Sneaky summer openings and closings:
Heading back to Broadway from 125th Street, I walked up Amsterdam Avenue and spotted construction on a new restaurant: Nikko. Continue reading
Tag Archives: Coffee
Espresso Expeditions: More Good Coffee in the LES
Lorenzo L., Columbia University
Don’t remember me? Read the intro to this recurring segment.
It has been a while since last documenting my caffeinated wanderings, but I return from a far distant urban jungle bearing the good news of carefully crafted warm beverages. One of my favorite Manhattan neighborhoods (if I’m allowed to have favorite neighborhoods as a mere college student?) is the Bowery, and I try to get down around East 4th whenever I can. The narrow region is eclectic, diverse, and very alive, a place where trendy and workaday can sit side by side, with awesomeness squeezed in between. But recently I have been venturing further east into the similarly charming Lower East Side, and have been rewarded by spots with espresso enthusiasts ranging from the friendly to the fanatical (or both!). Continue reading
Filed under Columbia University, Drinks, Espresso Expeditions, Lorenzo L., New York City
Espresso Expeditions: A Study Kaffe?
Lorenzo L., Columbia University
Don’t know what I’m blathering about? Read the intro to this recurring segment. As spring break continues to fade into the past and April begins to invade our present, we, as responsible Northeastern college students have only one thing on our mind: summer FINALS. So, if those final papers begin to draw nigh and your reading remains resolutely unfinished, or if (God-forbid) you are working on your thesis, get your quality artisan coffee in a place that caters to your cram-related needs: Kaffe 1668. Continue reading
Filed under Columbia University, Drinks, Espresso Expeditions, Lorenzo L., New York City
Making Choices in the Main Street Coffee Mecca
Erica C., University of Delaware
When I first got to the University of Delaware as a freshman, there were really only a few coffee options, but as Main Street has expanded, students now have a plethora of choices for their early morning routine. We all make different calls depending on a few criteria: 1) How much caffeine we need (go Starbucks!) 2) How much we love our specialty drinks 3) price and 4) Off Campus Meal Plans. Continue reading
Filed under Erica C., University of Delaware
Espresso Expeditions: A Change of Pace at Zanny’s
Lorenzo L., Columbia University
Don’t know what I’m blathering about? Read the intro to this recurring segment.
Not interested in gimmicky and pretentious coffee places? Zanny’s Café provides a low-key alternative that is only a short walk away from campus.
I stumbled into the corner café on Columbus Avenue last year on the way to Central Park and was delighted by the cozy environment and the friendly employees behind the counter. When I was recently lamenting the lack of variety in daytime student destinations in Morningside Heights (my friends no longer listen to me complain about Starbucks, so I decided to do it on the Internet) I recalled Zanny’s and resolved to swing by again. Continue reading
Filed under Columbia University, Espresso Expeditions, Food, Lorenzo L., Reviews
Espresso Expeditions: Fight Grumpy with Grumpy
Lorenzo L., Columbia University
Introduction
While I realize that the vast majority of college students are only familiar with espresso beverages as a study aide (the classy alternative to Red Bull), for the passionate – the “espressohead” – a good, lovingly brewed cappuccino can erase an entire week of stress, anxiety, and sleep deprivation. No, it isn’t a miracle drug; but good espresso is nourishing, uniquely tasty, and oftentimes a form of expression.
Additionally, I would argue that coffee is a social lubricant: the alcohol of the daytime. Coffee houses bring neighborhoods, lovers, friends, and families together to share space, stories, and warm beverages.
It is unfortunate that the Morningside Heights has such a shortage of decent coffee shops, although if the new Joe is any indication, the tide may be turning. Hungarian Pastry Shop offers atmosphere but little in terms of quality coffee, Community serves a terrific latte but is clearly a restaurant (and a pricey one at that!) and Oren’s is only ideologically superior to Starbucks. But let this not deter you, brave Columbia students! There is a brave new world of caffeinated socializations and cozy study areas out there!
Every other week I will be reporting on the newly thriving independent coffee scene of New York City, and recommending locations based on their qualities as a student destination and as a purveyor of innovative, quality espresso. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
Espresso Expeditions: Fight Grumpy with Grumpy
When I emerged from the subway into the bright but cold Manhattan February, the light hurt my eyes, the wind stung my cheeks. Why on earth did I decide to go all the way to Chelsea for a cup of coffee? Continue reading
Filed under Columbia University, Espresso Expeditions, Lorenzo L., New York City, Reviews
Scientific Pie
Zach B., Yale University
Pie baking can be a fussy activity, all about ratios of fat to flour and sugar to fruit. Even the slightest variation in technique can result in a less than satisfactory pastry. As a result, baking a pie requires a scientific attitude, constantly tweaking variables to find the combination that results in the closest approximation to the perfect pie. (Pictures after the jump)
Filed under Miscellaneous, pie
