Vlog 2 is up: Roses Take NY

My parents made a quick stop in NYC before we all headed out for our trip to Japan and Vietnam. Vlog #2 covers some highlights from their (less than) 48 hours in the city. Check out the video below and find out what blows our mind on the High Line, which treat my dog Riley would die for and which coffee shop is my favorite spot in all of NYC.


 

Feel free to leave comments/feedback and show love by passing it along.
And remember to always enjoy the journey...

In Honor of National Coffee Day: Coffee Shop Tour Review #2 - Bourbon Coffee

From all of the Instagram and Facebook posts of people with their free cups of coffee I can tell that there is quite a buzz brewing over #NationalCoffeeDay (see what I did there..OK sorry but I had to).

Anyway, in honor of the celebration of America's favorite bean I present to you the second Coffee Shop Tour Review:

Bourbon Coffee - Union Square Area (14th St. between 6th and 5th Aves.)
 

Picture Credit: Shoots+Scrawl

This was actually the very first spot I hit on the Coffee Shop Tour when it started last Spring semester. Once again Yelp! reviews convinced me to give it a shot and here is what I thought:

1. Seating: Bourbon Coffee is another city gem in that it is surprisingly HUGE when you walk in and once again the space was used rather nicely. In the front of the shop there are comfy armchairs and two big comfortable couches surrounding a communal table (this is where I parked myself for a few hours). Scattered throughout this section and the rest of the shop are your typical high top and regular tables for seating up to two. No matter where one sat there seemed to be plenty of elbow room (even at the communal table) and for that Bourbon Coffee currently holds Ivy Rose's top honors for seating. Score: 5

Picture Credit: Union Square Blog

2. WiFi: Again this is a hit or miss category and Bourbon Coffee gets full points for both having free WiFi and displaying the network name and password at the cash register. Score: 1

3. Drink Variety: One thing to note when I do a review is that I'm not a big cappucino/macchiato/other fancy coffee drink fan. I like a nice cup of hot or iced coffee--black. However, I always check out the variety for those rare occasions when I do want to venture into the magical world of fancy foam designs. That being said this was a particularly cold day and I couldn't wait to dive into a nice steaming cup of hot coffee and this shop did not disappoint. Bourbon Coffee gets its name from the variety of beans they use, which is grown in Rwanda.  According to their website the beans are known for "their deep, buttery chocolate flavors, as well as their sweetness and very light fruit overtones" and I can tell you it tastes just as delicious as it sounds. Their drink menu also features a wide variety of teas (hot and iced) as well as espresso, cold and blended drinks (smoothies, lemonade, etc.). Score: 5

Picstitch taken by me during my visit

4. Snack Options: Now it's been a while since I've been back but I do remember there being a wide variety of sandwich and salad options on top of the typical pastry selection of scones, croissants and cakes that one finds at the average coffee shop. During my visit I tried the grilled cheese sandwich on multigrain bread and it was quite delicious and a nice complement to my coffee. Score: 5 (for variety of options--including many healthy ones)

5. Camp out or nah?: While the comfy chairs and couch were very inviting, and the space never got too crowded, something about the environment made me feel as though this wasn't really a place where one could/should stay too long after they finish their particular meal or drink. This may have been because I was sitting at the communal table, which is the first area that people would look for seating, but I am going to give this place a solid score of 2 out of 3 for this.

6. Outlet Availability: This is another hit or miss category and was the only major downfall for this spot, and now that I think about it might be another reason why it doesn't work perfectly as a camp out spot. Outlets were scarce and really only accessible if you got one of the tables by the wall. Sadly this earns Bourbon Coffee a Score of 0 for this category.

7. Music/Overall Atmosphere: Lastly, the music was nice and unobtrusive as I did my work. Again, it's been a while since I visited this spot so I don't remember specifics. What I did enjoy in terms of the atmosphere was the art on the wall. With a nice mixture of work from local artists and traditional African crafts and paintings there is a nice cultural experience that feels authentic and not too cheesy or overdone. Bourbon Coffee attracts a slightly older crowd and besides the music and the sounds of delicious coffee being made, the noise level is pretty low, which makes it very conducive to focusing in on that one assignment that you just couldn't get through in the library. Score: 5

Final Review: With a final score of 23/25 Bourbon Coffee remains one of my top spots in NY. Their strongest point by far is their delicious coffee and sandwiches, and I highly recommend it for those looking for a quiet place to crank out that one thing on your to-do list that you just can't seem to stay focused on.


If you've been to Bourbon Coffee and agree (or disagree) with my review leave a comment below and as always please feel free to suggest any other spots you think I should check out. Enjoy the rest of National Coffee Day--Happy Sipping!
   

Coffee Shop Tour: Think Coffee, Greenwich Village.

A couple of weeks ago I introduced one of my favorite series that I'll be doing on this blog: The Coffee Shop Tour! If you haven't already done it, check out the post and see how the tour got started. 

As a reminder here are the criteria I use to determine whether a spot meets my coffee shop needs, which I've decided to convert to a point system to help with the final review:

1. Seating (0-5 points)
2. WiFi (0-1 point-you either have it or you don't)
3. Drink variety (0-5 points)
4. Snack options (0-5 points)
5. Whether "camping out" is encouraged or not (0-3 points)
6. Outlet availability (0-1 points-another hit or miss)
7. Music/Overall atmosphere (0-5 points)

Last week I'd spent so much time on campus that I wanted a little bit of distance so I decided to head out to Greenwich Village--one of my favorite neighborhoods in NY, which brought me to my spot of the week:

Think Coffee - Greenwich Village (Mercer st., between 3rd and 4th)

Photo credit: Midtown Blogger

One of the methods I use to find a coffee shop is to take the subway to an area of NY that I like and then search for "coffee shops" in my Yelp! app. With five locations in the city, Think Coffee showed up on more than one search and each location had very high ratings so I decided to check it out. I will say going in I was skeptical as it is a chain and even has five more locations in Korea...but the Yelp reviews really had me curious. Here is how the Mercer St. location measured up based on my criteria:

The super fun table maze

1. Seating:  The shop itself is quite spacious and they've used it wisely, setting up three distinct seating areas. In the front there are two sections on either side of the door: one featuring larger tables for up to four guests and the other side featuring high top tables and two sets of bar seating--one at the window and one at the wall with a long strip of outlets. Although the back of the shop is more spacious than the front they've crammed tons of mini tables (seating for no more than 2 at each table) and a couple couches. Also people are free to sit at the bar and watch the baristas work while they sip on their drinks, eat their snacks and/or study. The only downside is that people push a lot of the tables together and create a horrible maze that is almost impossible to navigate through with bags and drinks in hand. Score: 4 points (-1 for the crazy table maze)

2. WiFi: This is really a hit or miss category and this location was a HUGE hit. Not only was the WiFi free but the network name and password were prominently displayed on the wall at the counter where drink lids, sugar and cream are located so it was IMPOSSIBLE to miss--although I did on my first time at that counter....#DontJudgeMe. Score: 1 point

Surprising quiche and ice coffee

3. Drink variety: Not only does this location offer a wide variety of coffee and espresso drinks they also have herbal teas (multiple greens, whites and oolongs) as well as beer and wine. Again-HUGE plus because it can not only work for future studying, but also outings with friends and even dates. Score: 5 points

Heavenly pecan square and green tea

4. Snack options: Matching their wide variety of drink options, Think Coffee also offers plenty of options for food. From quiche to cookies there is pretty much something for everyone. I sampled the quiche (which surprised me with bacon but I actually enjoyed it) and then later had a pecan square with my tea and each bite was like a little piece of heaven in my mouth.  Also both drink and food prices are pretty reasonable and I think I only spent about $16 for two drinks and two snacks. Score: 5 points

5. Camp out or nah?: Camp out for sure! With so many seating options you can move around when you feel like you're starting to grow roots in one spot and with all of the food/drink options you could probably have all three of your meals there should you require an all-day study/work session, however there is definitely NO pressure to keep purchasing. During my time there a woman sat next to me and pulled out multiple tupperware containers of food and only bought one tea while she was there. At first I was shocked by this (especially since one of her containers produced a quite offensive odor), but after looking around I noticed others also took the bring your own snack option. Score: 3 points

View of bar area

6. Outlet availability: Another hit or miss category...and another HUGE HUGE HUGE hit for Think Coffee Greenwich Village. As mentioned in the Seating overview there is a strip of outlets behind one of the bar seating areas and it is absolutely amazing! Also in the back of the shop there are multiple spots where you can sit and have access to up to four outlets so charging up is definitely NOT an issue here. Score: 1 point

7. Music/Overall Atmosphere: I was really into my music on this particular day and didn't pay much attention to what was playing through the shop's system, but they definitely had music going the entire time and with an extremely friendly barista staff and a young college crowd (it's right near the NYU campus for those that aren't familiar with NY) the atmosphere is very young and vibrant and you definitely won't be the only person with your head buried in a book or working your way through your next masterpiece of a paper. Score: 5 points
 
Final Review: With a final score of 24/25 Think Coffee-Greenwich Village definitely stole my heart. Whether you've got a hardcore study/workload on your plate, need a chill spot to catch up with friends or just need a comfy place to rest your feet after a long day of walking around the city Think Coffee provides a spacious and comfortable environment. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT! 

If you have a coffee shop that you think I might like leave a comment below with the name and address and I'll check it out and review it here! 

“As long as there was coffee in the world, how bad could things be?”
― Cassandra Clare, City of Ashes 

Introducing the "Coffee Shop Tour" Series

My eyes are burning, my head is pounding and my fingers feel cramped from endless underlining and margin notes....it's official. Classes are in full swing--drop/add is over and there is no turning back. Marathon sessions in the library have begun and the incessant babbling from groups working on presentations and papers (Teachers College LOVES a group project) can be heard from all corners of the 2nd floor of the library.



Speaking of the library, TC did a pretty good job of creating a space that meets multiple learning and working styles, featuring everything from a giant teddy bear to a pillow stone garden. There's even a treadmill for those who want to take multitasking to a whole new level (see pics below).  

 1st floor: Computers & Printing stations; Circulation desk; treadmills(for that extreme study experience).

2nd Floor: Talking allowed, comfy arm chairs for a cozy study session (and napping in between classes), computers, a pillow rock garden and (dirty?) giant teddy bear (he's often used as a bed as well)

3rd floor: Traditional library atmosphere complete with long tables, gorgeous desk lamps and the occasional death stare should one breathe or turn a page too loudly (kidding, kidding). 

Now all of these amenities are great, and I take advantage of them often. However,  given the extremely large amount of reading that I must do on a daily basis, limited seating availability, and the natural distractions that come along with trying to work surrounded by classmates who are also your friends, I often find myself in need of other study locations. Starbucks was my original go-to spot, but  it is nearly impossible to find a seat at any located within 20 blocks of my school and if/when I did, the constant flow of customers caused even more distraction than the campus library....thus the birth of my NEW YORK CITY COFFEE SHOP TOUR! 

The tour began in the Spring semester, and so far I have hit a number of really cool spots. Based on an analysis of some that top my list, here is what an optimal coffee shop usually offers:

1. Comfy/Creative Seating Arrangements: Now obviously I'm not looking for plush couches or seating for hundreds, but in a city that is SO crowded the biggest adjustment this Florida girl has had to make is learning to function in tight spaces. Therefore, most of the places that top my list have seating arrangements that give me a little breathing room. Also, non-conventional seating (i.e. window seats) can earn bonus points for creativity and overall atmosphere.

2. WiFi: Very few of the projects that I work on can be done without consulting the internet at some point, so not having (free) WiFi earns an immediate placement on the ONLY IN EMERGENCIES list. Additionally, a simple password that is prominently displayed so I don't have to flag down a barista/waiter/waitress to ask for it definitely earns some bonus points.

3. Both Tea AND Coffee options: Most days I need the caffeine boost from a nice cup of black coffee (that's right I drink my coffee black), but sometimes I'm full of energy and just want something hot and soothing to sip on and a nice cup of tea hits the spot.

4. Low Calorie or Healthy Food/Snack Options: Typical coffee shop snacks tend to include heavy cakes, muffins, cookies and bread. I love a place that offers lighter choices that help to keep my energy up and don't leave me feeling groggy while studying. 

5. Encouragement to "camp out" without pressure to keep buying: Nothing is more awkward than the constant stare from a barista or frequent check-ins from a waiter/waitress asking if you're ok or if there is anything else they can get you as you're trying to push through an intense reading or writing session. I typically don't stay at a coffee shop for more than 2 or 3 hours at a time, but I like knowing that even though I only bought one $2-$4 drink you're more than happy to let me occupy that table in the corner until my paper is finished. Who knows? Next time I just might bring a few friends with me or brag about your kind staff and encourage others to stop by when they too tire of the campus library scene. Customer service is everything folks. 

6. OUTLETS: Without question the hardest thing to come across in this city is a place to plug up while out and about. Access to outlets definitely outweighs all other criteria and can cause me to overlook even the snarkiest of employees while I get a little juice before heading to another spot or persuade me to indulge in one more cup or bite to eat and camp out a little longer.

7. Music: Sometimes I find wearing my headphones annoying while working (don't ask because even I don't understand why) and a nice variety of music softly playing in the background can create an awesome atmosphere that motivates and energizes me throughout my work session. While this does not usually carry very much weight in my rating of a coffee shop, much like the creative seating arrangement and password display it can help to earn some bonus points and possibly even a re-visit. 

Side Note: Location isn't really a factor because the best part of the tour is getting away from campus and exploring various parts of NY, so I don't mind venturing out into other boroughs. 

I usually get to one or two coffee shops each week (mostly on the weekends) and definitely more than that during midterms and finals when the library is EXTRA crowded. Each week I'll do a review of the shops I visit and give a detailed account of my experiences for your reading pleasure. I'll even go back and do a few of my favorites that I've already hit.  Here is a sneak peak of some of those....

Also, if you know of (or work at/own) a spot that you think meets my criteria let me know and I'll check it out AND give you a shout out! 



“I don't know where my ideas come from. I will admit, however, that one key ingredient is caffeine. I get a couple cups of coffee into me and weird things just start to happen.”
― Gary Larson (author of The Far Side)