Gimme! Coffee

REVIEW

July 27, 2009


CUISINE: Coffeehouse
NEIGHBORHOOD: Nolita, Williamsburg

 

228 Mott St Btwn Prince and Spring St

(p) 212-226-4011

 

495 Lorimer St Btwn Powers and Grand St

(P) 718-388-7771

 

Without tables or chairs, there is no sitting or loitering. Gimme! Coffee is about one thing: coffee. And not just any coffee. The folks at Gimme are determined to brew beans that "turn people on." According to Gimme, "not all beans are created equal" and this small shop is dedicated to finding only the best:  fairly traded, organic beans from small family farms in Colombia and Mexico. The beans are then roasted in small batches by real people, not machines. Of course, the final touch comes from the baristas who undergo serious espresso education before manning the bar, resulting in finished products which are often presented with artistic flourishes. (See image below.) CONT'D

 


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Posted in FOOD on July 27, 2009 10:27am by Jena Steinbach | 1 comment





One Girl Cookies

REVIEW

May 13, 2009


CUISINE: Coffeehouse, Cupcakes, Desserts & Bakeries
NEIGHBORHOOD: Brooklyn Heights/DUMBO, Cobble Hill/Carroll Gardens

 

 

 

68 Dean Street Btwn Smith St. and Boerum Pl.

(p) 212-675-4996

 

One Girl Cookies is the most charming, non-pretentious little bakeshop we've ever laid eyes on. The space is a converted townhouse, with the garage serving as a renovated dining room, complete with pastel painted walls, vintage  mirrors, chic lighting, and happy people.  The endearing decor can undoubtedly be attributed to the owner, a former Barney's manager, with flawless taste (for both interior design and dessert).  But unlike Barney's, the cafe is nonexclusive, inviting and friendly-- the kind of vibe that rarely survives in Manhattan, inevitably falling prey to media frenzy, moping hipsters, or tourists...  

 


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Posted in FOOD on May 13, 2009 3:17pm by Jena Steinbach | 3 comments





MoMA's Cafe 2

March 20, 2009


CUISINE: American (New), Coffeehouse, Italian, Sandwiches, Tapas
NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown

 

11 W 53rd Street, on the 2nd floor of the Museum of Modern Art

(P) 212-708-9400

 

Just because Cafe 2 is the most reasonably priced of MoMA's restaurants, does not mean it's mediocre by any means.  Run by Danny Meyer's hospitality group, the cafe is a cross between an old italian meat shop, with cured meats and cheeses decorating the back wall, and a super-chic version of your elementary school cafeteria...

 


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Posted in FOOD, ART on March 20, 2009 9:23am by Madeline | 0 comments





Doma

March 10, 2009


CUISINE: Coffeehouse, Sandwiches, Wine Bar
NEIGHBORHOOD: Greenwich Village, West Village

DOMA

17 Perry Street at Seventh Avenue

(212) 929-4339

 

With an efficient use of space, great food and an exceptional location, this intimate cafe is the perfect place for socializing, people watching, or cranking out that dreaded final paper.  Large bay windows let you take in the village scene when you need a break from looking at your computer, while the rustic-style furniture makes for a cozy interior.  The walls are a frequently changing art gallery, and there is a communal bookshelf if you need something to distract yourself from the attractive person on the other side of the room.  The food is not your standard cafe food, but combines high-quality ingredients with a european twist.  Our friend and contributing art writer, Jesse Seegers, recommends the egg and gruyere sandwich on a baguette.  Beware: your deli’s greasy egg and cheese will never taste the same.  Between the sizeable menu, free wifi, and wine and beer selection, you may never leave. 


Posted in FOOD on March 10, 2009 2:15pm by Madeline | 0 comments





City Bakery

REVIEW

March 1, 2009


CUISINE: Coffeehouse, Desserts & Bakeries, Health Food, Salads, Sandwiches
NEIGHBORHOOD: Flatiron/Union Square

3 W 18th St between 5th and 6th avenue

(p) 212-366-1414

 

Oh, if only my high school dining hall was like City Bakery, where a variety of alluring options displayed buffet-style aim to satisfy various pallets. Healthy lunchers will delight in fresh spinach and arugula salads, marinated vegetables like string beans and swiss chard, in addition to glazed tofu and roasted peppers. Those craving something savory and substantial will relish in homemade baked macaroni and cheese, slices of fried parmesan encrusted chicken, and proscuitto and gorgonzolo pizzettes. Of course, patrons craving sweets will be overwhelmed with City Bakery's famous assortment of cookies and cakes. On a cold day, City Bakery's hot chocolate is a great substitute for cookies or coffee; it is thick and intense, reminiscent of the Willy Wonka chocolate river. Yum.


Posted in FOOD on March 1, 2009 3:00pm by Jena Steinbach | 0 comments