The best $3 coffee around!

My love affair with Organic Avenue is well documented. And even though their high prices (while justified) normally prohibit me from buying as many shakes and salads as I would like… I still pop into every Organic Avenue I walk past just to get a quick hit of that wonderfully intoxicating smell of fresh, organic veggies (and BTW – they frequently hand out free samples!!)

On my last impromptu (read: I walked a half mile out of my way so that Organic Avenue was on my way) stop in, I noticed a new visitor on the shelf: COFFEE.

But in true Organic Avenue style… this ain’t no normal coffee. This cold pressed brew is less acidic than normal java and most importantly – It’s FABULOUS.

And, at $3 – it’s actually affordable! Okay… a caveat on the whole 3$ thing – at 7 oz it’s a prrrretty small coffee. But I wanted to use the whole $3 thing to hook ya’ll in for the big whoooah: The Cafe Latte Smoothie. At $6.50 this baby is a little pricier – but TOTALLY worth it. Made with that same cold pressed coffee (did I mention it’s fair trade? Obvs.), mix in some creamy cashew hemp mylk and irish moss?? And because it’s cold pressed, it’s pre-chilled and perfect for the hot summer days ahead.

In sum: It’s absolutely craveable.

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Let’s take it to the Blogs -

- Eatpure and somamagazine both share their love (and some great pics) of OA locations.

- And props to The Denim Guy for loving his OA so much that he ordered his green juice two days in advance of his NYC trip and had it waiting for him at his hotel… that’s dedication I can respect!

- Wanna make some cold pressed java at home? The Kitchn puts together a great list of home brewed techniques.

- The Veggie Nook emphasizes the health bennies of low acid cold pressed coffee.

- and Urban Domestic Diva simply says cold pressed just tastes better!

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Do you have a favorite coffee drink for summer? (That’s still kinda maybe sorta still healthy?!)

The MaggieTalks/SipsLoud Cappi Checklist Versus – Caffe Bene.

Caffe Bene goes up against The Maggie Talks/Sips Loud Cappi Checklist.

The MaggieTalks/SipsLoud Cappi Checklist:

*I’m interrupting my own list with this important declaration: CAFFE BENE!! Upon walking into the cafe you are greeted not just once, but often two or three times with the ever enthusiastic and energetic call of CAFFE BENE! As a loud talker myself – I loved that for once, someone was actually more excited than me about their coffee.

Interruption ended… let’s continue on.

1) Bold, Strong espresso: Caffe Bene takes their coffee and coffee drinks very seriously. Barristas are enthusiastic, knowledgeable and even wear a hipster uniform (which I always take as a good sign.)

1.A.) Special shout out to a product at Caffe Bene that mandates its very own sub-category: Misu Garu (also seen as – misutgaru). Don’t worry… I had no idea what it was either. Let’s learn together: Misu Garu is a traditional Korean powder made from rice and other whole grains that have been cooked, dried and ground.  The powder can be mixed with milk to make a latte, blended into smoothies, or sprinkled on top of oatmeal. It’s heralded as a healthy and nutty tasting alternative to coffee. Caffe Bene’s Misu Garu is a mixture of black sesame seeds, black beans, black rice, brown rice and barley. The best way to describe its unique taste? Leftover cereal milk.

1.B.) Since apparently this post is all about the random tangents, I’m adding one here about Caffe Bene’s waffles. They smell SO delectable, come in a crazy variety of flavors, and melt in your mouth. Oh, and they have gelato. Double win.

2) Extra foamy delight: Soy foamy goodness abounds here… complete with cappi art on every coffee!

3) Real mug: You have to ask for it… but if you ask, they will provide.

4) Surprise toppings: A whole toppings bar for your palate to explore!! Warning – The cafe toppings bar is shared between coffee drinkers and waffle eaters alike. So be prepared to find a cinnamon shaker nestled up next to the garlic salt. Please, for the love of Cappis… do not get confused.

5) The Cozy Factor: This is where Caffe Bene gets really interesting. Precariously perched on a bustling corner of Times Square, Caffe Bene should by all standards be the antithesis of cozy. Yet somehow, Caffe Bene brings a chill, hipster vibe to the culturally vacant, java deprived stretch of NYC that is Times Square. With wooden tables, a nook that bakes fresh waffles and a back room lined with book shelves (books in Times Square?? Outrageous!) – it’s clear Caffe Bene is working hard to eliminate the TSQ vibe. But try as they might… it’s hard to take the tourists out of Midtown. Even though Caffe Bene is super cute on the inside, it’s still difficult to navigate an inside jammed pack with people desperately trying to sit down. But I trust that Caffe Bene knows what they are doing and will soon fix the overcrowding issue… after all, Caffe Bene’s popularity in Korea well surpasses Starbucks so they must be on to something!

 And yes… I ordered two Cappis.

Caffe Bene

1611 Broadway (corner of 49th Street), NYC

Let’s take it to the Blogs - 

- Let’s get financial for a moment with Private Equity Korea… Caffe Bene’s TSQ location may be it’s first in the U.S., but PE Korea thinks this is just Caffe Bene’s first stop in becoming the next Starbucks.

- Ramen and Friends says the arrival of Caffe Bene in TSQ could mean the end of their trips to Starbucks.

- Zen Kitchen teaches us a thing or two about the “original smoothie”-  Misutgaru.

- Coffee in the City give Caffe Bene super high marks for ambiance… but low marks for actual coffee.

- Inside New York takes a peek inside Caffe Bene.

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Will you be braving TSQ to test out Caffe Bene and their Misu Garu??

The MaggieTalks/Sips Loud Cappi Checklist Versus – Laughing Man

Laughing Man goes up against The MaggieTalks/Sips Loud Cappi Checklist -

All three of these Cappis were juuuuuust right.

The MaggieTalks/SipsLoud Cappi Checklist:

1) Bold, Strong espresso: Super- Duper high marks here. The laughing man brews up some seriously serious java.   These beans are so tasty and special… we’re creating some sub categories up in here.

1. A.) What takes Laughing Man’s coffee into a league of its own isn’t even the spectacular taste (although it is stellar), but rather where that taste comes from. Laughing Man is the dream child of actor Hugh Jackman and is run by his friends Barry and David Steingard. While on a trip to Ethiopia, Jackman became friends with a local coffee grower named Dukale.

Dukale’s smile makes us “All Be Happy” every time we open up a bag of Laughing Man Coffee!

Jackman, together with the Steingards, created a direct partnership with Dukale in Ethiopia… and then decided to take their coffee shop ethics a step further – by giving 100% of its profits to charity.

Let’s hear it straight from Laughing Man: “By using our resources to find, incubate and support companies and products that believe in the ALL BE HAPPY vision, we can do our part to create jobs, support the entrepreneurial spirit and encourage the ingenuity that is essential to community health. Second, through the successful incubation of companies and products Laughing Man Worldwide gives 100% of the profits it receives from those ventures to charity.”

Tasty and ethical??! Yes please!

1.B.) Wholesale!! All of Laughing Man’s coffee (and hot cocoa… did I mention they have AMAZE hot cocoa?!??) is available for order on their website. Boom.

Coffee, Tea and hot cocoa… oh my!!

2) Extra foamy delight: Triple marks for two foamy soy cappuccinos and one foamalicious skim latte.

3) Real mug: ahhh I hate to give Laughing Man any negatives… but I really missed my real mug!! Laughing Man is currently limited to a tiny, take away only outpost in Tribeca. But I am desperately hoping the take-away only portion is only temporary and I can update this post soon!! (hint hint at you Laughing Man…)

4) Surprise toppings: Peep that gorgeous Latte art. Amiright?!??

5) The Cozy Factor: Again a few negatives here… The space is currently only temporary and incredibly small. But extra points for the super nice barrista’s who let us relax on the window sill!!

Where to get your Laughing Man:

184 Duane St
(at Greenwich St)
Manhattan, NY 10013

Let’s take it to the Blogs -

- Milkshake on The Huffington Post describes the relationship between Jackman and Dukale best: An international Bromance.

- Cocomama Foods shines their “Fair Trade Spotlight” onto Laughing Man by breaking down what’s so cool about their espresso and cocoa (hint… it’s taste and ethics.)

- Shop with Meaning gives Laughing Man props for their social responsible coffee and products.

- Tribeca Citizen gives us an inside peek into the launch of Laughing Man.

- Blog My Lunch highlights Laughing Man’s venture into Organic and kosher chocolates.

 

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Taste and social responsibility… are you sold?!??

 

The MaggieTalks/SipsLoud Cappi Checklist Versus – Nespresso.

 Nespresso goes up against The Maggie Talks/Sips Loud Cappi Checklist.

 

The MaggieTalks/SipsLoud Cappi Checklist:

1) Bold, Strong espresso: Here is where Nespresso earns triple marks. Nespresso is best known for their “pods” that skillfully enter their futuristic coffee machines and pump out cups of bold, rich espresso. They take their beans seriously, and your cappuccino gets the benefit. If you love espresso in your face… Nespresso is your place. (Yes Nespresso, you can steal that for your new slogan)

2) Extra foamy delight: Great foam, and they even foamed my soy milk!

3) Real mug: A little more delicate side than I normally prefer for my cappis… but it’s daintiness definitely fits well with the overall fancy vibe.

4) Surprise toppings: They drew a pretty flower in my Cappi Foam. Oh, and did I mention the freebie chocolate piece on the side?!?? LOVE.

5) The Cozy Factor: Nespresso gets about a zero on the cozy… but scores a perfect 10 for the Rich and Swanky-Pants feel. And considering this Nespresso Boutique is nestled among some of the most expensive stores on Madison Ave, I would say this feel is just right. I mean, you get waited on by waiters in suits! That defines swanky-pants.

 

Nespresso Boutique

761 Madison Avenue, NYC

(800) 562-1465

 

 

Let’s take it to the Blogs - 

- Danny Kelly might make the two most convincing arguments for Nespresso I have ever heard. 1) “It’s like an Apple Store but for coffee. and 2) “George Clooney would definitely hang out in these places”. Do you even need to hear any more??

- Feisty Foodie hit up Nespresso and got Gelato in their morning drink. Feisty foodie… can I be your best friend??

- So Lifestyle checked out Nespresso’s Boutique in SoHo and gave it equally high marks.

- Eater claims the excitement over the opening of the Nespresso Boutique rivals that of Pop Tarts World in Times Square… and that’s saying something.

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Ever gotten your swanky-pants on at a Nespresso Boutique?

The MaggieTalks/SipsLoud Cappi Checklist versus – The Vagabond Cafe

The Vagabond Cafe goes up against the The MaggieTalks/SipsLoud Cappi Checklist:

The MaggieTalks/SipsLoud Cappi Checklist:

1) Bold, Strong espresso: Check!

2) Extra foamy delight: Ordered my standard soy cappuccino… and it most def had some foam excellence going on.

3) Real mug: Great mug – felt all rustic and like a real legit traveler with my vintage mug. All the mugs are different too, which adds tons to the “vagabond” feel.

4) Surprise toppings: Nothing crazy here… didn’t see a huge topping bar for cappi creation. But with the foam shown above there was no toppings needed.

5) The Cozy Factor: Vagabond really excelled with the coziness. True to their name, you really feel like a hip wanderer who just happened upon a super chic cafe while out on your day’s adventures (never mind that I yelped this place from a half mile away…) The decor matched this laid back, quaint vibe by featuring a mish mosh of antique furniture – you kinda feel like you’re sitting in a well put together flea market or an eclectic grandma’s house (in a good way!). Other things to note: Comfy couches, lots of seating, and free/unlimited WiFi!!

 

The Vagabond Cafe:

7 Cornelia Street, NYC (West Village)

Subway: Washington Square / West 4th

 

Let’s take it to the Blogs:

- The Village Voice Blog highlights The Vagabond’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Latte – waahutt?!?? How did I miss this order… next time.

- NYULocal names The Vagabond a top cafe for students to try some tasty treats while they study.

- Dryastoast loves The Vagabond so much she even mentioned it in her Blog’s About section!

- Daniel Slather noshed on The Vagabond’s food and says its crepes and sandwiches were great!

- The Village Beat says that in the West Village’s caffeinated over drive of cute cafes on every corner… The Vagabond Cafe stands out as a personal favorite. Their tip – check out The Vagabond’s AMAZING latte menu!!

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Does this cappi make you wanna take a trip to The Vagabond? (travel pun intended.)

7 cornelia street, NYC   -    washington square / 4th st. stop

The MaggieTalks/Sips Loud Cappi Checklist Versus – Gregorys Coffee

Gregorys Coffee goes up against The Maggie Talks/Sips Loud Cappi Checklist.

Yes, I absolutely demolished my Cappi with cocoa powder… and it was awesome.

The MaggieTalks/SipsLoud Cappi Checklist:

1) Bold, Strong espresso: Marks for high quality here. The barista was super into making my cappuccino too which I always see as a plus.

2) Extra foamy delight: They did the soy foam up right.

3) Real mug: Slight marks off for Gregorys here… they automatically put everyone’s coffee in a to go cup! My coffee to go is fine… but MY cappuccino?! Puleeese. Tip – just ask for a cappuccino for here and you’ll get a sweet mug. (It should be noted – I visited Gregorys midtown location… this love for the to go could account for the mid town customer)

4) Surprise toppings: I love when coffee shops use those large shaker thingies for all the goodies. You know the ones that drop a ginormous amount of awesome smack onto your drink?? Gotta love that.

5) The Cozy Factor: In the vacant java landscape that is midtown… Gregorys Coffee is an oasis. I posted up inside Gregory’s for a good 3 hours to do work. With only about 6 tables, the midtown location can get crowded fast… so grab your seat and sit strong.

*** Bonus points for food! Came in here with the Fiance and he nommed up his croissant. I was particularly enthralled by the sample plate of various baked deliciousness. Freebies get major bonus points.

***** Extra Bonus points… you can become a “Gregular”. Gotta love a good pun.

******* One last note… Gregorys Coffee purposefully doesn’t use an apostrophe. Just didn’t want you all to think I never studied for my SAT’s grammer section.

 

Where to get your Gregorys Coffee:

I hit up their midtown location on 44th street btw 5th and 6th.

But check out their locations all over Manhattan.

 

Let’s take it to the Blogs -

- myfwbnyc raves about Gregorys slop drip coffee.

- Get a peak inside the kitchen with Just Look Inside, as they give us an up close and personal look inside Gregorys coffee.

- Bobby Calise gets the chance to sit down with the Greg behind Gregorys… and fuels his new found coffee addiction in the process.

- Goodiegoodiesglutenfree notes the appearance of some GF friendly treats in the bakery! (and a whole lot of non -GF but quite tantalizing sweets as well…)

- Midtown Lunch notes that the Gregorys on 46th has full on bakery action.

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Have you got your java on at Gregory’s coffee yet??

The MaggieTalks/SipsLoud Cappi Checklist Versus – Stumptown.

Stumptown goes up against the MaggieTalks/SipsLoud Cappi Checklist:

THE Stumptown Cappuccino.

The MaggieTalks/SipsLoud Cappi Checklist:

1) Bold, Strong espresso: Double Check. This espresso was bangin. My first sip was a smack of bitter, deep, rich espresso… and I loved it. The second check goes to the baristas. Complete with fedoras, suspenders and a laid back “I could be from Brooklyn” vibe… these baristas where hipsters to the core. And everyone knows that if there is one thing Hipsters know, it’s good coffee.

2) Extra foamy delight: Stumptown gets points for foaming up my order of soy milk… but they did leave me wanted just a smidge more foam. I know I know… I am a foam glutton.

3) Real mug: Real mug, saucer and adorable little side spoon?? Amaze.

4) Surprise toppings: The heart in the foam gets me every time… and with a full bar of topping options that include cocoa and cinnamon I was able to decorate my cappi to my heart’s content. Let’s show it one more time just in case you forgot…

5) The Cozy Factor: Stumptown finished strong with the cozy. Bear with me as I try to describe the awesomeness of the space. I visited Stumptown’s location in NYC at The Ace Hotel (Stumptown originated in Portland, OR).

The Ace Hotel is one of those places you just feel cool being in and knowing about… and stepping inside Stumptown is no exception. You can grab your coffee and stand by a window inside Stumptown as you people watch the beautiful New Yorkers outside 29th street.

Or, take your cappuccino and snag a seat inside the lobby of the hotel. Packed by day with NYC entrepreneurs working on their lap tops… and by night with the young, hip and gorgeous of NYC.

Warning – It’s near impossible to find a seat. So be prepared to wait and stalk… or just give up and sip you Cappuccino by the window like I did.

 

The Details – Stumptown NYC:

18 W 29th St., New York, NY 10001

Nearest Subway: 28 St (N, R) - 28 St (4, 6, 6X) - 34 St – Herald Sq (B, D, F, M, N, Q, R)

Stumptown on Yelp

(Other Locations Nationwide)

Can’t get to a Stumptown location? You can still get the beans online.

 

Let’s take it to the Blogs:

- Eater NYC fills us in on Stumptown’s new West 8th street location (and they also compare Stumptown baristas to the Newsies… which I find entertaining.)

- The Kitchn heralds Stumptown as a “big four” in the coffee roasting community.

- Jihye Chang tested some of the greatest cafes in NYC, and found Stumptown’s double macchiato top-notch.

- NYtravelinsider says the sometimes painfully slow wait at Stumptown is always worth it.

- stateoftheunionsquare notes Stumptown’s free cup of java when you buy their beans – great tip!

 

What do you think of Stumptown’s Brew??

The Red Cups Are Here!!

THE RED CUPS ARE HERE!!

Yes, I realize it’s all a marketing ploy to make the consumers buy more coffee. And yes, I realize that my excitement over the calendar flipping over to November third just plays right into their scheme. And yes, I still went on opening red cup day to nab my very own part of the holidays. Touche Starbucks. Touche.

But come on… I couldn’t help myself! Seeing my name on the side of that jolly red cup launches my first spark of holiday cheer. So judge all you want… but in the end, I’ll be sipping on a nice, warm, grande Americano with a splash of soy in a cheery red cup.

And not that I need to justify my excitement… but if I did, I would direct your attention this website that counts down the exact seconds to Starbucks’ red cups. So yeah… it’s a pretty big deal.

What’s your have a favorite holiday drink??

The MaggieTalks/SipsLoud Cappi Checklist Versus – Cafe Grumpy.

Cafe Grumpy goes up against the MaggieTalks/SipsLoud Cappi Checklist:

This pic should serve as confirmation… Cafe Grumpy gets the Magz Cappi sip of approval!!

1) Bold, Strong espresso: Check. They take their beans uber seriously… they even have an $11 cup of coffee. So you know it’s legit.

2) Extra foamy delight: Check. Asked for soy, and they created soytastic foam.

3) Real mug: Check. It’s red and bright… perfect for a cold day.

4) Surprise toppings: I mean please… they drew a heart in my foam!! Check.

5) The Cozy Factor: Check. I hit up there location in Chelsea, and it was the perfect place to snuggle up in on a rainy day. (Heads up – The only indication of Grumpy’s existence is a hanging logo of an unhappy face. Eatbigapple says Grumpy’s lack of signage makes it difficult to find… I think it only adds to the cozy, hole in the wall atmosphere.)

What do you think… should it get a loud sip of approval??

In Search of The Perfect Cappuccino – The MaggieTalks/SipsLoud Cappi checklist.

I have two rules in my culinary life: #1) Eat with no rules, #2) except for this one: I must sit down and drink Cappuccinos in real cups.

Rule #2 drives my travels. No matter what city I’m in, I always search for that perfect cup. Behold!

The MaggieTalks/SipsLoud Cappi Checklist:

1) Bold, Strong espresso: Gotta have the good stuff here. Real, authentic beans served up by a real, authentic barrista that knows his/her coffee. Nothing but the best.

2) Extra foamy delight: My one motto with foam in a cappuccino is as follows: The foamier the better. Bring on the foam!!

3) Real mug: It’s not a cappuccino unless it’s in a real mug. And it’s not a really great cappuccino unless it’s in a really great mug. Facts.

4) Surprise toppings: These can include but are not limited to – shapes drawn in foam (hearts, trees, smiley faces, etc), cocoa, cinnamon, sugar, agave, honey, nutmeg, chocolate shavings (of the dark and milk variety), candy canes, bacon…

5) The Cozy Factor: This final factor is what takes the cappuccino from a mere coffee drink to a full blown experience. It cannot be described or duplicated, but when you sip a cappuccino with a cozy factor… you just know.

Here is my attempt at the perfect Cappuccino:

Please note the pillows of foam, the layers of raw sugar, and large sized mug, the cozy atmosphere… in cappuccino lingo we call that PERFECTION.

Know of an over the top amazing cappuccino in your city? Please help a fellow java lover out and spread the cappi love. (and if it happens to be in Italy… I will travel)