A night at Cafe Decurro

Published Feb. 2, 2010
By Airman 1st Class Eboni Knox
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --
A friend of mine invited me to Café Decurro to have a fun night filled with food and good company. Variety and diversity is cut down around base after a while of being here, and I wanted to experience something new. So, I head up to Café Decurro located in Building 948.

When I entered the café, I was greeted by a group of people in birthday hats. They were holding a birthday celebration for Airman 1st Class Elise Allen, 48th Medical Group Pharmaceutical technician, and Senior Airman Dan Cuchens, 48th Equipment Maintenance Squadron Aerospace Ground Equipment journeyman. I was immediately drawn in by the positive and welcoming atmosphere. Every person I encountered where so open, unlike other places where you're treated like an outsider until you pry your way in. I had no choice but to have a good time. The dim, mellow light and colored walls gave a laid back feel to the room where you could enjoy free internet and some coffee, and there are several flavors to choose from.

The main room had comfy couches where I could take off my shoes, enjoy coffee and the company of others. I loved the elevated seating arrangement because it made me feel like I was in a theater. The festivities were a little different for the birthday party. The birthday games took me back to my childhood -- games like pin the tail on the donkey and find the safety pins in a bowl of rice. My feelings were confirmed by another who enjoyed Café Decurro as much as I did.

"I like the café because of the atmosphere," said Airman Cuchens. "I always feel welcome."

Café Decurro also plans and sponsors trips around the world. I spent a lot of my time there looking at the cool pictures on the wall taken from all over Europe and abroad. Airman 1st Class Casey Herron, 48th Force Support Squadron services apprentice, who frequently visits the café and had participated in some of the trips narrated some of the scenes in the pictures, allowing me to experience the fun going on.

"Café Decurro is a lot of fun," said Airman Herron. "We do a lot of cool things and it's a great place for building friendships."

With its free internet, video games, music, coffee, and good company, Café Decurro is made for a great Friday night. I seriously didn't want to leave. The alcohol-free atmosphere gave me a chance to have fun in a safe and sober environment. The café is open seven a week from 6 to 10 p.m. so anyone can experience the same fun I did. I would definitely recommend a visit to everyone on RAF Lakenheath.