Caffe Bene

                                                                         Photo By: Yong Min Cho

Caffe Bene is a cafe bakery that branched out from Korea to America. The Caffe Bene located in the city is on 1611 Broadway, between 48th and 49th street. Like Paris Baguette, Caffe Bene is a popular cafe and its location, which is fairly close to the tourist central of 42nd street, helps the fame. 

Because of its popularity, Caffe Bene, especially on weekends, is jam-packed. The cafe has a section in the back which sets the atmosphere of a calm, quiet library. Though it seems as if the interior design of the cafe was purposed for studying, I cannot imagine people actually studying or reading with the loud environment of chatty people. But it is a great place to hang out. 

They are known for their waffles, misugaru beverages, and their year-round pap ing soo, which is shaved ice with milk, sweet red beans paste, little rice cakes, fruit and ice cream. Their waffles are actually good but they are definitely not worth their price. One waffle which is probably smaller than your palms is worth more than $4. Misugaru is the cafe's featured beverage; misugaru is consists of black sesame seeds, black bean, black and brown rice and barley. Doesn't sound very tasty but one must try it first to make a judgement. The papingsoo the cafe offers is a good deal. The bowl that they serve it in is probably close to the size of your head. Make sure you bring others along to eat it because if you eat it by yourself, your stomach won't be able to handle the 'goodness.' 

Honestly, I think people go here for the name brand just like when people wear different clothes brand when they can get the same clothes for cheaper at Target (which is what I do). But the interior is really something. I do not think the place is good for studying but rather spending time with friends and family. 

Rating: 6/10

Straight from Paris

                                                   Photo by: Yong Min Cho

Paris Baguette located between 136th and Flushing

One way to stand out is to be different, unique. Paris Baguette is cafe bakery that was started in Korea and then came globally to America and is a fast growing franchise. The store located between 138th and Flushing was the first Paris Baguette to hit New York City.   

My guess is that because almost everyone likes Paris and thinks that it is a romantic place, the founder decided to create a cafe with a Paris theme. But trust me on this, there is nothing that 'feels' Paris except the Eiffel Tower on their logo. Honestly, I do not like Paris Baguette. It is definitely not a good place to study due to the fact the cafe is never empty. There are times when the music cannot be heard because everybody is talking really loud; and the music playing is usually k-pop, which is not the best choice of genre honest for a cafe in my opinion. But the cafe is a great place to socialize. It is a popular meet-up spot. 

                                  Photo by: Yong Min Cho

The cafe offers a large selection of bread, sandwiches and beverages. I actually do not remember the last time I bought bread here but there were many instances where my friends who work here hook me up with free beverages; therefore make friends with people who work here. When summer comes, Paris Baguette sells the famous Korean desert called 'pap ing soo,' which is shaved ice with milk, sweet red beans paste, little rice cakes, fruit and ice cream. It comes in a size big enough for 2-3 people to share but if you really like it, you can indulge the whole thing for yourself...which I do often. 

Though I myself do not really appreciate Paris Baguette, I know many who loves it. One thing for sure is, do not walk into the cafe with plans of studying unless you can get work done in a loud, busy environment. 

Rating: 5/10