explore the various flavours of the specialty coffee world.

Caffe Latte, manager and part owner Cathy Benevides, believes the new business will fill a gap in the local small business sector.

"We've had an excellent response since we opened Tuesday last,'' she noted yesterday.

The gourmet coffee store seats 12 and is located on the upper level of the Washington Mall between Church and Reid streets.

The business sells gourmet coffee, tea and flavoured espresso drinks. Freshly brewed coffee and tea is available for takeout as well. Coffee can be supplied as beans or ground.

Grinding the beans as you need them makes a fresher cup of coffee, added Ms.

Benevides.

They offer 20 different types of coffee beans for sale.

To complement the sale of coffee and tea, light pastries are available.

Coffee grinders, espresso machines and percolators are also for sale.

Caffe Latte can brew up an "airpot'' for $10 in about five minutes which will cab be taken away in a 14-cup thermos.

"We will distinguish ourselves by introducing specialty and flavoured espresso drinks in addition to standards like espresso and cappuccino,'' she said. "Specialty espresso drinks involve combinations of espresso, steamed milk, chocolate, resulting in beverages like cafe mocha and caffe latte.'' COFFEE BREAK -- Cabinet Secretary Mr. Leo Mills enjoys a fresh cup of specialty coffee served by manager and co-owner Ms Cathy Benevides at the newly opened Caffe Latte in the Washington Mall.