE TO THE STAFF
Jen, you were the best. Thanks for hooking me up with a really unique drink. Thanks for loving what you do. You added to the overall experience of an already-cool spot and made me feel at home - that's no small thing. Keep up the good work and I'll hope to see you again here sometime soon.
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