I love this idea, Mr. Estrin! Care to start a business as a wager / writing exercise? I'm looking for an avenue for creative expression. And my background is in insurance. Yes, it's only one of the financial services a bank might offer, but it's a start. Just thinking aloud here....
First off, that video and accompanying soundtrack is gold! I have never felt so soothed and disgusted at the same time. Second, Capitol One seems like the perfect place to finally introduce Camel Milk coffee drinks to New York City. "What's in your latte?"
Kaaron told me her mother was an artist who wanted to have a son and name him Aaron. "But I was born a girl, and considering what's happened to the name 'Karen', I'm glad it's not spelled right."
Another great edition, Anne. You consistently find the most interesting people & places of the everyday experience.
And “hostile architecture “ is an excellent description of the new Starbucks aesthetic. It’s an irony, really, because years ago Starbucks introduced the masses to the very vibe that the bank is now embodying.
I agree Drew. The new CEO seems determined to bring back the old vibe, but it's sort of like trying to turn around a cruise ship that's already plummeting down the falls.
Drew, do you remember the Starbucks VISA? I thought I was ahead of the game until my brother pointed out that to receive a free latte I was basically spending $1,000.
Afrikka is a whole MOOD. I love her. That huge chinky jewelry! The multicolored tiered skirts! The glasses! The white markings (tattoo? makeup?)! It's all so fabulous. I want to know more about her.
Afrikka told me that she designs her own clothes. The tiered skirt is actually wired up like a bustle, so it always has a spread. She said it's not easy to get around on the subway and stuff but she's used to it. She wears the face paint every day and its based on tribal designs from Sudan, which is where her family is from. She grew up in Chicago and lives in East New York and is 61 and goes for a long walk every day on her lunch hour and always gets her coffee from Starbucks, haha. That's about all I know!
I never would have imagined finally getting a substack with a panoramic view of a public restroom owned by a bank in NYC. Although not the highlight of this week's article, it certainly broke new ground. And I am honored to be a part of it.
My most pressing question: do they sell skwons at the Capital One cafe? And an admission: I had to Google Poland Spring. I thought it might be a vodka reference or a weird Irish Spring soap knock-off. Who knew there was a Poland in Maine? I'm much smarter after reading this post today, thank you!
Poland Spring is the cheap-ass standard bottled water in every NYC bodega and deli and at every gas station across the US, Jules.
I actually took a photo of the baked goods menu at the COC, so I can report with great accuracy: they do have a cranberry-orange skwon! They also offer a "raisin scargoat." Have no idea what that is!
I think that raisin scargoat may be US or AI spelling (haha) for raisin escargot? It's a French thing---pain aux raisins or "snails." We snickered over them in France. Bread snails! I was looking for a link to attach here and this is even funnier. Snail with grapes! I like how they note *does not contain snails. https://lesthonore.com/products/escargot-aux-raisins?srsltid=AfmBOoquw6bE8iaMFTc41xuUC78UOwE5MOOr3-QMsG8QAK1WUqzFqMvx Thanks for the American bottled water lesson! Ours comes direct from a well here in the hinterland!
Long time subscriber, first time commenter - Anne, I loved this look into the (surprisingly benevolent?) Capital One foray into hospitality!! The issue of hostile architecture actually drove me to open a space (Alcove) with bookable seating and local cafe partnerships on 7th Ave in Park Slope this fall. It's just a quick ride on the B67 if you're ever interested in stopping by. We could even host the next Rat Pack meeting!
We're always here for you and the Pack!! I just opened this first location about 4 weeks ago, but we've been getting lots of traffic and I'd love to open additional locations! Brooklyn Heights next?!
For coffee, rather than trying to reinvent the wheel, we offer discounts on all purchases at a great local cafe 1 block south, Little Honey - highly recommend all they have to offer! And you can bring whatever food and beverage you like into your pod. So far this seems to be working, but I'm always open to new ideas :)
Vegas seems like the right analogy, and your video will surely cause the lizard people, I mean Capital One, to step up the bathroom cleaning schedule. A spacious, inviting hangout with plenty of non-hostile seating wins In the same way Amazon wins with free 2-day shipping. If Capital One could erase potential customers’ memories of what it felt like to carry, say, $25,000 credit card debt at 17-26% interest for 10 years, surely everyone would flock to their cafes. But some new, young customers are about to learn a tough lesson. It will forever be linked to the smell of coffee.
Wow, yes, Amazon is another great comparison, Courtney. I love it so much and with every purchase (and there are many!) I know I am destroying my city and everything that makes it great.
I love this newsletter but the use of AI is such a bummer - especially during this drought in NYC! Generative AI uses up massive amounts of fresh water!
You know that is a great idea Lauren. Maybe not every week but for sure a regular item. I'm super fascinated by cafe culture and economics and I'm sure I'm not alone.
Thankfully, here in Europe at least, regulations help rein in some of this. No doubt it will slowly creep into here more and more, but when I come to the U.S. for a visit I am instantly overwhelmed by the BUY! BUY! YOU NEED THIS! YOU'RE TOO OLD TOO FAT TOO SKINNY! and the eighteen zillion choices of products.
At some point I'd like to see a cafe expand into financial services.
Yes! Two can play at that game, Mr. Estrin!
CoffeeCoin
I love this idea, Mr. Estrin! Care to start a business as a wager / writing exercise? I'm looking for an avenue for creative expression. And my background is in insurance. Yes, it's only one of the financial services a bank might offer, but it's a start. Just thinking aloud here....
First off, that video and accompanying soundtrack is gold! I have never felt so soothed and disgusted at the same time. Second, Capitol One seems like the perfect place to finally introduce Camel Milk coffee drinks to New York City. "What's in your latte?"
The "Capital One Camel Cortado" what could go wrong?
cracking up!
Third, Kaaron should get honorary membership in the Caafe Anane Ratk Pack based on vowels alone.
LOL so funny.
Kaaron told me her mother was an artist who wanted to have a son and name him Aaron. "But I was born a girl, and considering what's happened to the name 'Karen', I'm glad it's not spelled right."
I love Kaaron!
Is it pronounced "Charon"?
Another great edition, Anne. You consistently find the most interesting people & places of the everyday experience.
And “hostile architecture “ is an excellent description of the new Starbucks aesthetic. It’s an irony, really, because years ago Starbucks introduced the masses to the very vibe that the bank is now embodying.
I agree Drew. The new CEO seems determined to bring back the old vibe, but it's sort of like trying to turn around a cruise ship that's already plummeting down the falls.
I’ve seen this a bit on Substack in the last few days - looks like the ends of sentences are getting cut off
Drew, do you remember the Starbucks VISA? I thought I was ahead of the game until my brother pointed out that to receive a free latte I was basically spending $1,000.
Oh my! Capitalism has run amok.
Afrikka is a whole MOOD. I love her. That huge chinky jewelry! The multicolored tiered skirts! The glasses! The white markings (tattoo? makeup?)! It's all so fabulous. I want to know more about her.
Hi Justin,
Afrikka told me that she designs her own clothes. The tiered skirt is actually wired up like a bustle, so it always has a spread. She said it's not easy to get around on the subway and stuff but she's used to it. She wears the face paint every day and its based on tribal designs from Sudan, which is where her family is from. She grew up in Chicago and lives in East New York and is 61 and goes for a long walk every day on her lunch hour and always gets her coffee from Starbucks, haha. That's about all I know!
I never would have imagined finally getting a substack with a panoramic view of a public restroom owned by a bank in NYC. Although not the highlight of this week's article, it certainly broke new ground. And I am honored to be a part of it.
My pleasure mordy. And for me, it was sure the highlight. I can't stop playing it!
My most pressing question: do they sell skwons at the Capital One cafe? And an admission: I had to Google Poland Spring. I thought it might be a vodka reference or a weird Irish Spring soap knock-off. Who knew there was a Poland in Maine? I'm much smarter after reading this post today, thank you!
Poland Spring is the cheap-ass standard bottled water in every NYC bodega and deli and at every gas station across the US, Jules.
I actually took a photo of the baked goods menu at the COC, so I can report with great accuracy: they do have a cranberry-orange skwon! They also offer a "raisin scargoat." Have no idea what that is!
I think that raisin scargoat may be US or AI spelling (haha) for raisin escargot? It's a French thing---pain aux raisins or "snails." We snickered over them in France. Bread snails! I was looking for a link to attach here and this is even funnier. Snail with grapes! I like how they note *does not contain snails. https://lesthonore.com/products/escargot-aux-raisins?srsltid=AfmBOoquw6bE8iaMFTc41xuUC78UOwE5MOOr3-QMsG8QAK1WUqzFqMvx Thanks for the American bottled water lesson! Ours comes direct from a well here in the hinterland!
Long time subscriber, first time commenter - Anne, I loved this look into the (surprisingly benevolent?) Capital One foray into hospitality!! The issue of hostile architecture actually drove me to open a space (Alcove) with bookable seating and local cafe partnerships on 7th Ave in Park Slope this fall. It's just a quick ride on the B67 if you're ever interested in stopping by. We could even host the next Rat Pack meeting!
Hi Helen! Nice to hear from you! I'm checking out Alcove now.
https://www.alcovenyc.com/
It looks so nice and it sounds like you'll adding additional locations? More important: what's the coffee situation?
Love the idea of having the Rat Pack meet there, haha!
Isn't it the Ratk Pack?
We're always here for you and the Pack!! I just opened this first location about 4 weeks ago, but we've been getting lots of traffic and I'd love to open additional locations! Brooklyn Heights next?!
For coffee, rather than trying to reinvent the wheel, we offer discounts on all purchases at a great local cafe 1 block south, Little Honey - highly recommend all they have to offer! And you can bring whatever food and beverage you like into your pod. So far this seems to be working, but I'm always open to new ideas :)
Vegas seems like the right analogy, and your video will surely cause the lizard people, I mean Capital One, to step up the bathroom cleaning schedule. A spacious, inviting hangout with plenty of non-hostile seating wins In the same way Amazon wins with free 2-day shipping. If Capital One could erase potential customers’ memories of what it felt like to carry, say, $25,000 credit card debt at 17-26% interest for 10 years, surely everyone would flock to their cafes. But some new, young customers are about to learn a tough lesson. It will forever be linked to the smell of coffee.
Wow, yes, Amazon is another great comparison, Courtney. I love it so much and with every purchase (and there are many!) I know I am destroying my city and everything that makes it great.
Afrikka definitely wins best dressed at the Capital One cafe.
Yes, she really stood out, Brittany. And she told me she designed and sewed the dress herself.
Count me impressed!
I love this newsletter but the use of AI is such a bummer - especially during this drought in NYC! Generative AI uses up massive amounts of fresh water!
OMG these hidden connections! Interesting point, ghoulivia!
Nice place! I can definitely see the appeal. A nice selection of interviewees too. As usual. Thanks so much.
Thanks Beth! Glad you enjoyed!
I have literally always been curious about these cafés. Thank you, Anne, for solving another NYC mystery.
LOL, so funny. Glad I'm not the only one who was wondering Claire!
Option B was my choice too! I felt it best captured CAFÉ ANNE's independent spirit and subtle insubordination. And I love Afrikka's sense of fashion.
Yay I'm glad to have some backup on this Jessica.
And you may be delighted to learn that Afrikka designs and sews her own clothes!
I could probably do a whole issue just on her.
YES! That would be fabulous! I bet she has some amazing stories.
Love this edition!!! I want you to include a mini review of a cafe EVERY week!
You know that is a great idea Lauren. Maybe not every week but for sure a regular item. I'm super fascinated by cafe culture and economics and I'm sure I'm not alone.
"So yes. Although it came in dead last in the poll, with just 13% of the vote, I am defying you all and choosing Option B."
This made my day.
Haha, thank you T-POP. Glad to hear it.
I, for one, welcome our new corporate AI overlords!
Actually, this makes me sooooo happy to be outside of the U.S. these days. Sorry!
Is this just a USA! USA! thing Mr. Jensen? My sense is that the corporate creep is global.
Thankfully, here in Europe at least, regulations help rein in some of this. No doubt it will slowly creep into here more and more, but when I come to the U.S. for a visit I am instantly overwhelmed by the BUY! BUY! YOU NEED THIS! YOU'RE TOO OLD TOO FAT TOO SKINNY! and the eighteen zillion choices of products.
"eighteen zillion choices of products" -- the epitomy of "Freedom" in the U.S.