ibidibid's Profile
Late night cafes, chelsea/west village?
My fave late -night cafe WAS Cafe Sha Sha on Hudson Street. (Now MarcJacobs-ized into Emplyees Only, a noisy "tini-drinking, young turks crowd.) Pity. Sha Sha stayed open 'til 3 am or later, had decent espresso and desserts. Plus they had a tranquil garden for warm- night lingering. Now all iI can think of on the lower west that even remotely fits the bill is Cafe Domo on Perry St, off 7th Ave S. Total drawback is that they're open only 'til midnight or so.
Agree that French Roast is pretty dreadful .... but still... they're open round the clock. If you do go, I suggest you become a tea drinker, as their coffee is swill.
Westville
Still wating for Westville in West Village to reopen. Looks as if it might this weekend. I do like their turkey burgers (on a fantastic Portuguese bun), hot dogs (vegan and Nieman Ranch), and the market sides- especially the butternut squash. Delicious. But their cappuccinos are awful, as they don't have careful baristas ("May i have some burnt espresso with that burnt milk?") and are clearly using low-quality beans. Originally, they used Danesi, and the guys pulling the shots seemed to care. I should think that's an important upgrade to make, especially if they're opening for breakfast, as they've indicated.
(Stomach turn: A few days ago, I passed Westville on 10th and an open carton of hot dog buns was lying in front of the door, and no one seemed to be inside. Given tthe rodent invasion in these parts, I couldn't help but wonder who got there first: owner Jay or Ratatouille and friends. I.won't be ordering the delish Nieman Ranch dog and bun any time soon...)
Alternatives to Starbucks?
I've been enjoying the espresso/cappuccino at Grounded on Jane Street , off West 4th, in the W. Village lately, I'd recommend it over Joe's and 9th Street. Joe's makes capps that are too milky for my taste, and 9th Street's espresso can be quite bitter and harsh- depending on the beans they're using.
Sugar Sweet Sunshine Closed?
You're wrong. They'll reopen Jan. 8. Take a deep breath....
Best Latte or Cappucino
Couldn't disagree more with assessment of espresso beverages at Sant Ambroeus on West 4th. Was there this morning, thnking I should give it a second, third, and now fourth, chance since its switchover to Lavazza. Again, sad to say, my cappuccino tasted blah- not much more than boiled water with an almost nonexistent espressso flavor/feel.
I do have a new recommendation to West Villagers: Grounded on Jane. They make a truly delicious espresso; also, both their coffees and espresso beans are organic (if that matters to
you) Prices are similar to the bland Sant Ambroeus and ...well, ciao, watery Lavazza.
Best Latte or Cappucino
FYI: Morning wake-up in the West Village: San Ambroeus recently swirtched to Lavazza, which tastes like dishwater compared to the smooth, rich Danesi. Pity. Now, if only the newly refurbished Westville, which will reopen shortly with a morning menu, would drop its harsh, generic espresso and return to its original choice of Danesi...
I'm not enamored of the quality of Joe's espresso. It's just ok. Still think Danesi is numero uno.
