…he must still be on holiday.

We are having a second wind to summer here in NYC. Beautiful walking weather, so we walked from SoHo through Midtown…

Took a photo of a guy taking a photo of another guy taking a photo.

Not one, but two pink buildings…

A carrot peeler salesman at Union Square, seriously. Check out the 2006 Vanity Fair issue with a multi-page spread.

Here’s a bit of midtown charm just north of the Flatiron district. And then the 20th century modern Empire poking its head out.

Decisions, decisions.

With three Joe locations, which one to visit?

Each one offering a unique and truly enjoyable experience.

The tucked-away neighborhood-y café in the West Village packed with locals.

The always buzzing and popping East Village/NYU loft location.

And the chic espresso bar in the Alessi store down in SoHo.

Plus, the espresso at each is top class.

Joe has you covered for one of the best espressos in NYC, and probably a café mood to match what you’re up to for the day. Just take a look at the videos for a look at all 3.

You have your choice. With Joe you can not go wrong.

Located just a few minute walk from Union Square, Everyman Espresso has a central location.

The café also has one of the funkier spaces in NYC, acting as the lobby to a theater company, and high-stool only seating.

The baristas are quite friendly and will explain to help you understand what artisanal espresso is.

And the espresso is fantastic.

Gramercy Park is one of the underrated areas of Manhattan. Everyone knows about the far West Village. It’s beautiful, it’s classy, it’s quiet, and it’s 1 step away from the buzz provided by the Avenue thoroughways of 6th,7th and 8th.

Gramercy has those same qualities. Just slightly more understated. It is smaller, and yes, it is on the East Side which has the reputation of being quieter. Ok, so it is quieter. But I still love east and west!

Just a couple of minutes from the manic Union Square and Flatiron, Gramercy is a calm force.

This is exuded by 71 Irving Place Coffee & Tea Bar, which I have wanted to visit for years. But trying to grab a table on a Saturday afternoon is quite a challenge. Now that I have gotten out of the 8am to 7pm Monday to Friday lifestyle, somehow some opportunities have opened up.

While still full, 71 Irving place had some open seats on a Friday mid-afternoon for myself, my son and web designer - InnerGraphics. Ah, the beauties of fatherhood!

So chill, so relaxed, so comfortable. And there is a small terrace in front if the weather is nice and you’re fortunate enough to grab one of the two tables.

71 Irving Place, you were worth the wait.

Address

71 Irving Place – 71 Irving Place, New York between East 18th and East 19th Streets. at West 105th Street. 456LNQRW Trains at Union Square.

Music

Serge Gainsbourg – Sous le soleil exactement

Web Designer

Inner Graphics