Third Rail Coffee acts as a coffee hub for coffee writers, coffee enthusiasts, and baristas alike. The interior is sleek and gray, with a few tables scattered around.
They have an incredibly simple menu. I ordered a classic drip coffee and a sticky bun.
It's the perfect place to do work because of the abundant space and the cleanliness. It's a good atmosphere to organize your thoughts, with wifi and outlets.
Liz Clayton had her book signing there, and just across the street, there is a little square where bands play and can act as an outdoor sitting space.
Coffee by: Stumptown
240 Sullivan St. New York, NY 10012
159 2nd Ave. (New Location!) New York NY 10003
Anders Crabo - Staff Bio
Meet this awesome Joyrider - Anders Crabo is a Pomona grad, denim enthusiast and the brains behind our Equipment Tech operation.
Hometown?
Bellingham, WA.
Alma Mater/Degree:
Pomona College, Chemistry.
Chemistry major? How did you get into coffee?
While studying abroad in Stockholm, I happened upon a public cupping at Swedish roaster Johan & Nyström's concept cafe. Johan & Nyström introduced me to the coffee world that exists outside of Starbucks and coffee machines. I took home a Hario v60 and a hand grinder and have been experimenting ever since.
What is your first coffee memory?
My dad ordering quadruple espressos from Starbucks. Or the Frappuccino craze.
What is your role at Joyride?
On paper, Sales and Equipment. In practice, a little bit of everything.
Where do you see the coffee industry being in a few years?
I think sourcing will become more meticulous, brewing methods more interesting and varied, and espresso machines more insane. Small-batch roasting will become the norm. I hope the market will allow small roasters to continue popping up and that developments in brewing technology won't eliminate the need of skilled baristas. Honestly, it's too difficult to state what I think here.
Do you think the artisanal coffee industry has the potential to become a global trend? Or is it limited to the U.S.?
Yes. Scandinavia, Japan, and elsewhere have already caught on.
Pet Peeves?
When people leave toothpaste tubes uncapped and cereal bags unsealed.
Interests?
Coffee, fashion, denim, craft beer, gastronomy.
Bad Habits?
I'm laziest when something is within reach.
Ideal Date?
A bicycle ride or hike and a picnic.
Favorite Color?
Indigo.
Favorite Movie?
Chinatown is up there.
Favorite Music?
Trap, deep house, and Top 40 hip-hop.
Favorite Book?
Anything by Bolaño and Salinger. Although I don't love The Catcher in the Rye.
Favorite Cup of Coffee?
Free coffee.
Favorite Alcoholic Beverage?
Generally, Northwest IPAs. Currently, farmhouse ales.
Favorite Non-Alcoholic Beverage?
Besides coffee, either chocolate milk or sparkling water.
------------------------- To reach Anders directly, send an email to Anders@joyridecoffee.com
Coffee and Technology
Coffee and technology have long been buddies since the early days.The first webcam was set up in Cambridge with the sole purpose of keeping a tab on the coffee. And now fast forward to now with different coffee technology popping up every where. Every aspect of coffee is being touched by the rapid innovation. Apparently, when it comes to drinking coffee, as is the case with many other gastronomical industries, the goal is to make each bite or sip as delicious as possible. There are some very cool gadgets from something called the Steampunk, a "tricked-out-siphon-turned-glass-pipe-organ brewed coffee contraption," to the Prima Tamp, which essentially allows a barista to position the handle on whatever they need at whatever angle. Liz Clayton's list in her articles features more interesting tools.
Even we have decided to reinvent the use of the keg, resulting in our Cold Brew Kegerator.
For a more detailed description of these various technologies:
"You giving me your number sounds like a fair trade"
Café Grumpy – Café Review
I was hoping to run into Lena Dunham at Café Grumpy, as the spot was featured on the HBO hit show "Girls."
Contrary to the name, the people there were all very friendly. I ordered a Yirgacheffe, as they happen to be in season. It was sweet, tangy, fresh, and actually had a savory after-taste. They use their own roast, but it's great quality.
They individually brew each cup of coffee, so expect a little wait.
There are no laptops allowed, which creates a lively, social atmosphere. It's a great place to go and catch up with a friend, rather than to do work. The place had a rustic, cool feel, with trees and brick walls.
The barista was very helpful and attentive. They gave great suggestions and seemed genuinely interested in giving the customer a good cup of coffee.
Coffee: Own beans
Café Grumpy
193 Meserole Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11122
383 7th Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11215
13 Essex St
New York, NY 10002
224 W. 20th St
New York, NY 10011
530 7th Ave
New York, NY 10018
Yirgacheffe Showdown
Ethiopia is considered the indigenous birthplace of coffee. The coffee of southern Ethiopia has an incredibly beauty to its taste. The region surrounding Yirgacheffe is very special in coffee history, as it was the first place with a washing station, which set the precedent for the quality that is associated with the region and those around it today. It is a diverse ecosystem with plenty of plants and shade, despite being relatively heavily populated.
Coffees from Yirgacheffe are currently in season, and all of our roasters happen to have one. Unlike some of the more densely planted parts of the country, there is still a massive presence of traditional indigenous coffee types. The Yirgacheffe varietals tend to exhibit intensely floral, sweet, almost tea-like washed qualities, as we'll see below.
The washing process is unique. It begins with washing the coffee cherry in order to remove the fleshy fruit material. This is done right after the harvest when the fruit is still moist. Next is fermentation to get rid of the mucilage. After the underwater fermentation, the coffee is then washed and then sent to a soak tank. The coffee is soaked for about eighteen hours after washing and fermentation. The wet processing creates a "clean" cup of coffee, whereas dry processing results in a more full-bodied but less clean cup.
Region- Gelana Abaya Varietal- Ethiopian Heirloom Processing-Washed Process Elevation- 1800-1980 m Cup- Clean, sparkling layers of lemon blossom and juicy pomegranate, balanced by the sweetness of clover honey, build to a crisp and elegant finish. Retail Price- $18.00/12 oz.
Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Adado (Joe)
Region- Adado Varietal- Ethiopian Heirloom Processing- Depulped and mechanically washed in an eco-pulper before being dried on raised beds in the sun. Elevation- 2000-2400 m Cup- Spiced Apple Cider, Mandarin Orange in a heavy molasses cup. Retail Price- $15.oo/12 oz.
Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Chelbessa (Stumptown)
Region- Gedeo Varietal- Ethiopian Heirloom Processing- Washed Process Elevation- 1900-2200 m Cup- Lavender and Jasmine bouquet. In the cup, it explodes with juicy key lime, chocolate and pineapple. A classic Yirgacheffe. Retail Price- $16.50/12 oz.
I personally think this one has a very delicate, smooth taste. Juicy body, clean finish.
Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Peaberry (Blue Bottle)
Region- Sidama Varietal- Peaberry Processing- Shade grown Elevation- 1800-2200 m Cup- Apricot, jasmine, cucumber, rose Retail Price- $14.50/16 oz.
Peaberries are actually special because the beans are round. Normally, the beans split, but these ones remain small and in tact. As David so aptly described, "not only is the word Peaberry cute, but so are the beans!"
Ethiopian Konga Yirgacheffe (Counter Culture)
Region- Yirgacheffe Varietal- Ethiopian Heirloom Processing- Wet processed. Elevation- 1800-2100 m Cup- Lemon zest and flowers in the aroma, softening in the cup to ripe lemon and nut-toned cocoa. Balanced, gently bright acidity; impressively silky mouthfeel. Flavor carries decisively into a mildly drying finish. Retail Price- $12.95/12 oz.
I think this is much more full-bodied than the Stumptown. VERY flavorful.
So get yourself a cup of Yirgacheffe and tell us what you think!
Morning Productivity
It's a Monday, and I am struggling. But I wonder if I would be doing any better if I was maybe a morning person.
I remember when Mark Hurd of Oracle Corporation gave my class a talk, telling us that he wakes up at 5AM everyday because his competitors on the East Coast are already awake at that point. What I got from that is that I stand no chance.
But also, morning means productivity. As soon as you wake up, there is nothing else to do but conquer the day, so a lot of these "morning people" will grab a cup of coffee and get started.
There's a reason for the phrases "wind-up" versus "wind-down." The morning is when everything is getting started. School and work all start in the morning. Your brain is buzzing.
Although easier said than done, here are a few ways you can make yourself more of a morning person than a night owl:
1. Drink coffee. Not too much, but a cup or two of hot or cold brew in the morning didn't hurt anybody. In fact, along from the caffeinated energy, it gives your metabolism a jumpstart as well.
2. Workout. Exercising is natural energy and is a great way to wake up.
3. Eat a balanced, big breakfast. Protein is especially important to keep your appetite at bay until lunch.
4. Stretch as soon as you get out of bed. It'll get your muscles relaxed for the rest of the day. It's like a big breath for your body.
5. Turn on some music. Or for those of you who don't listen to music (like Noah or Adam aka crazy people), a podcast.
6. Go to bed at a reasonable hour. To get a good night's sleep, stay away from any lit screens, such as laptops or phones. Sleep in a cooler room.
7. Have somebody sit on you until you wake up. (Not tested, but you should give it a try.)
Try all these techniques, or you'll end up like Ike, our resident office chair napper.
morning productivity
Whenever I do manage to get out of bed and not feel like a sloth, it feels so great, and I feel like I can accomplish so much more. If you can do it, you'll be one step ahead of the game.
Why are men like coffee?
The best ones are rich, hot, and can keep you up all night!
-Kristen Lee, telling inappropriate coffee jokes since '92
Joe Coffee – Café Review
Aptly named "Joe" for a great cup of joe, Joe Coffee is one of the leading artisanal coffee brands that we have the pleasure of working with. In fact, they have a book called "Joe: The Coffee Book," which is a fun read for those interested in learning more about coffee culture. I visited two of their locations: the one in Chelsea and the one by Union Square.
There are tables where people are talking with friends and others are on their laptops. However, there is no wi-fi at either of these locations.
I ordered a Caffé Latte. It was very thick and creamy, with a full-bodied flavor. Very, very good. Barely any wait time.
Important to note: Cash only!!!!
They also recently opened a "Pro-shop/HQ," which is a kind of Joe University where you can learn more about coffee and try out different equipment.
Joe Coffee
514 columbus avenue new york, ny 10024
44 grand central terminal new york, ny 10017
9 east 13th street new york, ny 10003
550 west 120th street (northwest corner building) new york, ny 10027
141 waverly place new york, ny 10014
1045 lexington avenue new york, ny 10021
405 west 23rd street new york, ny 10011
Pro-shop/HQ
131 west 21st street new york, ny 10011