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Tags: Starbucks Alternatives / Coffee Shops / Coffee Travel / New York City / → All Tags

Cafe Grumpy Keeps Picky NYC Coffee Geeks Happy

You never have to look far for a cup of coffee in NYC, but that doesn’t mean New Yorkers can’t make an obsession out of the search for the perfect cup—and we don’t mean the ubiquitous “best cup of coffee in the world” that Will Ferrell got so excited about in Elf.

Lately, NYC java is more about the super-serious independent coffee shops that have popped up throughout Brooklyn and lower Manhattan, attracting devoted followings by treating a cup of coffee as something akin to an art form. Beans are carefully sourced and locally roasted, baristas are trained on top-notch equipment with all the seriousness of a culinary institute, and customers not only know what country their favorite brew is from, but its town of origin and even the farm.

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Tags: Recession Shopping / Recession-Shopping-Map / Shopping / → All Tags

Fred Flare

If you're the type that has to find the perfect, funny gift for everyone instead of just running out and buying up overpriced items at the last minute, the store for you is Fred Flare in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Owned by Chicago transplants Chris Bick and Keith Carollo, Fred Flare's chock full of awesome (transportable) items.

By awesome we mean bacon flavored dental floss (yes, we know, perfect for your dad/grandpa/meat-loving brother), the hamburger phone from "Juno," a Holly Golightly sleep mask (excellent for your insomniac friend), sparrow salt and pepper shakers or even an LED menorah.

Fred Flare's the type of place where you'll find something hilarious for everyone, quickly making you the talk of the holiday. Our favorite part is that the stuff's cheap, and we mean like mostly under $25. If you shop online right now and spend $75, you get free shipping too.

Fred's motto is "stay cute," and employees are upbeat and helpful when you need them but stay away when you just want to browse. The shop's closed Monday and Tuesday but open noon-7 pm Wednesday-Saturday and noon-5 pm on Sunday.

Related Stories:
· Fred Flare [Official Site]
· Shopping coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: bitchcakesny]

Tags: Recession Shopping / Shopping / Fashion / Fashion Travel / Recession-Shopping-Map / → All Tags

Brooklyn's Dalaga: In Its Prime

Once the weather turns chillier, we inevitably turn from our closets in despair: Where did all the cool clothes we bought last winter disappear to? Hm. Time for some seasonal shopping, although this year's budget is, um, a little bit tighter than last year's. So we're delighted to offer you some Recession Shopping spots to check out worldwide.

If you're sick of shopping for new fall and winter clothes in giant department stores or chains with canned-response sales clerks who tell you everything looks good on you, take a break from them all and head to Greenpoint in Brooklyn to the mecca that is Dalaga. Located "on the sunny side of Franklin Street" Dalaga is what we imagined mom and pop shops were like decades ago.

The staff is friendly, honest and actually helpful. The lighting is just right and the interior, assembled with bits of a Victorian bedroom set found by the owner and friends in the neighborhood, makes you feel as though you've stumbled on an amazing closet of finds. Opened in 2006 by designer Michelle Mangilian, "Dalaga" is a Tagalog word that Michelle interprets as "quintessential woman in her prime." Guys, don't feel left out, there's awesome men's clothing too.

And the racks of clothes? Excellent both in style and in price. We found a very cool Sherlock Holmes-y style fall cape for under $100. Dalaga seems to have something for every day too, from formal dresses and suits, to more casual sweaters, boots, hats and fun tights. The best part? We were eager to step out of the dressing room each time because the staff straight up told us what worked and what didn't. We never felt like they were just trying to make a sale. Dalaga's open from noon-9, Tuesday-Sunday.

Related Stories:
· Dalaga [Official Site]
· Shopping Travel coverage [Jaunted]