紅葉食趣 Redleaf cafe
文/黃書萍 照片提供/紅葉食趣
彰化市長安街100巷五號
No.5, Ln. 100, Chang’an St., Changhua City
04-7203060
FB:紅葉食趣 已歇業
老屋子裡的新故事，來聽聽店主人懷著怎樣的心懷，
開啟了紅葉食趣？
一場馬拉松式的小訪談，天南地北聊著想像的夢想，築夢的路徑，
總在岔題與回神之間發現店主人對環境、對自己的熱情，
一起來聽聽紅葉的事吧!!
Q1-1.是什麼樣的機會，讓你開了紅葉食趣？
Ivy：
一開始是想做背包客棧，在尋找合適的地方時，記憶中不是很確定什麼時候第一次來到紅葉大旅社，但印象很深刻當時一進門就深深被入口處的樓梯和磨石子櫃台深深吸引，直覺這裡是個不錯的老屋、老空間，經過一段時間溝通與努力也就開啟了紅葉食趣；不過背包客棧仍會是持續努力的目標。
宜芳：
因為自己是個餐飲專科老師，在長期的教學現場後，或多或少有些瓶頸，希望透過自己更實務的餐飲經驗，讓學生能更了解產業的需求。
Q1-2老屋開咖啡店是一開始的選擇嗎？
宜芳：
是，我和Ivy都喜歡老屋，對老屋算是情有獨鍾，因此身為台中人的我也是到處尋訪，而Ivy也在彰化遇見了”紅葉大旅社”，經過不少次的溝通與拜訪，也就在這落腳了。
Q2.在開店前是從事哪方面的工作？
Ivy：
開店前是英文老師、及英文導覽，直至現在也同時兼顧兩邊工作。
宜芳：
之前的工作也是現職，在達德商工餐飲科擔任中餐、調飲教師，而在這之前也在春水堂也有8年的餐飲工作…
Q3.在開店的過程中有什麼很有趣的事嗎？
Ivy：
1.很多在地彰化人都不知道我們這地方，有的是看到朋友打卡、照片分享，而特別來尋找紅葉食趣，同時也發現有小西街這個區域。
2.有不少外地人或是小情侶，都會來探問這裡是否有提供住宿，因為門口的招牌依然是紅葉大旅社，(採訪的同時一對情侶也正走進來詢問，可以住宿嗎？)
宜芳：
1.在整理老屋的過程中，周邊的鄰居都很可愛，有個拉鍊行的阿嬤帶他們店裡很特別的小禮物送我們、也有老阿嬤看我們在打掃，也送菜瓜布來給我們使用，這附近的鄰居真的很友善。
2.2015那一年有一個客人很特別，我們都知道彰化與台中距離很近，很多人的生活消費習慣都往台中跑，而那位客人這樣跟我說到，2015這一年我要好好支持彰化的咖啡店，我都會在彰化喝咖啡。
Q4.咖啡或咖啡店有為你的生活帶來什麼改變嗎？
Ivy：
自由度的改變，生活步調的調整。
宜芳：
開店這一年是身份變多的一年，是老師、也是老闆、同時也是學生(2015那年正同時在研究所進修)，雖然很忙碌，但因為接觸的人多了、廣闊了，人的思想也更寬廣，交流也更多。
Q5.給想開店的人一句話吧!？
Ivy：
歡迎來小西開店吧!!
宜芳：
堅持自己所想的東西
在訪談的最後，當問起紅葉老闆-宜芳，這份工作你還會持續多久呢？
50年？宜芳說到：是，如果真的能開上50年，是件很好的事。這的紅葉也就邁入100年老屋了!!
Q1.1: What inspired you to start Redleaf Cafe?
Ivy:
Originally, I was aiming to run a hostel. I’m not quite sure when the first time I visited Redleaf Hotel was. It was during the time when I was trying to find an appropriate location, but I have a very vivid impression of the moment I stepped in its door. I was deeply fascinated by the polished stone counter and the stairway at the entrance. My instinct at the time told me that this was quite a lovely old house. After some time with effort and rounds of communication, I started Redleaf Cafe. However, I will still be working towards opening up a hostel.
Q1.2: Were you specifically looking for an old house?
Yi-Fang:
Yes. Ivy and I both like old houses. You can say that we’re particularly interested in old houses. I am from Taichung, so I also visited quite some places in search of our ideal location. Ivy came across Redleaf Hotel in Changhua, and after several visits and communication, we have come to decide that this was it.
Q2: What was your previous occupation before running Redleaf Cafe?
Ivy:
Before Redleaf, I am an English teacher and English tour guide. I still do both jobs now.
Yi-Fang:
I was doing what I am doing right now. I taught Chinese culinary and beverage modulation at Da Der Commercial and Technical Vocational School. Before that, I worked at Chunshuitang restaurant for eight years.
Q3: Are there any interesting stories to share?
Ivy:
1.A lot of locals in Changhua do not know this place. Some learn about us by their friends’ Facebook posts or pictures posted on the internet. When they came to us, they also get to know the area around little west lane.
2.A lot of people from other cities or couples would come to us for a room because the sign still says Redleaf Hotel. (As this interview was taking place, a couple walked in and ask, “is accommodation available?”.)
Yi-Fang:
1.During the time we were renovating the old house, neighbors were really friendly. An old lady brought us special gifts from her zipper shop. There was also this lady who gave us scouring pads after she saw us cleaning. People in this neighborhood are really kind to us.
2.There was this customer in 2015 that was really special to us. We all know that Changhua is very close by Taichung geographically, so a lot of people tend to go to Taichung to shop or dine. Surprisingly, that customer said to me, “In 2015, I am going to support shops in Changhua, so I’m going to have my coffee in Changhua”.
Q4: Did coffee or the Cafe bring any changes to your life?
Ivy:
It’s a different level of freedom and an adjustment to my living pace.
Yi-Fang:
The year I started the cafe is a year in which I multiplied my roles. I’m a teacher, a boss and also a student as I simultaneously pursue my master degree. Although it’s definitely hectic, I am reaching out to a lot more people of various kinds. My mind is expanded and more exchanges are happening.
Q5: Do you have any suggestion for people who wish to open up their own cafe/ shop?
Ivy:
Come to little west lane!!
Yi-Fang:
Stick to what you believe in.
At the end of the interview, I asked the cafe owner, Yi-Fang, “How long do you see yourself doing this? Fifty years?” Yi-Fang replied, “Yes. If Redleaf Cafe can operate until fifty years later, it’s gonna be something extraordinary. By then, Redleaf the old house will reach its 100-year-old birthday!
彰化市長安街100巷五號
No.5, Ln. 100, Chang’an St., Changhua City
04-7203060
FB:紅葉食趣
營業至9月底 暫時歇業
