Cup of Coffee in the West 40's

This past Monday-Tuesday I had an overnight in New York City for a business meeting on Tuesday at noon. Got in late Monday, and stayed at a new hotel in Hell's Kitchen. I thought it would be a good opportunity to explore a neighborhood I don't know as well as my usual NYC hotel locations.

The original plan was to get up early and walk to the High Line for a brisk morning walk with views. Perhaps catch a cup of coffee with something crusty at a nice cafe. But when I awoke one look out the window at the slushy streets and heavy snow falling on commuter umbrellas caused me to roll back over and sleep. When you are raising a High School swimmer who has 5:45 am practices every morning (that you drive him to), getting to stay in bed on a weekday is almost worth the unpleasantness of air travel!

When I awoke I curled up on a lovely chaise lounge at my window and read for awhile, and then at about 10 am set out to find that crusty something with a good cup of coffee. I walked down 11th Avenue, and down some more, and down some more. Nothing! (Except a brief foray into the new Gotham West Market at W. 45th Steet, which was empty at that hour and very cold and industrial looking.) So finally somewhere in the mid-W. 30's I cut over to 10th Avenue and walked back up. And up. And up, all the way to W. 50th. Not one cute little coffee shop. Not even a Starbucks! Must be the only 20 city blocks without a Starbucks anywhere!

Finally, driven as much by soaking wet socks and sopping gloves as my time constraints, I gave up my notion of rustic City tourist-hood and pulled out my Android and put in "bakery." It directed me a few blocks back to Sullivan Bakery at 533 West 47th Street. Right on the way back to my hotel.

A few feet before I reached the promised land of the bakery, I came across a sliver of a storefront, Je & Jo Comestibles.

Always up for a change of plan I turned off my navigation and entered.

I then had one of those heavenly travel experiences that are the perfect mix of having just about given up, and serendipity doo-dah. The barrista was friendly and welcoming (not a barrista-droid), the coffee was outstanding and the almond croissant I chose out of the case was simply the best almond croissant I have ever tasted. I have made something of a career of comparing and contrasting almond croissants in various cities.

I had secreted away a New York Times inside my coat - which had remained miraculously dry, and I sat down at the little bench and had myself one of the most pleasant hours of the week...
gazing out at the street and reading several really great articles before I had to run along. I even dried my feet and gloves on the radiator under my counter.

Before going I asked the barrista where the croissants come from, and it turns out they are from the bakery Ceci-Cela which was voted best croissant in New York City. And no wonder.

I also got a great ramen noodle recommendation 
from my friendly Barrista before hitting the road,  with a bag of croissants in hand to bring my kids for breakfast the next morning.




Note: je & jo is actually famous for their home-made ice-cream. Next time...