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it stand out from the pack? As far as Dale is concerned, the jewel in Domů’s crown is the coffee. “It’s a blend I’ve developed over 30-odd years,” he says. “It’s got a chocolatey, kind of macadamia nut taste. It’s a coffee that tastes of coffee, not burnt beans. If you’ve got a palette that can appreciate subtleties, you’ll
stereo, but visitors may experience anything from Nina Simone
definitely like it.”
to Joy Division, The Cure to Cat Stevens.
Dale has candidly spoken about his life with Asperger’s
Part of the enjoyment at Domů is the wait. “If you order
Syndrome, and I’m interested to know more about the
something from my kitchen, it’s going to take 20 minutes – it’s
connection between this diagnosis and his many passions. “I
not a fast food place. You’ve got the music, the conversation, the
think there’s a perfectionist element within some people that
atmosphere...” Dale himself designed and built the shop, filling it
have Aspergers. I’m self taught in almost everything I do. Having
with cosy seating which invites high street shoppers to take a
Aspergers helps because you can be very focused on what
load off.
you’re doing; it helps with creativity – I’ve always liked to create things.”
And though he may usually be found in the kitchen, with wife Svet in charge of the front of house, he still finds time
Though he insists Domů isn’t a café, the imaginative menu
to socialise. “We have a lot of Welsh customers. There’s a guy
suggests this is more than just a coffee shop serving vegetarian
called John, an ex soldier who comes in every day. He says he
food. “I don’t really understand veggies and vegans that are
comes here for a laugh and is a great guy to talk to.”
happy to go to places that just have options,” he says. ‘There’s no guarantee chopping boards and knives have been swapped, no
He continues: “People rush food too much. We live in a society
pans just for veg food.” Unlike the usual plant-based offerings,
where people expect it to be immediate, and we eat very fast,
Domů’s creative and ever-revolving menu has attracted positive
almost as if it’s a chore. Just take the time and enjoy it. There’s
reviews from vegetarians and carnivores alike. Today the menu
no point rushing towards the day you die! Take it a bit easier
includes banana dogs, whilst the Turkish yufka – a parcel of
and enjoy life before you get there.”
spinach and feta wrapped up in filo – remain ever-popular. Be sure to try Dale’s coffee and treats for yourself at Domů, “The animal rights issue is down to the individual, but I don’t
and grab a copy of ‘Boy, Interrupted’ to learn more about his
have a lot of time for people who don’t want to know where
fascinating life while you’re there. Just make sure that you take
their food comes from,” continues Dale. Right on the dot, Alan the
your time… n
baker – from Llandudno – drops off the day’s supply of bread, scones and Eccles cakes. “He’s a very good baker. I did try other
Domů, 206 High Street, Bangor
bakeries, but his was the product I preferred.”
domukafe.com
As you’d expect, the music is also vitally important here. “I curate the music almost like a gallery; we don’t just switch on a radio on or slap in a CD. It provides a feel for what we do.” As we speak, Daydream Believer by The Monkees emanates from the
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Lowri Llewelyn is a lover of all things wild and wonderful. She loves to write about the driven young people who inspire her.