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.

- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – -

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!

- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – -

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.

- – - – - – - – - – - – - -

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

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.

- – - – - – - – - – - – - -

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

Five Reasons to Get Your Butt Over to Bryant Park Before Winter Runs Out!!

While meandering through Manhattan last week (obviously while on the hunt for my next cafe to check out) I stumbled right into this little NYC gem: Extended Holiday Shops at Bryant Park.  Now until February 26th, select shops from Bryant Park’s Holiday spread will remain open (and that’s in addition to the park’s skating rink and restaurant!).

So here are your Five Reasons to Get Your Butt Over to Bryant Park Before Winter Runs Out: 

1) Bryant Park is simply straight up GORGEOUS in the winter -

Surrounded by the impossibly tall buildings of Midtown, Bryant Park is a little oasis nestled in between skyscrapers and snug right up next to the New York Public Library (which has eye appeal in its own right). And please, let’s just look at that fountain – It’s like some fancy, old school plaza right out of Europe smack dab in middle of NYC.

2) The Southwest Porch at Bryant Park -

In a city as huge and potentially intimidating as NYC, there is actually a place that exists where you can come relax… with a fire pit, heated lamps, swing chairs, rockers, Adirondacks, christmas lights, full service bar, outlets to charge your laptops – and it’s free… FREE. Added bonus – it’s actually clean. I have no idea how they do it, but somehow this public space is one I can actually sit down in without thinking I probably just caught some strain of  the next pandemic to sweep over the world. Definite win.

3) The Yummy Food Options - 

While in Bryant Park, hopping around the many droll worthy food stands is a must. Let’s explore a few together:

- Kettle Corn NYC -

If the smell of sweet and salty popcorn isn’t enough to lure you into Kettle Corn NYC’s booth, I think this next statement will persuade you: THEY GIVE AWAY FREE SAMPLES! And fairly decent sized samples at that – always a value add in my book. You’ll be offered the original flavor when you first sample… enjoy. But make sure you ask to try a few others as well. My recommends: Chocolate, Caramel, and Cinnamon! (Full disclosure… I only tried the dessert corn. But come on, when it comes to chocolate or savory I will ALWAYS choose chocolate.)

Brought the Papa Rullz back to check out the corn as well. For those of you not in the know, you should be informed that Papa Rullz is quite the popcorn connoisseur… let’s just say that he takes his popping very seriously. After one sample, the Mr. Rullz was buying not one, not two, but THREE bags of Kettle Corn NYC. FYI – his fav was the original.

The Papa Rullz mid popcorn toss to mouth… nice moves Dad.

- Aroma Espresso Bar -

Even a casually reader of this blog knows about my Cappuccino addiction. So when I saw the Aroma Espresso Bar stand at Bryant Park, I OBVIOUSLY had to get a drink (Never mind that I was coming from another coffee…) – and booooy am I glad I did!! There is something about sipping a well foamed Cappuccino outside in the cold that is so perfect and indescribable. For those of you who don’t want to brave the chill, Aroma has a fairly large indoor seating area that is shockingly warm. Bonus – they give you a little hunk of Aroma chocolate with every order… they sure know how to make me happy

- Wafels and Dinges and mmm… Enfes! -

Both shops lured me inside with that distinctly seductive smell of freshly baked goods. While I was too full on Kettle Corn and Aroma to nibble away on any Waffles or Turkish pastries… the lines speak for themselves. I will be back for both.

- Other yummy must-tries include: Big Apple Cider, Pickle Me Pete, and TopArepa.

- Note: In addition to the extended holiday shops, you can always hit up Celsius - Bryant Parks very own bar/lounge.

4) Skating at CitiPond -

Nothing says winter romance like a skate beneath the skyscrapers while holding your significant other’s hand… tote presh. Come on dudes – I’m practically giving you boyfriend points with these date ideas here! Are you taking notes?!? But seriously… the Bryant Park skating rink is twice the size of Rockefeller Center and it’s free – FREE (with your own skates). Personally, I also had fun watching the Zamboni go around in a circle.

5) Free WiFi for all! -

Bryant Park has been offering its visitors free WiFi since 2002 – take that little fact nugget, post up with your comp at Bryant Park and surf the web to your heart’s content.

More Links To Love Bryant Park ALL YEAR ROUND!

- Want in on some Bryant Park fun but can’t make it down to 42nd street?? See all the action on the Bryant Park webcam. 

- Ride the Bryant Park Carousel, play a game of Chess/backgammon, challenge yourself to some petanque, Ping Pong anyone? Or get your knowledge on in the Bryant Park Reading Room.

- Bryant Park events range from movies in the park to music concerts and even football games – click here to view a full list of events!

 

Bryant Park - 

Location: Bryant Park is situated behind the New York Public Library in midtown Manhattan, between 40th and 42nd Streets & Fifth and Sixth Avenues.

Subway: Take the B, D, F, or M train to 42nd Street/Bryant Park

Jan/Feb Park Hours:

• Sunday to Thursday – 7:00 am to 10:00 pm
• Friday and Saturday – 7:00 am to Midnight

Let’s take it to the Blogs - 

- Lauren Loves to Eat ate her way through Crepe Cafe and Wafles and Dinges… and shares photos from every bite along the way!

- Local Bozo calls the Bryant Park skating rink “one of the most magical experiences that Manhattan has to offer this holiday season” – and now that the holiday shops are extended, so is this magical experience!

- Midtown Lunch focus on all the yummy options still being offered in Bryant Park thanks to the extension of The Holiday Shops.

- Doll House Jeans talks up Aroma’s stand at Bryant Park, saying it’s a great place to stay warm while you sip a hot cocoa post ice skating… or while you check facebook on the park’s free WiFi!

- I really Like Food claims that Kettle Corn NYC’s stand serves up THE BEST kettle corn they have ever had!

- – - – - – -

What are your favorite stands to hit up in Bryant Park??

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!!

- – - – - – - – - – -

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 Spotted Pig… Fries worth waiting 2 hours for.

2 hour wait… so you know it’s good. Co-owned by Jay Z, Bono and Mario Batali… so you know it’s what’s up. A pile of fries that are bigger than your face… so you know it’s tasty. This is the The Spotted Pig.

3 Reasons to Love The Spotted Pig:

1) THOSE FRIES!! 

Impossibly crispy and perfectly salted with bites of rosemary and garlic surprise… These fries threw a party on my taste buds.

Seriously… these fries will change your life.

A quick google image for The Spotted Pig fries pulls up images like this - 

And this -

And don’t even get me started on this -

While you’re waiting for your table, you will see approximately 100 orders of these babies towered impossibly high teetering on every waiter’s hand as they walk past. Watching everyone else devour these skinny bits of fried potato happiness is agony… but noshing on your own plate is totally worth the wait. The fry tower might seem daunting… but I promise that you will be licking your fry plate clean and wishing you had a double order.

2) AND THAT BURGER!

Once the fries were devoured (and obviously they were crushed before the other two entrees) it was time for the main attraction: The Burger. Having heard rave reviews from my go-to foodie source Sara (of Cocomama foods), it was time I put The Spotted Pig burger to my own burger test: The Fiance.

The Fiance is a burger connoisseur, so obviously I yield all burgers reviews to the master. And his exact review of The Spotted Pig burger: “One of the best, if not THE best, burger I have ever had.” (Full disclosure… I added the enthusiastic, full caps THE… but I know that’s what he meant.)

Heads up – This burger is tasty… but that flavor comes with a pretty hefty price tag: $17. My argument: It’s an entrée!! This ain’t no Mcdonalds’ beef… we’re talking high quality ingredients expertly crafted together. If you want cheap, this isn’t for you. If you want one of a kind, best ever burger quality – this baby is for you.

Side note – I got the Sea Bass on top of a cauliflower puree sprinkled with roasted hazelnuts… and it was also head over heels amazing.

3) Great Place For A Hot Date. 

The Fiance and I were searching for an awesome place for date night. Requirements: Great food in a super fun atmosphere. My love letters to the above fries and burgers clearly approve of The Spotted Pig’s food. The co-owners of The Spotted Pig speak for the atmosphere: Jay Z, Bono, Fatboy Slim and Mario Batali. Jay Z, Bono, and Fatboy Slim??! I know… The Fiance was skeptical of my restaurant facts as well. But here is some Spotted Pig investor proof for your face.

Keeping with the A-list vibe, there is no sign out front to announce The Spotted Pig. Rather, a hanging Pig beckons to all who are in the know.

The Spotted Pig doesn’t accept reservations… because it doesn’t have to. If you’re lucky, you can squeeze your way into a seat and order at the bar, but expect around a 2 hour wait no matter what time you go. This wait is perfect for a hot date night – Put your name in… meander around the romantic West Village… hit up the local spots for drinks along the way…. until you end up back at The Spotted Pig’s bar…. Take in the scene and finish out your wait in style.

Date Night at The Spotted Pig!

The Spotted Pig -

314 W. 11th Street (@ Greenwich St.)
New York, NY 10014

Let’s take it to the Blogs:

- Shared Appetite breaks down The Spotted Pig’s entire menu – and gives us some tips about how to avoid the 2 hour wait!

- Food Comas tasted practically the entire menu and nominates the chicken liver toast, sheep’s milk ricotta gnudi, and roasted quail as their must eat dishes.

- Local Bozo agrees with practically every one else in NYC and says The Spotted Pig’s burger is one of the best in town.

- The Burger Review asserts that while tasty, the price tag on The Spotted Pig’s burger outweighs borders on absurdity.

- Heneedsfood insists that if you’re only in NYC for the weekend, you better get your butt down to The Spotted Pig.

- State of the Union Square says their desserts are a must – Popcorn ice cream with Caramel corn? How did I miss this?!??

- Food from Flossie spots another can’t miss order on The Spotted Pig’s menu: The Gnudi.

- – - – - – - – - – -

Have you hovered the burger and fries from The Spotted Pig yet??

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.

- – - – - – - – - – -

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

My forever endless list of Literally All of the Most Amazing Places That I Want To Eat.

I’m not ashamed to admit it… my daily schedule revolves around food. What restaurants to check out, what cafes to sit in, what grocery stores to hit up – these are the types of things that I organize my schedule around. And I think this is a totally rational and amazing way to live.

A quick scan through my phone’s photos reveals me in various states of posing with assorted food products:

Do you SEE that whipped cream?!? Clearly this was pic worthy.

Toasted Marshmallow milk shake made with dozens of REAL toasted marshmallows… it’s a frozen campfire! Pic required.

Classy mason jar glasses?!? Enough Said.

I think we’re all in agreement that I have a (healthy?) obsession with yelping/instagraming/tweeting everything about food.

And this brings us back to My forever endless list of Literally All of the Most Amazing Places That I Want To Eat. When food is a passion, picking out restaurants is a craft… and honing this craft is something I take very seriously. Hence the beginning of The To Eat List (note the emphasis on The Beginning…).

My forever endless list of Literally All of the Most Amazing Places That I Want To Eat.

NYC:

•  The Momofukus, NYC - Ssam Bar… Check! / Noodle Bar… Check!
• Blue Hill Farm, NYC
• Mas Farmhouse, NYC
• Gramercy Tavern, NYC – Check!
• The Green Table, NYC
• ABC Kitchen, NYC
• Shake Shack, NYC – Check!
• Pure Food and Wine/Take Away, NYC – Check!
• Stand, NYC – Check!
• Dirt Candy, NYC
• Rouge Tomate, NYC
• The Farm on Adderley, NYC
• Baby Cakes, NYC
• Craft, NYC
• Telepan, NYC
• ALL Mario Batali, NYC – Eataly, Check! / Lupa, Check! / Esca, Check! / Otto, Check! Still up… Del Posto, Babbo
• Lure Fish Bar, NYC
• The Bar at The Modern, NYC
• Marea, NYC
• Danji, NYC
• Peacefood Cafe, NYC
• Gobo, NYC – Check!
• Candle Cafe/Candle 79, NYC
• Il Laboratorio Del Gelato, NYC
• Grom, NYC - Check!
• ‘snice cafe, NYC
• Lula’s Sweet Apothecary, NYC
• Big Gay Ice Cream, NYC – Check!
• Northern Spy Food Co., NYC – Check!
• Cookshop, NYC
• The Little Owl, NYC
• Hangawi, NYC – Check!
• Cafe Grumpy, NYC – Check!
• Stumptown, Portland/NYC – Check!
• The Smith, NYC
• Spice Market, NYC – Check!
• Mercer Kitchen, NYC – Check!
• Sushi Samba, NYC – Check!
• Ed’s Chowder House, NYC
• Lavo, NYC
• Balthazar, NYC
• Applewood, NYC
• Freemans Restaurant, NYC
• Stogo, NYC
• La Esquina, NYC
• The Spotted Pig, NYC
• Jeffery’s Grocery, NYC
• Flex mussels, NYC
• The Meatball Shop, NYC
• The Fat Radish, NYC
• Sushi of Gari, NYC
• Burger and Barrel, NYC
• BrGR, NYC
• Catch, NYC
• Red Rooster, NYC
• Locanda Verde, NYC – Check!
• Fanelli’s Cafe, NYC

West Coast:

• Cafe Gratitude, LA – Check!
• Sun Cafe, LA – Check!
• Umami Burger, Cali – Check!
• The Tasting Kitchen, LA
• Pizzeria Mozza, LA

Chicago:

• Girl and The Goat, Chicago – Check!
• DMK Burger Bar, Chicago – Check!
• Fish Bar, Chicago - Check!
• Tompolobampo, Chicago

Portland:

• I’ve never been… but one of my life goals is to eat my way through Portland. Fact.

San Francisco:

• Another city on my culinary To Eat list.

Let’s take it to the Blogs!

- Eater breaks down the top 38 places to eat in some of America’s tastiest cities.

- Clean Plates gives great neighborhood guides to help make all of your eating plans.

- Grub Street breaks down food and food news in all the major cities.

- Serious Eats takes food eating seriously.

- City Spoonful focuses exclusively on the many gastronomic choices in NYC

- Bib Gourmand is a must hit up list for a fancy meal that comes in at under $40 a person.

- – - – - – -

My forever endless list of Literally All of the Most Amazing Places That I Want To Eat is always expanding… know of somewhere that I must eat?? Add it to my list!!

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??

Momofuku Noodle Bar… or how I Momoed the Fuku out of the East Village.

The Momofuku kingdom reigns deep in NYC. And with foodie obsessed institutions like noodle bar, ssam bar, ma peche, the elusive ko, and the ever decedent milk bar… it’s clear that David Chang has an empire in the East Village.

Having already checked one Momofuku off my list with my spring time visit to ssam bar, I already considered myself a Momofuku snob. Yet I’ve been told that unless you’ve been to the original noodle bar that started it all, you haven’t Momofukued. And I do not want my Momofuku questioned.

So armed with my foodie friend Cecilia, I entered Momofuku noodle bar with high expectations. We went on the earlier side of a Tuesday night so the line wasn’t too bad – but prepare yourself to wait at least 30 mins on an average weekday night… and hours on the weekends. So, is it worth it?? Let’s take a look at the order.

The Appetizzy: Roasted Cauliflower –  harissa, walnut, lemon 

One of the best things I have ever had. Seriously. It blew my mind. David Chang how do you do it?!?? The highlights:

- The harissa kicked the socks off the cauliflower and left me with some awesome sinus drainage.

- The bottom is coated with a light layer of yogurt that cuts the harissa kick.

- The cauliflower is roasted to a beautifully crisp charred outside and creamy inside.

- The walnuts add the perfect crunch and must be doused in crack or something because I just kept wanting more!

- And the lemon foam – THAT FOAM!! Seriously, out of this world. I would love to know what the heck this foam is exactly… all I can say is that when eaten solo, this foam will cause some serious lip puckerage. But when eaten with a bite of the harissa, yogurt, walnut bits and cauliflower – pure amazing.

Can you tell I loved this dish?? Let’s move on before this gets embarrassing.

 

Another Appetizzy/entree: Spanish Mackerel Tataki – celery root, white miso, chestnut

Here’s a little cooking lesson for you curtesy of the Momofuku menu – Tataki is a type of sashimi that is pounded and lightly seared, leaving the inside raw. Once again, the composition of this dish is what really took it to next level foodieism. The mackerel was perfectly seared, the celery root puree was rich and creamy, the chestnuts gave it a crunch and depth, and whatever the heck was in with that white miso sauce created perfection.

 

Another entree: Momofuku Ramen – pork belly, pork shoulder, poached egg

The Ramen… the piece de résistance of Momofuku noodle bar. This bowl is more than just a bowl of noodles… it is what launched the the Momofuku empire. In fact, David Chang’s cookbook reads like a love letter to Ramen. The book’s description credits Chang as a man who “single-handedly revolutionized cooking in America with his use of bold Asian flavors and impeccable ingredients, his mastery of the humble ramen noodle, and his thorough devotion to pork.”

So clearly, if there is anything that can define noodle bar, it’s what’s inside this large, glorious bowl. House made ramen noodles are taken to an entirely new art form… A freshly cracked egg swims around both pork shoulder and pork belly in a intensely meaty broth… and a sprinkle of chives tops it off brilliantly. As someone who doesn’t eat much meat, even I have to say that this was one mighty fine bowl.

Dessert to finish: Soft Serve – pumpkin ale / pretzel / twist

Confession: I crushed all of this soft serve before I could snap a photo. But it tasted exactly like a bite of pretzel swallowed by a swig of pumpkin ale… so take these photos as a literal interpretation. Now, I’m a chocolate lover so I did miss that rich, chocolate finish… but the pumpkin ale/pretzel twist was certainly an experience.

All in all: Momofuku noodle bar is a must visit in NYC. The vibe and hype alone should bring you in and the taste will make you stay. But a heads up – the price does add up fast. So grab a partner and hit up noodle bar for a special night of foodie delight out in NYC.

Let’s take it to the Blogs:

- One of the best reviews of Momofuku goes to Unemployed Eater’s grandma and her spot on review of the Momofuku Milk Bar.

- Eat Big Apple agrees that no meal at noodle bar is complete without the ramen… but they break down the pork tails and octopus for us too!

- Restaurant Girl puts noodle bar in her list of some of the top noodles in NYC.

- 15000kms says Momofuku noodle bar surpasses the hype and is worth a visit.

- The insatiable palate praises the rich meaty broth… but balks at the price tag and says $10 for 2 pork buns isn’t work it.

 

Love it or hate it, the Momofuku noodle bar is a NYC culinary empire. What’s your take on the noodles??