I recently found myself in New York City’s East Village and exceptionally parched (it was one of those days that broke 90, and I somehow forgot that when you “luckily” stumble across a subway car with seats available, it means one of two things: an incredibly foul smell or no AC. This time it was the latter, hence my dehydration and parched-ness. But I digress.)
Anyhow…I needed an icy beverage of sorts, and fast, so I snuck into the first cafe I saw that wasn’t congested with bloggers on their laptops, Tarallucci E Vino Cafe. The charming space has both outdoor and indoor seating, but is small enough to be considered intimate. It’s the kind of place you would actually expect to stumble across in Italy, only adding to the charm.
Started in 2001 by Luca Di Pietro and Pepi Di Giacomo, the cafe focuses on producing delicious Italian coffee beverages and hand-made pastries. I went with the iced coffee (so flavorful not a drop of sugar was needed, and that says a lot coming from a girl who has been known to frequently dump 6 sugar packets into her joe!), and the simple Italian lunch: the Urano panini, made with mozzarella, olive spread, tomato and basil. Perfecto! And to answer the question I know is plaguing all your minds: was the coffee shop worth riding in a subway car with no AC for 20 minutes? It absolutely was.
I’d suggest you visit Tarallucci E Vino Cafe if:
-You love Italian coffee and pastries, and dig that cute Italian bistro feel.
-You’re on a date, and looking for a cafe with a touch of rustic romance (and yes, they do have a fabulous selection of Italian wines!)
WHERE: Tarallucci E Vino Cafe 163 1st Avenue New York, New York Ph: 212.388.1190
Jessica Tiare Bowen lives in the juicy Big Apple with her adorable pink-nosed chihuahua, Gillman. He’s the inspiration for her first published children’s book, “Park Avenue Pound Puppy.” The book is the combined result of her two greatest passions: pooches and penning stories.
Her passions include art, urban hikes through Manhattan, drinking coffee with 3 creams and 6 sugars, making extremely detailed itineraries and traveling to far away places, singing along to Broadway shows, Netflix movie nights, discovering incredible treasures at Goodwill and thrift stores, and listening to stories from little people under 7 and big people over 70.
She started her career as New York City Teaching Fellow, teaching elementary school and theater arts at a special education school in the South Bronx for 6 years. She is now a Special Education School Improvement Specialist working in public schools throughout New York City. She is the Editor-In-Chief of the online New York City travel magazine, Used York City. The magazine focuses on finding the best of New York…as used by New Yorkers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and an ASPCA Ambassador.
