‘Cereal killer,’ ‘Rosemary’s Baby’ among horror-themed coffee and food specials at this Flint cafe

FLINT, MI -- It’s not every day that you can walk into a coffee shop and hear people asking a barista for a “cereal killer.”

No, not a serial killer. Cereal, as in being poured in a bowl over milk for breakfast.

Though, in this case, it’s being served up as a latte at Cafe Rhema, as one of many horror-themed specials in downtown Flint.

How is it done? Cafe Rhema co-owner Tiff Sommers provides the answer.

“We take cereal milk by soaking marshmallows of whatever cereal you like in the milk for 24 hours, strain it and then we’re left with the sugars from that in the milk,” she said. “It’s steamed with espresso and served hot or cold to a customer’s preference. It’s sweet and delicious.

“My love for horror movies comes into play with these specials. We wanted to give unique experiences to our customers and our community,” Sommers said. “It’s October, and that’s the time to dive into horror films and enjoy the spooky nature of the month. I haven’t seen anything else like that around, so we wanted to bring it here.”

Sommers has always been a horror fan herself, remembering the first time she was scared by something “supernatural.”

Excited to see the newest Michael Jackson music video on MTV in December 1983, the then 3-year-old Sommers sat on the floor of her parent’s living room in Hartville, Ohio -- square in front of the television for the best view.

The music video was for “Thriller” and (spoiler alert) the moment that the werewolf came onto the screen, Sommers was terrified.

“I started crying and I ran and hid behind the couch because I was so scared,” she said. “So I’m always reminded of that, and wanted to name a drink after it too.”

The four specials paying homage to different horror classics include the following drinks:

The Thriller — A frozen Matcha complete with a Japanese green tea powder blended with a touch of red velvet, that gives the appearance of blood

Rosemary’s Baby — A latte with house espresso and hand-crafted rosemary syrup and local honey from the Flint Farmers’ Market and steamed milk of the customer’s choice, served hot or cold

Cereal Killer — A one-size latte, served hot with espresso and the steamed cereal milk

The Pennywise — It’s the cafe’s take on a Monte Cristo. Instead of bread, the meal is served up with waffles and made complete with ham, swiss, house made jam and dusted with a bit of powdered sugar.

The drink prices are about $5 and $6, and the sandwich is $10.

Other seasonal favorites the coffee shop serves includes the pumpkin spice latte, cider, and chai cider which they pointedly call “chai-der.”

Cafe Rhema also has a brand new espresso machine, fully installing the La Marzocco Gb5 S last week.

The former machine has been used since 2005, dating back to when the business was under different ownership and called the Brown Sugar Cafe.

“It made a lot of really great coffee for Flint, but it’s always been in my heart to keep moving forward, to keep providing the best coffee for this city,” Sommers said.

The machine’s purchase was made possible after receiving the Moving Flint Forward Small Business grant, offered through a program that is a collaborative effort between General Motors and Flint & Genesee Group.

The grant program, established with funding support from GM, seeks to expand revitalization efforts across the city’s neighborhoods by supporting local businesses.

“For a very long time, we’ve wanted a new machine,” Sommers said. “We were very fortunate to get this grant and this machine. ... It’s the greatest thing ever. The machine fits our esthetic perfectly, and makes a truly great cup of coffee. The technology is better. The equipment is better.

“It pulls a better shot of espresso. The milk as it steams, it’s just velvety and smooth. It will make the whole experience even better.”

Cafe Rhema, located at 432 S. Saginaw Street in downtown Flint, is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

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