the caffeine eccentric: a day in the life

‘Tis the season in the city that never sleeps. For whatever reason, somewhere along the way Christmas became more complicated. While we’re still praying for peace on Earth and goodwill toward men, the only absolutes seem to be gift-buying, tourist invasions, family squabbles and travel debacles. So after the wrapping paper’s trashed, when all the Christmas carols fade, and those once delicious leftovers turn our stomachs, we sink into this deep after-holiday funk that can be a real drag.

So, how to perk up after Santa’s left town? The Eccentric’s answer: go back to the stuff that kept you up for midnight mass! That’s right, a good cup o’ joe will never let you down, even when the eggnog’s gone bad.

Desperate to shake my after-holiday blues before meeting up with a few friends, I popped in to see what was brewing at six Manhattan hot spots, from Harlem U.S.A. down to the East Village. Here’s what’s in the Eccentric journal:

9:15am

Out of bed at my fabulous Harlem Chateau and cranky for my first cup of coffee!

10:00am – Soy Latte and a Gift Basket

My quest begins at 120th Street and Lenox Avenue. Luckily for me, Settepani Bakery serves more than just bread, and they accommodate the Gregorian calendar so the end-of-year festivities aren’t over yet. This bakery is surprisingly easy to get to, just four short blocks up from the 116th Street 2/3 express stop. Leah shows me an assortment of beautiful ginger bread houses that run from $20 to $50, and fruitcakes wrapped in gold and brown boxes. Getting a head start on my New Years resolution to enjoy life’s finer side, I pick out a coffee and tea accessory basket, complete with a variety of flavors (because committing this early in the morning’s not such a good idea for an eccentric). Barista Gigi breaks it down with a medium soy latte and I’m out the door in style.

10:30am – White Peppermint Patty with French Toast

With a spring in my step I’m on the M7, west to Frederick Douglas and 114th Street. Society Coffee Lounge has the best White Peppermint Patty in town. Named after that infamous is-she-or-isn’t-she-a-lesbian character from Charles Shulz’s Peanuts, this drink packs a punch with espresso, white (or dark) chocolate, chocolate syrup and, of course, peppermint. Coffee isn’t enough, so Jade kicks up my French toast with some homemade maple-bourbon glaze.

11:15am – Gingerbread Latte and Grilled Cheese

Pleasantly buzzed, I walk up five blocks and catch the A/C downtown to 14th Street. A few blocks south to Jane, I stop by a little chameleon of a place called Grounded (between 8th Ave and Greenwich). You’ve got to keep your eye out for this place, which is probably why they call it coffee’s best kept secret. Jen whips me up a Gingerbread Latte that helps wash down my Grilled Cheese sandwich. I pick out a book from the shelf in the back living room and chill until my buzz wears off.

1:00pm – Some Winter Warmth

I stop by Soy Luck Club (just a short walk to Greenwich). Christian hands me a Winter Warmth green tea, infused with honey ginger, an amazing and robust way to enjoy an otherwise ordinary glass of soy milk (not to mention I’ve got to lay off coffee for a little while). I grab a wheat-free vegan muffin and purchase a Soy Membership* that includes $125 Soy Dollars, a week pass to Equinox Gym, a free yoga session, personal training, nutritional counseling, a $155 discount on Zip Car, and 20% off stuff at Soy. I thank Christian for the Winter Warmth and scoot.

1:30pm – Green Mint Latte with Honey and Rum

Back on foot to 14th Street, I make the Brooklyn-bound L train just in time and get off at 1st Ave. A block down Avenue A puts me at Rapture Café (an East Village institution). Mark suggests an Irish Coffee with whiskey to kick up my espresso, while Joe suggests a Hot Toddy (made with Whiskey, lemon and hot water). I can’t make up my mind so I order a Green Mint Latte with honey and Rum. Everything is well with the world as I chat with Mark and Joe about Rapture Café’s New Years Eve celebration. In addition to performances by Glenn Marla, Linda James and Jessica Rabbit Domination, champagne specials kick off at 11pm, after the tranny-hooker-porn flick screening at 9. I can’t resist the 50% off book sale, so I pick up a hardcover and I’m on my way!

2:30pm – Sanbitter and Some Chatter

After penciling in Rapture’s New Year celebration, I mosey down Avenue A to Café Pick Me Up (at the corner of 9th Street). Evelyn shows me the Christmas Tea, an impressive infusion of pineapple, orange, apple, mango, papaya, blackberry, hibiscus, cloves and cinnamon. I decide to go for something cold, so I take out a tiny bright red bottle of Sanbitter from the cooler. (This non-alcoholic aperitif soda’s a tiny delight.)

3:15pm – Meet the Guys

With plenty of energy I speed across town to meet the guys for some shopping and a movie. Christmas might be over, but today proves there’s still plenty of reason to enjoy the season.

*Soy Luck Memberships are available year round, although certain incentives are good only until the New Year. For more info stop by the store or visit Soy online at www.soyluckclub.com.

“The Caffeine Eccentric: A Day in the Life” was originally published by Edge New York on 12/30/2007.

Note: While information is accurate for the most part, contacting shops before visiting is suggested:

HARLEM

Settepani
917/492-4806
www.settepanibakery.com

Society Coffee
212/222-3323
www.societycoffee.com

WEST VILLAGE

Grounded
212/647-0943
www.groundedcoffee.com

Soy Luck Club
212/229-9191
www.soyluckclub.com

EAST VILLAGE

Rapture Café
212/228-1177
www.rapturecafe.com

Café Pick Me Up
212/673-7231

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