Reflections on the Closing of Viento y Agua

A Tribute to Community, Connection, and Coffee

By Claire Nelson

As our community processed the news of our beloved coffee house closing its doors, an abundance of memories was shared: first dates, engagements, book club gatherings, music performances, dissertations written, meet-ups with neighbors and friends, the amazing Viento team across the years, and so many more. All who frequented knew Viento y Agua was much more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee; it invited us to slow down, share, and connect with people, art, music, or a little solitude.

Viento y Agua, an icon in Belmont Heights, has closed.

Flavia De Maio, the longtime barista and the person many of us saw as the heartbeat of Viento y Agua, brewed the perfect cappuccino. She welcomed us to appreciate her craft and her desire to connect with both newcomers and regular customers. Originally from Brazil, Flavia grew up in a culture of coffee that included taking time to enjoy the beverage.

“When we pause in our days and invite someone to sit, slow down, then you can reach depths of connection. The simple things of life we tend to overlook and yet, bring the most joy.”

While in university, Flavia needed a break and, through a period of self-discovery, realized her heart wasn’t in her planned degree, which led her to what she truly valued: community, coffee, and connections. With that goal, she found her way to Viento y Agua, a space founded by Bela Mogyorody. Perfecting her coffee came through her passion for every component of what makes that perfect cup—the smell, the taste, the visual presentation—coupled with the technical components: the machine, the grinder, and the beans. “As I serve what I love to drink, it has become instinctual.” We were all the beneficiaries of her passion to brew and serve that perfect cup, as well as her desire to connect with us, whether over the appreciation of the coffee, a great book, or sharing something new in the Heights.

Flavia wants her authentic self to be present, always. The beauty of all that Viento y Agua represented across its twenty years is what we celebrate. As Flavia leaves Viento for the last time, she does so with eternal gratitude for what was: customers, her caring coworkers, and conversations that carry forward. As an adherent of radical acceptance, she looks forward to what’s to come—as do her many fans who wish her only the best, while selfishly hoping it’s within our community, serving up the perfect cappuccino and sharing a conversation with someone we treasure.