A Little Bit West Back East

Stumptown. Started in Portland (taking its name from the city’s nickname), the only location in New York. Fabulous coffee.

It was the end of a very long (but very wonderful) day. Con pana never tasted so good. The Babe finally fell asleep while we were waiting in line (a 30 minute endeavor (worth it)). Standing bar only. The hiss and chug and pressure of the espresso machines behind us matched the clink of glasses on saucers and the general buzz of humming conversation. A perfect time to pause and rest at the end of a long day of trekking and espresso-ing and sipping. Peaceful.

I wish I could tell you more about the individual drinks we had that day–the nuttiness of the espressos and the perfect foam on the cappuccinos. I want to describe the baristas to you, hats and vests at Stumptown, flannels and wide smiles at Third Rail, their chattiness at Gimme!. I could take videos of how the shots were pulled and ooh and aah over that golden brown liquid. But I am no coffee expert, and others have done it better already.

Suffice to say, I have a deep appreciation for a truly good cup of coffee and I will trudge all over New York, 25 pound Babe-of-Wiggles in tow, to get it. Five times.

That was our coffee tour of Manhattan.

 dark chocolate + espresso = perfect

The five of us headed back to T’s aunt and uncle’s for a take-out dinner. Macia went happily to bed with her blanket and her bink and we enjoyed some spicy, warming Indian food, good wine, and good conversation.

It was a beautiful day.