The Search for the Best Coffeein New York City Darling Coffee - Washington Heights

Welcome to the very first stop on my New York City Coffeehouse Tour, Darling Coffee!!  Since I have decided to start from the very top of Manhattan and work my way down - the first several stops will be from the Inwood/Washington Heights & Harlem neighborhoods.  There actually are very few coffeehouses in these neighborhoods - despite over half a million people living there!! 

   

Located on Broadway between 207th & Isham Street, Darling Coffee has become a favorite spot for the diverse and family-oriented Inwood community.  Upon entering this airy and open coffee house, the   first thing I noticed was the mix of modern and traditional elements - dark painted ceilings, a large chalkboard painted wall menu, light wood paneling and eclectic light fixtures.  

There were several menu items that caught my eye, including the Blue Bottle single-origin pour-over coffee, Plan de la Batea Alicia, and the flaky honey-butter biscuits.  I also ordered a mocha and double espresso to try.  The pour-over was highly palatable with a sweet earthy flavor and a smooth finish.  

   

The biscuits were definitely a highlight - like a crispy Ritz cracker on the outside, with a rich buttery pillow-like interior, perfectly cut with the sweetness of the honey butter.

The double espresso, made with Blue Bottle espresso beans, began with a burst of tangy pine flavor followed by a sour fruit taste.  The mocha was mildly sweet, highlighting the natural flavor of the cocoa and richness of the milk but with very little taste of the actual espresso, which made it the least favorite item I tried.

Blue Bottle Coffee Co. is a roasting company that started in California and now supplies quality coffee within 48 hours of roasting to several cafe's, carts and locations on both coasts.  They have a local roastery in Brooklyn, which supplies coffee to many local coffee houses including, Darling Coffee.

 

Darling Coffee also serves Dallis Bros. coffee, however; at this particular visit I didn't sample it.  They have quite an assortment of freshly baked goods - both sweet and savory, as well as a large selection of loose leaf teas.  They offer free weekly Coffee Cuppings on Thursdays at 4pm - featuring coffee from a variety of different growing regions around the world.

Local art and photography hang on the minimally decorated walls, and are available for purchase.  The large and open space is great for community events with several tables to accommodate those who wish to sit and work.  Free wi-fi is available.  During my visit, I noticed there was no music playing, just the background sounds of the baristas preparing drinks and orders.  

I really enjoyed my visit to Darling Coffee and look forward to visiting again soon.  Owners Nick & Nichole should be very proud of their efforts to bring a quality coffeehouse to a greatly under served community!

Coffeehouse Rating:

The search for the best coffee in New York City continues next week with:

The Chipped Cup in Harlem.

       

The Search for the Best Coffee in New York City

The New York City Coffeehouse Tour has begun!  I am excited to give you my reviews of local roasters and coffee houses in NYC, from my viewpoint as a Seattle native.  Before I post my first review, I thought I would  share a little background about the coffee tour.

What made me decide to start this tour?  It all began in the Fall of last year as I contemplated the direction I wanted to take BaxtronLife going forward.  I started to ask myself questions like, "what am I really passionate about?"  "What are the big themes in my life that I can share?"  And undeniably one of the first things that popped into my mind was coffee.  You see, I'm sort of a big coffee snob, having grown up in Seattle - the home of an endless plethora of local roasters and coffee hangouts.  I got spoiled with rich coffee flavors, warm and inviting cafes and rarely a mainstream coffee establishment.

Then, I moved to New York City.  Within weeks of being here I became a Starbucks loyal.  Side  note - let me just tell you that Starbucks, while okay for the occasional Frappuccino, was never on the list of regular places I frequented in Seattle.  And I believe that 95% of Seattle natives will agree - it is almost a crying shame to frequent there when you have so many amazing locally roasted brew houses all over the city.  I don't say that to knock Starbucks - hey, like most of the bloggers I know, I get excited for the seasonal favorites, Salted Caramel Mocha anyone? 

Well, after my first few tries of what I like to call "coffee water" in New York City, I was discouraged by the lack of coffee brewing skills I encountered.  I mean, cart coffee is pretty disgusting.  (No offense if you like that stuff, but seriously!? How CAN you like that stuff?)  I started googling coffee houses in my neighborhood, and was stunned to find virtually nothing that appealed to me.  How could the biggest city in the U.S., the center of the world (lol) be lacking in the art of coffee appreciation?  So, I began investing hundreds of dollars in Starbucks without the benefit of profit sharing.  

So what is different now?  Over the last couple of years there has been a growing influx of coffee lovers, Seattle natives and people who are just realizing that New York needs help to raise its standard of coffee appreciation.  The coffee puritans have arrived!  There are so many new local coffeehouses popping up all over Manhattan, and it made me realize that it is time to give New York City another chance.  It is time to put my Goldcard away and go on the search for the best coffee in New York City!!  

How will the tour work?  I am starting my tour at the top of Manhattan and working my way to the bottom!  Every weekend I will visit a coffeehouse that meets my criteria - uses local roasters or specialty coffee beans, coffeehouse vibe and has received word-of-mouth recommendations.  I will be basing my review on comparison to my absolute favorite coffee roaster in Redmond, WA - Victor's Celtic Coffee.  I am excited to share my love of coffee with you as well as have fun opportunities for you to experience some the tour for yourself (giveaways - coffee exchanges - coffee of the month, etc.)

Come on the tour with me - with new review posts on Tuesdays!  Have a coffee house you'd like to recommend?  Own/work at a coffee house you'd like me to visit? Email me!  

Check back this Tuesday for my first stop: Darling Coffee in Washington Heights!

       

Laughter is the Best Cosmetic Bonding Over Beauty with Benefit

Benefit Cosmetics has opened shop in the SOHO area of New York City - and how did I not hear of this swanky boutique for all things beauty until now!!??  Zion and I recently had a Mother-Daughter date for Benefit's Bonding Over Beauty event, where we enjoyed pampering, sweet treats and spending special quality time together.

 

We started our day with a bit of hot coffee & hot chocolate - one of my most favorite things to do with my little lady.  Then we were off to the boutique - which is stunningly put together with pink accents, floral paper and fun vintage mannequins wearing bright and bold colors.

After oohing and ahhing over the gorgeous makeup and decor, it was time for a little pampering for the princess.

     

She loved getting a touch of satiny pink blush to her cheeks and frosty purple eyeshadow lightly dusted on her eyelids.  After she was all done - she was beaming - and glowing with joy!  I knew she'd love this event, as I catch her getting into my makeup at least once a week.

After Zion was done posing for pictures, we took some time to talk about what makes us really beautiful - its not about makeup or the clothes we wear, its about the condition of our hearts.  A joyful, thankful heart - one that is kind, compassionate and loving - is a beautiful thing.

   

We spent the rest of the time checking out all of the cosmetics displays, and mingling with other ladies at the event.  I think one of the best things about Benefit is that their products really aim to enhance and play off your natural beauty - nothing seemed heavy or over the top.  I love their free-spirited attitude and their signature quote, "Laughter is the best cosmetic, so grin and wear it."

At the end of the event I went home spoiled with some goodies that I am totally in love with and this little cutie pie...

Here are my absolute favorite products from Benefit:

Benefit Cosmetics by baxtronlife featuring a benefit mascara

1. Hello Flawless Oxygen WOW

2. Big Beautiful Eyes

3. PosieTint

4. They're Real Mascara

Have you used Benefit Cosmetics?  If so, do you have a favorite product?  How would you talk to your daughter about beauty?  Would you like to win Benefit products here on BaxtronLife?  Leave me a comment to let me know!

I was invited to attend this event by MamaDramaNY, and I received complimentary items as a thank-you for attending.  All opinions and recommendations are unsolicited and my own!