So as it turns out, there are a couple of impressive cafés in the heart of midtown, and right around the corner from one another.

My son and I made it a double-header of café and museum. Topping off a great visit to Fika on West 58th with an enjoyable visit to MoMA.

Very-well designed, Fika is a contemporary styled bakery and espresso bar. Simple espresso menu. Light lunch menu. And then delicious cookies.

The atmosphere is modern and very inviting. An espresso at Fika is a stimulating experience. A bit like going to the museum. You do not just eat or drink, but you engage with the café, just as you do not blankly look at the colors on a wall in a museum.

The bakery is on site, allowing everything to be fresh. The espresso was quite good as well.

They also explain what exactly Fika is.

Fika is Swedish for the experience of the coffee break. It is more than just the coffee itself. Fika is also the experience of taking the time during the day to enjoy a moment with friends, family or colleagues. Accompanying this moment is then coffee and a light snack.

If you want a clearer explanation of fika, I highly recommend you experience it for yourself.

Address

Fika – 41 West 58th Street, New York between 5th and 6th Avenues. NRW Trains at 60th Street. F Train at 57th Street.

Music

Edith Piaf – Les flonflons du bal

Today was one of those fall days where I was excited it was raining. Since my son was born it has been pretty dry. So the chance to have a couple of rain drops fall on his face provided some entertainment.

We were in midtown to meet a friend for lunch and afterwards to enjoy a café at Macchiato Espresso Bar.

It’s a cool little modern bar getting a lot of traffic during the week being located so close to Grand Central and many office buildings.

It’s buzzing, but if you are in the 9-to-5 world of New York, it must provide a nice oasis. For my son and me, we had a nice espresso, prepared with care, using Danesi beans. And we enjoyed super-friendly service.

I’m sure they are friendly to everyone, but when you walk in with a smiling 5-month old baby, you tend to attract attention and extra courtesy.

Macchiato Espresso Bar is a great place to have a café. Particularly with cold or rainy weather when you want to be inside. They have a bar, bar tables and tabled seating along the large street-facing window to provide for great people watching or place to enjoy a conversation.

Address

Macchiato Espresso Bar – 141 East 44th Street, New York between Lexington and 3rd Avenue. 4567 Trains at Grand Central – 42nd Street.

Music

Serge Gainsbourg – Ford Mustang

Wow!

Zibetto Espresso Bar in the heart of Midtown is a treat.

Simplicity in its essence.

It is an espresso bar.

Nothing more, nothing less. And it does it wonderfully.

The bar is tiny. No seats. Intended for you to enjoy your espresso at the bar and be on your way. Which seems to fit perfectly with its bustling location.

They even had a house copy of The Economist available.

The espresso was fantastic. I had read about this bar in New York Magazine a while ago, where it was applauded for the quality of its espresso.

They really do take care with their espresso here. Using Danesi beans and even down to the presentation with the heart in the crema.

My first sip, literally made me do a double-take it was so good. As if I had forgotten that my purpose here was to have a great espresso. The espresso reminded me of it.

Zibetto was a perfect intro to the next part of our afternoon.

Baby and I went over to MoMA a couple of blocks away to check out the Richard Serra exhibit, which I found to be amazing. I really enjoy that you experience the art. Walk through it. You can feel it without even touching it because of the visual games it plays.

When’s the next MoMA exhibit? I want to go back to Zibetto!

Address

Zibetto Espresso Bar - 1385 6th Avenue, New York between 56th and 57th Streets. F, NQRW Trains at 57th Street.

Music

Serge Gainsbourg - Bonnie & Clyde