Coffee Shops & Chill.

With being in this cold azz city, I’ve discovered a new love for coffee shops. They’re all nice and dainty with a small cup of espresso (all this time I thought it was “expresso”, smh), coffee, or tea for nothing less than $3.something. Aside from the cost and the quantities, I’ve come to see why these types of places helps to birth creative ideas and projects. There’s something about a soothing hot beverage that ignites the spirit of the city within me. My desire to try these shops came from my obsession with the series Frasier. Watching Frasier and his brother Niles give comedic and dramatic exchanges over cups of coffee in their regular spot drew me to this place.

Also, coffee shop visits helps me to break free from the bar scene as I love it but it can’t be the only great venues to explore in the “Big Apple”.

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First up, there’s Starbucks. Now me and Starbucks have a love/hate relationship. Mostly because they just can’t get my name right! Upon placing my order, I always give them my government name (Elana). Reason being, I thought it would be much easier to decipher than “Alexcina”. Despite the name flubs, this is my fav place to come wind down and regroup from dealing with the cold NYC streets, delayed trains, and meetings that produced at least one nerve wrecking issue. People come in, mind their business, and at some locations, there are cozy seats, convenient outlets for the mobile devices, and a nice ambiance to get the creative vibes flowing. (My Fav location so far: 771 Broadway, New York, NY 10003).

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I always order a caramel macchiato…Talk about staying within the comfort zone. When I’m feeling like something cool, I’ll get an iced green tea which is very good and refreshing. But I’m ready to expand my horizons and I’m open to more suggestions, so I’ll need your help. In the comment section below, drop me a line and tell me what you think I should try!

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Chocolate Shop: Chocolat Michel Cluizel. This place isn’t necessarily a “coffee shop” but you can definitely pop in for a cup along with some great assortments of chocolate treats. Stumbling into this place, I ordered a cute cup of earl gray tea. For $4.00 a cup I was treated to good service with a nice quaint atmosphere. AND a special chocolate treat with my tea. This place is definitely on my list to return as there is more than just tea and a free piece of chocolate to indulge in. 

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With the chic décor, I’d say Chocolat Michel Cluizel would serve as a good first date spot OR a short business meeting. My reason, to chill and sip tea solo dolo (meaning by myself), was just enough to get me inside to see the sweet treats this place has to offer.

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Espresso Bar Crawl: The place visited, Zibetto Espresso Bar. Great location for offices nearby who need a morning start or a midday pick up. And even with their menu guide, I was still confused. (Not their fault tho, I just need an Espresso 101 lesson lol)

Never knew the deal with espresso. Thought it was just another regular cup of “joe”. Little did I know, this tiny cup was packed with high amounts of caffeine and although I wondered where was the rest of the beverage.  I read up on what I was actually drinking to understand how to order.


​So here’s the deal: I found this awesome blog (TheSpruce.com) that broke it down for me.

According to Lindsey Goodwin's blog, Deciphering the Coffeehouse Menu's Espresso Drinks:
Espresso (ess-PRESS-oh) is a full-flavored, concentrated form of coffee that is served in "shots." Espresso is made by forcing pressurized, hot water through very finely ground coffee beans. This process is called "pulling a shot." Regardless of the size, espressos are usually poured into a demitasse (a small, 2- to 4-ounce cup). 

The blog also breaks down how to order as well as info on Café Latte’s, Cappacinos, and more! 
Read full blog here!
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So now I feel equipped to walk back into Zibetto and confidently order! Wish me luck!

The Blakk Dahlia (E. Alexcina Brown) is a New York City author/blogger from Macon, GA. Recently, she released the book series, the Heartbreak Diaries outlining different perspectives of heartbreak. The Dahlia Diaries is a lifestyle blog penned by The Blakk Dahlia, sharing her story in NYC along with life lessons and tips she's learned in her journey.