December 24 — Abraco Espresso

I leave NSE as i have a tight agenda… I want to next head to Abraco, highly recommended by NYTimes, NY Mag, and Robert Csar.

Jordan is pulling Counter Culture Espresso Aficionado…  He insists that I have it to stay, which is the only way I want… Yet, there is not much room in this standing room only cafe.  Maybe that’s why they have a stack of iconic (ironic) NY coffee cups.  Classic Northern Italian style ’spro which Ken would love… It was a great shot:

It is perfect with milk as a macc, which goes great with the olive cookies:

Jordan is the friendliest of baristas I have met in NYC… He is also very knowledgeable and passionate about espresso with about 5 years in coffee business and Portland upbringing…  We talk about the Counter Culture Aficionado vs. Toscano, 49th Parallel, Stumptown, brewing temperatures, Manhattan and Brooklyn cafes…  He says I should try to get to Variety in Brooklyn to get another take on Hair Bender compared to NSE.  Also says I should try Gimme!.  

I don’t want to leave Abraco (despite its size, it is as good as advertised), but I have a tight schedule… a half hour to shop

then sushi lunch at 15 East Sushi, before meeting the family to go to Radio City Music Hall for the Christmas Time show !