Photo courtesy of Inside Virginia
When Daniel Haskett and Rahat Hossain were scouting locations for their indie cafe (a rarity on the Peninsula) and walked into the loft-like spot on picturesque Styron Square in Newport News’ Port Warwick, Haskett recalls, “It was like a blank canvas.” So, they called it (drumroll, please) Canvas. As Haskett says, “People can come in to work, have a conversation, read, think, make the space whatever they want it to be.” And drink really good coffee. Utilizing Taxus Street, a small-batch, locally owned roaster in Chesapeake, Canvas offers handcrafted espresso drinks and pour overs. Most syrups, including that for the house drink “Hedgehog” (hazelnut latte, mocha drizzle), are made on premise. Bagels and sweets can be had, but the food is minimal, much like the hip aesthetic.
Marisa Marsey
Marisa Marsey is a food, beverage and travel writer whose awards include 1st place Food Writing from the Virginia Press Association. A Johnson & Wales University representative, she has sipped Château d'Yquem '75 with Jean-Louis Palladin, sherpa-ed for Edna Lewis and savored interviews with Wolfgang Puck and Patrick O’Connell.
