Laughed when I saw Happy New Year references. That happens when reading old posts.
RE: Cafe Bustelo gift basket. Whenever I consider buying a gift basket for someone I always ponder what are the two-plus things in the basket that someone just won’t like. I think this is universally true of all gift baskets regardless of quality. This one looks good but can’t see what is hidden on the backside. I hope you provide an update when you finish using the contents up and repurpose the basket for keys instead of making a trash heap. Must be empty based on your LOVE for CB.
RE: Bodega takes – these are great. The answers get to the point without stalling. Amir’s interview is why he is the GOAT. Bodega is one of those great overused words these days. Seems to apply to everything cause it sounds cool.
I am so with you on the gift baskets. There should be a gift basket museum displaying all unwanted gift basket items. It could sell only gift baskets in the gift shop.
I agree!!! Many years ago there was an awesome SNL skit for "the tape store". Walls of scotch tape dispensers. A museum is even better. Would the gift shop still be able to sell commemorative spoons and shot glasses?
What about a gift-basket store in a mall? Maybe a Build-A-Bear like store for gift baskets where you actually pick what goes in yours and "specialist" assembles it and stacks stuff like a pyramid. Provide a returnable deposit on the basket like beer bottles to drive return customers. I am interested in the long shelf life cheese in the "get you through a blizzard basket".
You interviewed Dante in this, my bodega guy!!! He is one of the sweetest and funniest dudes I know, and we've been buds for years. I stopped in to get a bagel and coffee every day for 4 years while I went to school in the neighborhood. it made me so happy to see him featured here!!!!!! great stuff
Oh that is great to hear! Yes, Dante was super nice. I live around the corner. My two main bodegas are on Montague but I go to Sunny's sometimes in the morning, and there is a different guy behind the counter who is also super cool.
This is good. Your former employer (WSJ) has been useless on where to put my money. Now I know -- I'm gonna corner the squirrel market. Lots of squirrels in Conn.
The final interview is like with a Zen Master — I feel like that dude is really in the know. 😎
Regarding reviews-reading, I also love reading 1 star Yelp reviews of snobby coffee shops. There’s something about picky baristas that really riles people up!
Long Island City is ridiculous! I remember living in the only apartment building near Hunters Point subway stop. Now it looks like Wakanda.
Also, did you know there's apparently a setting on Substack that makes all commenters like the post, even if theh don't want to? (There may be an opt-out where you can unclick the Like, but I've never tried that because it would be mean.)
I always enjoy CAFÉ ANNE. I live on the west coast of Canada and for my 60th birthday in May 2020 I had a trip to New York planned. My flights were booked, and a very cool Airbnb. Well, I don't need to tell you what happened. When I read CAFÉ ANNE if feels like a little trip to NY, and I so appreciate that! Thanks.
Amir's sweatshirt, tho.
Laughed when I saw Happy New Year references. That happens when reading old posts.
RE: Cafe Bustelo gift basket. Whenever I consider buying a gift basket for someone I always ponder what are the two-plus things in the basket that someone just won’t like. I think this is universally true of all gift baskets regardless of quality. This one looks good but can’t see what is hidden on the backside. I hope you provide an update when you finish using the contents up and repurpose the basket for keys instead of making a trash heap. Must be empty based on your LOVE for CB.
RE: Bodega takes – these are great. The answers get to the point without stalling. Amir’s interview is why he is the GOAT. Bodega is one of those great overused words these days. Seems to apply to everything cause it sounds cool.
I am so with you on the gift baskets. There should be a gift basket museum displaying all unwanted gift basket items. It could sell only gift baskets in the gift shop.
I agree!!! Many years ago there was an awesome SNL skit for "the tape store". Walls of scotch tape dispensers. A museum is even better. Would the gift shop still be able to sell commemorative spoons and shot glasses?
What about a gift-basket store in a mall? Maybe a Build-A-Bear like store for gift baskets where you actually pick what goes in yours and "specialist" assembles it and stacks stuff like a pyramid. Provide a returnable deposit on the basket like beer bottles to drive return customers. I am interested in the long shelf life cheese in the "get you through a blizzard basket".
Franzi wins for most insightful comment. The wit is so sharp
Lol. Right? This person will always be with us.
You interviewed Dante in this, my bodega guy!!! He is one of the sweetest and funniest dudes I know, and we've been buds for years. I stopped in to get a bagel and coffee every day for 4 years while I went to school in the neighborhood. it made me so happy to see him featured here!!!!!! great stuff
Oh that is great to hear! Yes, Dante was super nice. I live around the corner. My two main bodegas are on Montague but I go to Sunny's sometimes in the morning, and there is a different guy behind the counter who is also super cool.
This is good. Your former employer (WSJ) has been useless on where to put my money. Now I know -- I'm gonna corner the squirrel market. Lots of squirrels in Conn.
Very inspiring Gerard!
The final interview is like with a Zen Master — I feel like that dude is really in the know. 😎
Regarding reviews-reading, I also love reading 1 star Yelp reviews of snobby coffee shops. There’s something about picky baristas that really riles people up!
Long Island City is ridiculous! I remember living in the only apartment building near Hunters Point subway stop. Now it looks like Wakanda.
Also, did you know there's apparently a setting on Substack that makes all commenters like the post, even if theh don't want to? (There may be an opt-out where you can unclick the Like, but I've never tried that because it would be mean.)
Yes Long Island City is so berzerko now I love it.
I always enjoy CAFÉ ANNE. I live on the west coast of Canada and for my 60th birthday in May 2020 I had a trip to New York planned. My flights were booked, and a very cool Airbnb. Well, I don't need to tell you what happened. When I read CAFÉ ANNE if feels like a little trip to NY, and I so appreciate that! Thanks.
So happy to hear this. Thank you!
No, thank YOU
OMG cinnamon bread with marinara sauce! Where can I try it?
I think your job is to try this out and report back to Anne for next week 🤔
First I gotta find out where you get it!
I will find out and report in issue 11 Rob :)