Meet Carla Sanders, the newest addition to the café and the person behind Eyes Closed, our newest in-house coffee residency. Carla has brought her thoughtfully crafted drinks and warm, welcoming presence to HudCo, so join us here to learn more about what inspired the shop, how she starts her mornings, and where she goes to unwind when the rush is over.
How did you come up with the name?
The name Eyes Closed comes from that moment when you taste something so delicious, you have no choice but to close your eyes and relish the moment. It’s one of my favorite experiences, and I hope to be able to share that moment with others.
Tell us how you start your day.
I really love the ritual of making a matcha in the morning. It’s a slow process that requires my care and attention before I hop into the hustle and bustle of the day. I like to sip it while I spend some quality time with my cat.
What’s your current drink order?
If I’m at Eyes Closed, I have to have an EC Egg Cream. It’s so nostalgic! Otherwise, I’ve been on an Americano Spritz kick. I can’t hide how much I enjoy a fizzy drink.
If your cart could pop up anywhere for a day, where would it be?
No hesitation, Warped Tour. Music is a huge part of my life. It would be like hitting the lottery to be amongst the merch tents at Warped Tour, caffeinating (and hydrating) everyone who gathered to listen to their favorite artists.
What’s one tip everyone should know for making better coffee at home?
Get a scale. Not only will you feel like a mad scientist which is so fun, but your coffee will also taste more tuned in. Putting in the time to weigh your coffee, water, whatever ingredients you’re adding is a nice ritual that ensures a consistent cup of coffee. But also…go with your heart, because that’s always the best!
After a busy morning, where’s your favorite place to recharge?
Shout out to another local Dobbs Ferry biz — Climbing Wolf. It’s the perfect place to grab a bev of any sort and play a board game for who knows how long. It’s easy to stay a while and unwind when the staff is lovely, the music is on point, and the TV is playing Super Mario 64 run-throughs.