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.

       

Online Learning for Preschoolers Reading Eggs Review

 

Love it or hate it, technology is going to be a big part of our lives going forward.  I remember when I was in third grade - I was one of the very first classes of young students to be introduced to computers for learning.  The very first computer ever set before me was an old Macintosh - a machine that would look completely archaic to most people today.  I believe having been introduced to that technology at an early age gave me an advantage in terms of many skills I use today.

Now, my daughter, not even three yet - has been exposed to more technology than ever before - iPads, iPhones, and yes, now even the MacBook.  And while we do limit her exposure - I find that her intelligence and ability to navigate and use technology is incredible.  She learns new skills extremely fast when interactive technology is involved.  

I have been doing a very flexible home preschool schedule with Zion since late Fall last year, and I am often seeking out a variety of learning tools to incorporate all of her interests.  We recently became acquainted with an online learning resource called Reading Eggs.  Developed for children ages 3-13 years of age, Reading Eggs offers a variety of different engaging and interactive programs to help the earliest reading skills develop and the developing readers to practice and increase their reading skills.

Zion is currently working her way through their First Steps program which is geared towards 3-4 year olds.  The curriculum and activities range from basic letter and sound recognition to small word formation.  Each lesson is short and enjoyable - featuring an array of colorful characters, song breaks and completion rewards.

Even at just over 2.5 years old, I am impressed by Zion's ability to navigate through the lessons, and comprehend the lesson instructions.  I would say that she can do about 65% of the lessons independently with most help being needed when certain click and drag skills are required (a hard gesture to master with her little hands).  

We probably do anywhere from 1-2 hours of lessons on Reading Eggs per week.  She constantly asks me if she can do "schoolwork on the computer" - and she seems to really enjoy the lessons.  As for her understanding and progress in reading?  In the couple of months we've been using the program, she definitely demonstrates an increase in word recognition - and has nearly mastered all of the letter sounds.  I personally like the variety of learning lessons it offers, as well as the introduction to basic computer skills.

What kinds of online learning resources have you used for your kids?  How do you balance a desire to limit technology with the recognition that technical skills will be an important part of your child's future?

I received an extended free trial membership to Reading Eggs for the purpose of this review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

       

Mani Monday JulepMaven February Box

My Julep Maven box for February arrived late last week, and I'm floored at all the great items within it. I may even go as far as to say this was the best regular box ever!!  My box came with two polishes - I chose to change styles this month to "Bombshell" profile because my usual "Classic with a Twist" wasn't really exciting me - and I couldn't be happier!  I also received a nail treatment and a topcoat, plus a bonus eyelash curler!  I mean, seriously - talk about going above and beyond!!

The picture above features the oxygen nail treatment which is like "makeup for your nails."  It helps to strengthen, smooth and condition nails when used 1-2 times per week.  It is the perfect creamy sheer pale pink - I am absolutely in love with it.

My first official mani using color from this box features Ginger - a holographic pink/grey color that is gorgeous - probably my new favorite color in my collection.  It is shown above on my tips over Kelly - a pale creamy pink from a previous box.  Also showcased above is the most amazing topcoat I've ever used - the Freedom Polymer Topcoat!!  Three minutes after applying my polish is completely dry-set and read to go - fully chip resistant and looks like I had my nails done professionally!

The last color - which I have yet to try is this creamy olive green - such a different and unique color that I can't wait to play around with!  

I can't believe the value of the box I received and how fantastic Julep Maven is - they have seriously mastered the subscription box service - they are like the Ritz Carlton of beauty boxes!!  What do you think of this box!?

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