#9 on missing coffee shops.
I think it’s ok to talk about the things that we miss about life before the pandemic.
Since this space is food-centric, I’ll stick to how our world has changed: whether it’s dining out in large groups, crowded food markets, or spending hours at coffee shops nursing an espresso while typing out the next great American novel (or in my case, typing away at my latest assignment, close to the deadline (sorry editor pals!) The rush of getting that assignment in by the deadline has stuck with me since college.
When I took the plunge and transition to the full-time freelance life just over two years ago, I never thought about getting an office of my own until recently because I loved working around people. Not with people, but being around them.
That’s one thing that’s great about coffee shops and cafes.
The constant hum of life at a coffee shop, the smell of the beans, the baristas, all of it, inspired me to power through my work. It also provided a temporary distraction to that assignment or help me put off a report (for just a few minutes). You can be around people but not have to speak with them outside of a transaction. It was great.
It’s probably not surprising, but I’m not the only one who misses them: whether you are missing overpriced coffee and the rituals that come with it, or the “little opportunities for everyday pleasure” that come from visiting these spaces. Even the Reddit crowd what it feels like to have the ritual of collective caffeination. This history of American coffee culture dates as far as the Boston Tea Party.
When I was in Spain, I learned that cafe culture is entirely different and was also one that warmed my heart. Friends of all ages would meet at the same cafe for years, decades, with a fierce loyalty that rivals American’s devotion to the pumpkin spice latte. Cafe’s for me there were less about being connected to devices and maintaining productivity, but more about really good breakfast and socializing with friends. I miss that (and those friends) as well.
I’m typing this from one of my favorite beer bars (outdoors, table by the corner, away from other patrons, drinking an Orval for those who are interested), I end this to say that I don’t know how to fix it, how to replace that need. For now, I continue to support these spaces (because we need them and they need us) to go, tap into my Italian-American heritage with my morning Moka pot, and wait (and percolate...no, that’s a bit too on the nose) and see what happens.
In the Berkshires:
Daniel Boulud landed in the Berkshires with his pop-up in July at the Blantyre at the Relais & Châteaux, Forbes Five-Star resort. It was announced recently that the pop-up, Cafe Boulud is extended to February 2021. Their fall menu “reflects the influences of the season.”
One of my summer/fall favorites, The Bistro Box, is a seasonal takeaway eatery located in Great Barrington. Serving on-trend, roadside burgers, fish tacos, seasonally inspired beverages, and more. A solid stop if you’re heading down to do a tasting at Big Elm Brewing or Berkshire Mountain Distillers.
Speaking of Big Elm Brewing, they recently rolled out a loyalty club for those crushing craft beer in southern Berkshire County, The Big Elm Coaster Club (similar to a mug club). For $50 a year, members get $5 pints and receive a birthday pint, a coaster made by a local craftsman, and more.
The Capital Region:
One of my favorite beer bars in Albany is Delaware Supply. The space feels more like a tasting room than a beer bar, and the owners Lauren and Colin, are knowledgeable, gracious, and curate a beer list that’s accessible to beer fans of all stripes. Outdoor seating and to-go options are available. If eating in (or out), try Lauren’s sandwich of the day.
Another late-night spot that was one of the first places I made friends in the area was the Ferry Street Night Market, put on by the team at Sunhee’s Farm & Kitchen. Located at the spot formerly known as Troy Capitaland Taxi, These pop-ups are every Thursday until the end of the month.
This last recommendation is food adjacent and more than worth a share and a click: The 518 Free Store is an online store that “works to get basic necessities to local BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) families in need, with an emphasis on Black women and marginalized genders.” The organization is utilizing couponing to maximize monetary donations. Check out their page on how you can support this initiative.
If you have a spot you think should be featured, food news to share, or a great food day trip from the Berkshires or Capital Region, please email me at thestephanita@gmail.com or message me on Instagram at StephanitaEats.