thegothamglutton

Bite

I really do not like or need coffee as a rule – I am one of those genetically peculiar people who do not need any additional stimulation to start the morning other than the buzz of my alarm clock. A cup of coffee has about the same effect on me as a line of cocaine, to the endless amusement of my coworkers when I’ve resorted to a morning cup in desperation after staying out somewhere well past closing time the night before. (“Why is Jamie washing the windows?” “She had coffee this morning.” “Ohhh.”) Also, the coffee in New York is generally an overboiled, horrible business unless you’re willing to pay through the nose, and even then I can’t really tell the difference – it all tastes like the movie Office Space in liquid form to me.

What a pleasant surprise to discover the coffee at Bite. This tiny little kiosk on the corner of Lafayette and Bleecker Street greets you with all sorts of delectable-looking baked goodies artfully arranged on the counter, smiling countermen who ask about your day, and freshly made coffee that gets re-percolated every few minutes. I have mine with skim milk, and it’s divine – mildly flavored and the perfect temperature. The caffeine kick isn’t even that severe; I might be inclined to organize my files, but not take them all out and wash down the cabinets. Bite also carries a surprising variety of salads and sandwiches, appetizers and a Nutella and banana ciabatta that has saved many a coworker from a beating (although they don’t know that). If your carb count for the week allows, grab the four-pack of fresh-baked toffee shortbread (wrapped in cellophane and tied with darling blue ribbons) to go with your coffee, and enjoy the revved-up, whiz-bang feeling of well-being that comes with a morning begun with sugar and caffeine, just the way God intended.

Bite, 335 Lafayette Street at Bleecker (take the 6 to Bleecker Street)

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