Crema Offers Delicious Gluten Free Breakfast Treats

After leaving Kansas City, we headed to Denver to visit our friend Dave.  Another great part of our journey, we truly enjoyed our time in the Mile High City and also tapped into its many culinary treats.  Coffee was a big part of our experience, needless to say, and the following coffee shop called Crema made a big impression.

Atmosphere:
Situated in the Five Points neighborhood of Denver, Crema rests on the corner of Larimer and 29th Street.  The area feels a bit industrial and so does Crema itself (from the outside), but once you step in, a cozy coffee-house vibe overtakes you.  I love all the local art and exposed bricks as well as the irregularly shaped seating area, consisting of a few different rooms, some of which offer great light.  We noticed quite a few people camping out with their laptops, proving that Crema is indeed a good gathering spot and a place where creative ideas get made.

Coffee and Food:
It must be said that the coffee flowed freely and Dan and I ordered the Ethiopian French Press brewed that morning.  It was wonderfully potent and rich in fruity undertones.  I also loved that we were offered free refills, which went a long way, as we took full advantage.

Sweet Potato Waffle - Dan's eyes immediately settled on this item because it's gluten free.  As for me, I always appreciate a good waffle so I went for it too.  I must say that this was a true highlight of our experience, as we received the beautifully golden creation you see above.  The exterior boasted a crunchy texture, while the inside was soft, pillowy and slightly sweet from the sweet potato.  A topping of candied walnuts and a hazelnut whipped cream that sent me to heaven sealed this already sweet deal.

Service and Cost:
Everyone was super nice, and exemplified a laid back attitude.  The free coffee refill offer was a big bonus and our waffles came out piping hot in a matter of a few short minutes.

Costs are affordable and downright surprising for all this gourmet goodness with the coffee being just $2 and the waffle a mere $6.

3 Mmmms

Crema  Coffee House - 2862 Larimer Street, Denver CO 80205
720.284.9648
cremacoffeehouse.net

Asbury Park Roastery vs. Rook - Battle of the Cold Brews

Being a coffee lover is becoming a lot easier these days in Astoria, as we have lots of excellent options and tasty newcomers such as 60 Beans, Astoria Coffee, OK Cafe and others.  However, in this post, I shine a light on other coffee roasters who happen to be located across the pond so to speak - in that other state we call New Jersey.

While visiting friends Jessica and Ari in Asbury Park this summer, we happened upon some amazing coffee, which was both surprising and wonderful. Gravitating to the cold brew, as it's more unique and reminds us of the fabulous Stumptown cold brew we purchase sometimes, we tried two great options which I'll highlight here and one of which we're still drinking at home.

Asbury Park Roastery - Located in the historic Asbury Park Convention Hall that dates back to the 1920's, this roastery boasts a lot of charm and a fantastic smell that emanates from its doors.  Seeing that they sold a 32 oz version of their cold brew made me stop in and buy some so Dan and I can enjoy it the following week.

Overall, Dan liked the coffee a lot more than me, as I think you had to add a lot of milk to dilute it and the taste was a little bitter.  Not to say that it wasn't good quality, strong coffee that had a lot of flavor, but given that I don't add sugar, it wasn't exactly my cup of you know what. Asbury Park Roastery - 1300 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park NJ, 07712. 732.807.3155

Rook - First trying this coffee at Jess and Ari's house, we couldn't stop ooohing and aaahing about how great it was. As the bottle shows, this is New Orleans Style Cold Brew, containing chicory, which adds a hint of natural sweetness and a delicious caramel flavor that's ever so subtle.  Since it's mixed in with dark coffee, just like APR's cold brew, it's very potent and a little goes a long way.  Similar to the APR concentrate, you need lots of milk to dilute this baby, but all that extra moo juice is totally worth it.  My friend Angela recently bought me a fresh supply of this and we couldn't be happier.

FYI - something very cool that I noticed about Rook is that you can text to order your coffee 10 minutes before getting there, so if you do head in, take advantage of this fun feature. Rook - 60 Monmouth Road, Oakhurst, NJ 07755. 732.483.4402

So, in terms of a cold brew coffee battle, I think you can assume the winner here (congrats Rook), although both are quality options that any staunch coffee lover wouldn't turn their nose from.

Pi Greek Bakerie – Artopolis Influences Soho

Recently discovering Pi, a new artisanal bakery near my daytime gig, it looked oddly familiar – reminding me of the amazing Greek sweet shops we have in Astoria. Upon closer inspection and after talking with their employees, I found out my suspicions proved true – in fact Pi being directly related to our beloved Artopolis Bakery. What are the chances?!

Atmosphere:
Set on the busy Grand Street, right near Thompson and Sullivan Streets in Soho, Pi is positioned perfectly for ample foot traffic. That’s in fact how I stumbled upon it, during my lunch break when I often seek out new adventures.

If you thought that Artopolis boasts a lovely interior design, you haven’t seen anything, as Pi is all that amped up to the next level. The overall vibe is clean and modern yet with hints of rusticity and a connection to the Mediterranean. I love the slightly weathered copper tabletops, the tall credenza with olive oils, spices, and cookies inside its drawers and lots and lots of food porn behind the glass display. It’s all very bright, inviting and evokes feelings of being somewhere marvelous.

Coffee and Sweets:
It’s hard to choose between the plethora of traditional Greek cookies, pastries and savory things at Pi. They even serve things such as traditional Greek specialties like homemade pasticcio.

Almond Cookies – A variety of almond cookies occupy the display case, so we were of course obliged to try a few – some adorned with fruit jelly and others not. I loved the former, as the jelly added a vibrant element, while the actual cookie was buttery, crumbly and at the same time not too sweet.

Galaktoboureko – One of my all time favorite Greek desserts, galaktoboureko, a traditional Greek pastry filled with semolina custard was one to remember. Laced with the perfect amount of cinnamon, each bite was heaven, as the flaky exterior hugged the cheesy custard that was like silk in your mouth.

Coffee – Very satisfied with the coffee, Pi proudly serves brew from Brooklyn Roasting Company that’s gentle on your palate and your stomach. Like most gourmet coffee shops or bakeries in NYC, they’ll accommodate virtually any milk preference.

Service and Cost:
Although I’ve never had a problem with the service at Artopolis, I thought the folks at Pi were friendlier. Happy to strike up a conversation and even offer us a few cookies on the house, we felt welcome and comfortable to hang around as long as we wanted. My friend Kim and I enjoyed it so much that we quickly spread the word to many of our co-workers.

Prices are comparable to other establishments in the neighborhood, but quite competitive as far as coffee goes. A small cup of coffee will set you back just over $2 and most pastries are under $4, which isn’t too shabby for such high quality. I can’t wait to go back and try more things, such as their custom yogurt bar – yum!

3 Mmmms

Pi Greek Bakerie – 512 Broome Street, New York, NY 10013
212.226.2701
E/C Train to Spring Street

Coffeed $10 Lunch Specials are Here

This past weekend, Meg and I went to check out the new Qns Urban Mkt inside the (fill-in) building, which is also the home of Coffeed independent coffee shop. Even though the locale is in no man’s land, customers reap the benefits of a spacious building with high ceilings and plenty of room to hang out.

Once we walked in, we were hugged by a potent aroma of freshly brewed coffee, which brought me to my happy place. It was nice to observe the laid back vibe and the many folks who chose the space as their afternoon work haven.

After we walked around the market (more on that soon), Meg grabbed a coffee, and that’s when I noticed their interesting lunch specials. If you find yourself in the nabe, you may want to take advantage: Coffeed

Lunch Special - $10
All items are served with a side of a Brooklyn Grange salad

Feta Artisanal Pizza:
Choice of Brooklyn Grange Vegetable pie, Prosciutto, or Genoa Salami

Sandwiches/Wraps:
Hail Caesar – Grilled chicken, parmesan cheese, Caesar dressing, lettuce, tomato
Chipotle Grilled Chicken Wrap – Grilled chicken, chipotle mayo, lettuce, tomato
Very Veggie Burger – Veggie burger, lettuce, tomato, choice of mustard, mayo or ketchup
Avocado’s Number – Ham, lettuce, tomato, avocado, chipotle mayo
Steve-O – Turkey, avocado, melted cheddar, olive oil, hot sauce
Crispy Vegetarian – Crunchy fall vegetables (carrots, cabbage, peppers, cauliflower, cucumber) with balsamic
Northern Lox on toasted 7-grain or bagel – Smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers, onion
Egg Salad Sandwich on toasted 7-grain or bread – Organic eggs, mayo, scallions, celery, Brooklyn Grange lettuce, tomato
Big Tuna Sandwich on toasted 7-grain or wrap – Tuna, mayo, celery, Brooklyn Grange lettuce, tomato Hummus Cheddar on toasted 7-grain or wrap – House-made hummus, Brooklyn Grange tomato, lettuce, cheddar, pesto

Panini:
Milano – Prosciutto, Genoa Salami, Provolone, greens
LIC Turkey Club – Fresh turkey, crispy bacon, greens
Three Cheese – Provolone, Swiss and cheddar

Coffeed – 37-18 Northern Blvd, LIC NY 11101
718.606.1299
R Train to 36th Street
www.coffeednyc.com

Sippin' on Strawberry Iced Tea at Sweetleaf

After what was a pretty long hiatus, I found myself at Sweetleaf, which is one of my favorite LIC coffee spots.  Loving the original location on Jackson Avenue, I knew I was in good hands when I spotted their Center Blvd outpost while on my way to the LIC Flea.  

Atmosphere:
It's strange to think of Sweetleaf situated on the ground level of a luxury apartment high rise, given its dark, grungy, indie aesthetic.  I was wondering how they'd pull all that off in this modern new locale, but I was surprised at how well their original concept comes through in this space.

For starters, it's a lot more spacious and there's plenty more places to sit down and spread out (this is especially great when you have your laptop and a load of work with you).  I love that you don't feel cramped and that the wifi works well, which isn't always the case with the other coffee shops in the vicinity.  

A beautiful antique bar dominates the space with a vintage gilded clock as its center piece.  I like that you can position yourself at the bar if you like, making you appreciate this coffee shop/cocktail bar hybrid. 

Strawberry Iced Tea - Even though it's hard to pass up Sweetleaf's Stumptown coffee, I chose to go for the iced tea instead.  Listed in their specialty drinks section, along with the Iced Rocket Fuel, it sounded refreshing and interesting, made of unsweetened iced tea, simple syrup and fresh strawberry puree.  It totally delivered, and then some, providing you with a hint of natural sweetness from the puree, which was swirled throughout.  Although I didn't get one during this visit, it would've been nice to pair it with Sweetleaf's freshly baked scones.

Service and Cost:
The service very much mirrors what you get at the old location - laid back, friendly but not in-your-face. All good things.
Costs are expensive but totally worth the quality.  My iced tea set me back $4.25.

3 Mmmms

Sweetleaf - 46-15 Center Blvd, LIC NY 11101
347.527.1038
7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Ave
www.sweetleaflic.com 

Cool Down with Iced Coffee at Brooklyn Bagel

Image by Brooklyn Bagel

What a mini heatwave we've been having!  Even though I welcome the warm weather wholeheartedly, it's always important to cool down during a steamy time like this.  Luckily, Brooklyn Bagel presents the perfect opportunity with their "Terrific Tuesday" promotion, which allows you to satisfy your iced coffee fix for just $1. Here's the scoop:

Get any sized regular, hazelnut, or decaf iced coffee for just $1.  This promotion has been running in the month of June, but do write in to Brooklyn Bagel and maybe they'll consider extending it.  Enjoy your brew today!

35-05 Broadway, Astoria NY 11106
718.204.0141
N/Q Train to Broadway

35-09 Ditmars Blvd Astoria, NY 11105

718.932.8280

N/Q Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)

36-14 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103
718.777.1121
N/Q Train to 30th Avenue
www.bkbagel.com

Start Your Morning with a Cypriot Breakfast

Last week, Meg, Mackenzi and I spent some time at a local oldie but goodie over breakfast while we discussed some exciting We Heart Astoria matters.  That oldie/goodie is no other than Cafe Bar, which has been on a 24/7 schedule since the summertime.
Serving breakfast each day, not only on the weekends, from 10:00 a.m. til 5:00 p.m., we were happy to see so many solid choices, each with a unique Greek and Cypriot twist.

We each ordered some form of eggs, and what immediately caught my attention was the first thing on the menu, called a Cypriot Breakfast.

Cypriot Breakfast - Making up a true mini Mediterranean feast, this breakfast offering is quite hardy, boasting a full plate of homemade Cypriot sausage, fried eggs (over easy), grilled halloumi cheese, fresh tomatoes and Cafe Bar's signature, hash browns.  All in all, a winning combination, I think the sausage definitely stole the show, and I couldn't believe how large it was.  Giving away a nice chunk to Meg for a try, she seemed to really enjoy it, and we both thought the homey flavors and the fresh herbs that were stuffed into the pork casing were just gorgeous.  Only later, I found out that this sausage is prepared in red wine, which made a lot of sense, considering the delicious pungency of each bite.

The perfectly cooked eggs had a lovely, silky yolk, which coated the already flavorful hash browns nicely, creating a rich golden glaze.  I loved seeing chunks of mushrooms and asparagus amongst the potatoes and appreciated the creativity in the preparation, as did my friends.

Red Dragon Smoothie - During our visit, we were also offered a first sip of a new smoothie on the menu called the Red Dragon.  Boasting a beautiful magenta color that just screamed beets, it's what was indeed inside, along with hints of apple, pear, mango, pineapple and cinnamon.  Each sip had a slightly earthy aftertaste that was also a little sweet, which reaffirmed its nutritious contents.  It was a great way to start the day and get energized, so if you see it (or don't yet see it) on the menu, do just ask for it - they'll hook you up.

Service and Cost:
Although our meal was absolutely lovely, the service was a bit spotty, which was interesting to observe, given the sparsely populated space.  It wasn't anything that put us off necessarily, it was just something we noticed and it could've been a result of where we were sitting.

Costs are moderate and the above mentioned breakfast (with coffee) set us back about $18 with tax and tip.

2.5 Mmmms

Cafe Bar - 32-90 36th Street, Astoria, NY 11103

718.204.5273

R/M Train to Steinway Street or N/Q Train to Broadway

www.monikascafebar.com

Queens Kickshaw Morning Glory

Although yesterday was technically a non-work day for me in the traditional sense, my We Heart Astoria colleagues and I had a super productive day, meeting at The Queens Kickshaw.  Choosing this venue for its casual, laid-back vibe and superb coffee, we settled into the large square table upfront and spent most of the morning and the early part of the afternoon discussing "business."

In the midst of all this, we of course took breaks to drink delicious Kickshaw coffee, and indulged in their signature comfort food.  I've never not liked what I've had here, and this time even further upped the ante.  Some new things I tried...

Egg & Cheese Sandwich - When Dan ordered this before, I hungrily watched him eat it, but this time I was ready to devour it solo.  Just like each Kickshaw sandwich, it used really high quality bread, a buttery brioche in fact, which held deliciously savory elements such as perfectly scrambled eggs, soft ricotta cheese, tangy gruyere and some hot sauce to boot.  Because I usually pair egg dishes with ketchup, the hot sauce was a great substitute that made the sandwich incredibly moist, with a healthy kick in the butt from the spice.

White Bean and Beer Stew - Listening to Jen, Kickshaw's co-owner, describe this soup excited me.  It sounded incredibly hearty, mixing two types of beans, white gigantes and garbanzos, along with roasted peppers and braised greens.  The whole thing would then be submerged into a pungent beer broth and further topped with crunchy rye bread with basil aioli.  While I loved the bread with that earthy, garlicky pesto, I thought the soup needed more broth.  I enjoyed its chunky contents, and it did a great job of filling me up, but I would've appreciated more liquid to soak up the bread.

Dessert - Surprised with a sweet treat at the end of our meal, we received two on-the-house desserts, including a brownie affogato and and the bread pudding.  It so happens they combined two of my favorite things of all time - bread and chocolate - so needless to say, I was very happy.  Out of the two, I had a strong preference for the brownie affogato, as it paired together a rich, dark chocolate Godmother Rozzie's brownie with chunky walnuts, with a cool coffee cream.  Dipping the brownie in the cream was just fantastic and made it even moister than it already was.  I appreciated the tie-in with coffee, as it related back to Kickshaw's foundation.

The bread pudding was also lovely, made with a beautifully rich custard brioche, hints of orange and ribbons of caramel.  Even though it was by no means a low cal dish, it didn't leave you with a heavy feeling and we polished it off rather quickly.  My favorite aspect were the slightly crunchy edges of the brioche - yum!

Service and Cost:
Always treated with much hospitality and a friendly but unobtrusive manner, I continue to love the service here.  I appreciate the professional way they conduct business and the high quality they deliver.  It was interesting to see that there's table service too, which I haven't much seen at other coffee houses.  It has to be said that the entire place was busy on a Monday, which is testament to its continuous excellence.

Costs are fair and I paid about $17 for a cappuccino, an egg and cheese sandwich, and the bean soup.

3 Mmmms

The Queens Kickshaw - 40-17 Broadway, Astoria NY 11103
718.777.0913
M/R Train to Steinway Street
www.thequeenskickshaw.com 

Brasil Coffee House in LIC is Closed

Just as happy I was to discover the amazingness of LIC's Brasil Coffee House last year, I was just as sad last week when I saw that it closed. I'm bummed about this, as I thought this coffee house served great brew and delicious Brazilian treats such as Pao de Queijo (cheesy bread)--plus, it was a nice alternative from the run-of-the-mill Starbucks.

I checked their website and there were no updates about the closing so I'm guessing it happened recently. Also curious about its other location in LIC, I called to find the number disconnected. Sounds like they are definitely finito in LIC.

The space is currently empty but I'll keep a close eye to see if anything else pops up in its place. Here's to hoping for another unique coffee house...

Brasil Coffee House - 48-19 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11101
718.729.5969
7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Ave
www.brasilcoffeehouse.com

Athens Cafe - A Strong Coffee Break

Athens Cafe - 32-07 30th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11102
718.626.2164
N/W Train to 30th Avenue

Coffee is one of the best things you can get in Astoria, and there certainly isn't a shortage of it, especially on 30th Avenue. We took a stroll down the avenue last weekend and stopped at Athens Cafe for strong Nescafe and Frappes - both enjoyable and of great quality.

Frappe - A signature coffee drink in Astoria, it comes in a tall bamboo shaped glass with coffee foam on top. I think the foam is its best feature, and it's almost as strong as the coffee. Sipping this drink is an experience and I suggest that you go slow, unless you want all the caffeine to hit you at once--not recommended. This drink is wonderful to get on a really hot day when all you want to do is cool off and relax.

Nescafe - The hot version of the frappe, it's more comforting. Nice and strong, it had great foam on top and the beauty of it is that it came sweetened. Not 100% sure about this but I think that they sweeten it with simple syrup instead of sugar, as there was no excess on the bottom--it was all perfectly blended.

Service and Cost:
Our waiter was wonderful. For a big group of eight, he was patient with us and explained the differences between the many coffee options. He made strong recommendations and really knew what he was talking about. With so many variations on the coffee menu, he put things in perspective and was able to help us narrow down some choices.

The costs are on the expensive side with certain specialty coffee drinks costing up to $8.50. I couldn't believe that they would actually charge nearly $10 for a cup of coffee.

Naturally, we stuck with the more economical options, both coffees that I mention above in the $4.95 range--still pricey but a good indulgence for an authentic experience.

3 Mmmms

Brasil Coffee House - Starbucks What?

Brasil Coffee House - 48-19 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11101

718.729.5969

7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Ave

www.brasilcoffeehouse.com

I was pleasantly surprised to find a different coffee shop in this nabe and no Starbucks in sight. Although the Brasil Coffee House is a chain, it's a small chain consisting of 2 locations in LIC, 1 in Manhattan and another one in Miami. And just like its name suggests, they serve fresh brewed Brazilian coffee and even some authentic treats like Pao de Queijo (Brazilian cheese bread).

Atmosphere:

What a cool space! It looks ordinary from the outside--modern building with casual outdoor seating--but the inside takes you back to the old country. Immediately upon stepping in, you're welcomed by a beautiful mural painting of a Brazilian coffee plantation.

The furnishings are charming antiques and the coolest piece is a Baroque credenza, which functions as a coffee condiment station. And while the entire space is large, it feels very much like your living room at home. Another positive is that unlike a Starbucks, the Brasil Coffee House offers a relaxing, low-key atmosphere--good for studying, reading the morning paper or a good book.

Coffee and Food:

My cousin Vicky tried their house blend and she was pretty happy with it. She admits that she's no coffee connoisseur but described her cup o' joe as "solid and certainly a step above Starbucks."

I myself bought four pieces of the Pao de Queijo, brought it home and served it as a side with my dinner of salmon and cous-cous. It was delicious even when reheated. The portion was generous--I like my pao to be substantial and not the size of a munchkin. The bread and the cheese formed a perfect marriage--a savory and somewhat stringy treat.

Want to make your own coffee and treats--Brasil style? Check out Brasil Coffee House's online recipes.

Service and Cost:

Not much service here; you order from the counter and sit down. Our server was polite though and sported a charming Brazilian accent, which is always a plus in my book.

The prices of coffee are average and my cousin paid slightly less than $2 for her house blend. My Pao de Queijo came at a premium for a whopping $.50 per ball. What ever happened to garlic knot prices--4 for $1!?

2 Mmmms