This is James’ second stop – the first one being Boston Jerk City (link). I know he’s more of a BBQ guy (book in the works!) but he was happy to join me on the second leg to a coffee shop. We didn’t get to shoot the bull as much ths time because we were talking with Aaron (the owner) the whole time about the future of the restaurant. It looks pretty bright. They’ve been open for a year and have some great concepts that make this a truly unique spot in the East Village.
For one, they play classical. It has a very relaxing effect on the patrons. Another is that Aaron is a dog lover, and has a walk-up window for people to grab some coffee and chill with their pooches outside. He wants dogs inside at some point in time; another idea that can create a calming atmosphere.
I loved this place. Onto the food (the pastries are sourced from local bakeries and rotate):
Black Coffee “I’m an old testament kind of guy; I like my coffee black and my parole denied.” I had to bust him on this one – there is any kind of frothy milk drink available and he has to have black coffee? He played the lactose intolerant card and I had nothing with which to fight. Aaron gave him something with soy in it and he was raving. I am not a huge soy fan, either, but it works in some drinks better than milk. Yes, I said it. In some cases, soy milk is actually better than regular milk. |
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Cortado This was my first coffee here (yeah, we both had two). This was my second Cortado. Aaron said that someone would order it if they had the opportunity to just sit and savor it, but it’s served in a shot glass; I don’t think that insulates well and gives itself to sipping and savoring, but I could be wrong. |
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Cherry Cheese Strudel DAMN look at all that cheese! Good thing I split this with James, it only took a 12 hours off of my life instead of a full day. |
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Poppyseed Strudel Aaron told me that poppy seeds were such a part of this Western European country’s (I forget which one) culture that they got an exemption from the EU to keep growing them when they joined. Poland? I don’t know. EIther way, this was an interesting taste experience. Very earthy, super crisp crust. James explains it way better than I could in the video. |
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Mocha Breve Ever since Dan (link) introduced me to the Mocha Breve at Gimme Coffee, I had been fiending for this bad cup of nasty. It’s a mochaccino made with half and half. The guy at Oslo burned my half and half and it made it taste more fatty than creamy – this one was perfect (P-bomb number 5!). |
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Canelle I called this the inverted asshole cake. I said I was going to be more proper when defining it on the website, but come on, (pic of the whole cake); eh, maybe you gotta see this in person – it’s exactly what it looks like. This guy has a toasty outer crust that is firm to the tooth and breaks like a very ripe plum, the inside is a super spongy flan with the same flavor. Aaron called it Flan inside a bundt cake – pretty much, yeah. |
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Nutella Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwich You don’t really have to sell me on that combo. I would have liked to have more nutella taste from this one. |
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Here’s our video – I was getting a haircut after this one, so no product in this one (I know you love that, Prag!):
Guest Writer: James Boo
The IRL Arts Foundation and The Wandering Foodie thank Ost Café for providing this meal.
Ost Café
441 East 12th Street
New York, NY 10009
(212) 477-5600
