Coffee Klatch

When I first moved to New York, I was expecting to encounter a lot of the New York stereotypes and wasn't sure how well I would be able to adapt.  The fast walking, the quick talking, encountering people who  are - shall we say - a little rough around the edges, the need for a great slice of pizza and the love of bagels and coffee.

For the most part, I took to all of the above rather nicely and have learned to either pick up the pace or stay as far to the right side of the street as possible when walking, to talk a little faster than I used to when speaking to certain people, disregarding (OR if I am feeling brave standing up to) a rude comment or person and have enjoyed many slices of great pizza or a hot bagel on a weekend morning.  The one thing, at first, that I did not seem to give in to was the coffee addition of New York.

However, over the past few months, I have really started to enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning.  I did not understand the breadth of choices of coffee, flavors and ways to make it and I have been becoming more willing to try various kinds.  I am by no means a coffee connoisseur but I am starting to really know the difference between a great cup of coffee and one that is sub-par.

My favorite flavors of coffee are toasted almond, blueberry, raspberry and hazelnut and I would definitely say I am more of a Dunkin' Donuts girl than a Starbucks girl.  McDonald's has great coffee and they are running a deal for $1 any-size hot coffees - which is a definite plus compared to some of the sky-high barista prices in the city.  Lastly, there is a place by Tom's work that has $.99 medium iced coffees which has helped start some of the stifling hot summer days recently.

I like my coffee with extra skim milk and occasionally some sugar and if it is a Saturday in Hoboken, I'll take a pumpernickel bagel with a smidge of light veggie cheese.

Though I am happy I am adjusting pretty well, I will always be a Philadelphia girl at heart and would take a fresh Philly pretzel over anything any day!