Ithacoffee

Students as well as Cornell staff are in continual pursuit for that perfect cup of coffee. Although the recent transition from Seattle's Best to Ithaca Coffee Company satisfies many people on campus, the coffee itself still isn't great. Fortunately there are alternative options for Ithacans who wish to get more than just ones' average cup. The underground coffee life in Ithaca is buzzing with stands, stores and baristas just waiting to serve. Luckily, my quest to study off-campus has challenged me to find such locations two of which will be subsequently touched upon. 

Gimme! Coffee: 

This hidden gem is located on Cayuga Street in the Commons. It is definitely a place for the locals but they seemed to welcome a stranger when I walked in. The stand has a simple and understated decor matched with deep, wonderful smells of coffee, tea and baked goods. As one moves from the front of the stand to the back is when the noise kicks in. Steaming a pitcher of organic milk, grinding the dark brown specialty beans, blending a frothy mixture are sounds that resonate as soon as one reaches the counter. The service is well-trained. Each of the baristas seemed to exercise their own form of 'latte art'. Their passion to perfect their customers drink of choice is mirrored in one of their company statements: "We're convinced that coffee-just pure, brilliant coffee- can bring sensory pleasure on a par with fine wine or artisan chocolate." Their dedication to using their own line of beans instead of mainstreaming their company to marginal brands is what makes them unique. And in Ithaca, uniqueness is treasured. 

Queen of Tarts: 

This tiny spectacle is located on the opposite side of college town and is known to very few students. An early jog up Dryden road last thursday ended with the finish line at this unobtrusive cafe. I had seen it earlier on my drive to 'Wings Over Ithaca', and its quaint appearance immediately drew me back for a closer look. If it looks small from the outside, it is even smaller on the inside. With the menu changing daily as well as a dangerous selection of home-made desserts, 'Queen of Tarts' is the perfect place for an afternoon snack as well as an awakening cup of joe. There brand of choice is no other than Gimme! Coffee, but the barista seemed less interested in perfecting the shape made in my latte rather more excited to tell me what the soup of the day was as well as which dessert she recommended. The vegan brownie, although sounds like an oxymoron, was my dessert of choice. It satisfied my carb-fix as well as sweet-tooth. I left satiated with a feeling similar to the one I had experienced as a child leaving my grandmother's notorious kitchen. The coffee was nothing short of spectacular, with several blends being offered as well as a variety of prepared drinks. Although it is not as bustling as Starbucks is in the morning, the few that do make the trip up to 'Queen of Tarts' clearly know good coffee and good desserts.