BWE kafe

On a recent trip into the city, I stayed with my good friend, the newly-engaged Ashley, in Hoboken, NJ. I took a break from our indulgent weekend to enjoy a mocha latte at BWE Kafe. http://www.bwekafe.com/ I spent an hour at BWE with my mocha and my journal; I’ve been journaling a lot lately. I was not so impressed with the mocha at BWE, but I was happy to support this company. I discovered that even though BWE is a relatively new coffee shop (founded in 2013), it is making the world a better place, one mocha at a time. BWE exclusively serves La Colombe coffee and espresso, a company based out in Philadelphia. La Colombe supports organizations such as Love for Haiti and Coffee for Water, so in essence, my mocha contributed towards education for students in Haiti and clean drinking water in Haiti. How cool is that?

Appearance: 5

Sweet, symmetrical, loving little mocha heart. Minus points for not serving this with a saucer (and a spoon!). Minus points for having the most basic mug ever created. Plus points because while this mug is extremely basic, it reminds me of one of my favorite mugs at home. My home based mug was stolen from camp, and looks similar to this mug, just much bulkier and more Maine-y. I love it because it brings back great summer camp memories and it’s just a sturdy, rugged mug.

Taste: 4

This mocha was the perfect temperature – I usually order my mocha’s extra hot, but did not even need to do that here at BWE. Most cafes that use syrup in their mochas to not appear to mix that into the drink, and BWE was no exception. I’ve learned to give my mocha a stir in order to taste all of the flavors, so I did that here. Even so, this left my last few sips too sweet to finish. I highly recommend mixing the cocoa into the espresso and milk for a more equal mixture.

Ambiance: 5

BWE is a pretty nice little cafe. There is plenty of seating, both inside and out (when warm enough, and yes, I am so ready for spring). The feel inside is so much more neighborhood-y than a typical Starbucks. BWE’s community board boasts signs of an open mic night ‘Hoboken Sppoken’, and reviews rave about this weekly coming together of neighbors. During my hour at BWE, I saw people of all ages were enjoying a coffee and/or a pastry. There was a couple facetiming with a family member, a young man editing his presentation on a laptop, and a couple enjoying an early evening conversation over coffee. Overall, BWE has a great location, walking distance to lots of shops, stores, and restaurants. It offers good quality coffee, but nothing special. Next time I am in Hoboken I want to try one of their pastries — those looked pretty delectable. I would love it is BWE had more comfortable seating options, like comfier chairs or a couch. I probably would have stayed longer if I could get cozy.

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The Dining Room

Hello fabulous readers! Sorry it’s been a while… I’ve been cramming for this huge licensing test and now it is finally over! Pheew! Now back to the delicious things in life – mochas.

On a recent trip to NYC I stayed with my beautiful friend Ashley!  Ashley lives just outside the city in Hoboken, NJ. There are so many little shops and restaurants to explore in Hoboken, but for Sunday brunch Ashley knew where we were going – to The Dining Room.  It did not disappoint 🙂

Taste: 6

I’ve been desperately searching for the mocha that offers the perfect balance of flavors – I want to taste equal parts espresso, milk, and cocoa.  Well, The Dining Room got 2 out of 3.  I could taste equal parts espresso and steamed milk, but the only way I could taste the cocoa was from the crappy Hershey’s Syrup they poured on top. Sigh…

Appearance: 4

I’m not playing games, Dining Room.  This mocha is for amateurs.  My father can draw a better chocolate-y design than this – a horse, perhaps 😉 Yes the steamed milk looks nice and yes the crisp white cup AND saucer (extra point) compliment the mocha colors.  But no, I have higher expectations for you Mr. Anthony David.

Store Ambiance: 7

I need a new camera. Eugh. Any suggestions? Foggy photos aside, I really liked my morning here at The Dining Room!  Not only was I in great company, but I kind of felt at home (more on this later).  We walked into the restaurant early (10:30amish) and there was already a crowd!  Ashley helped herself to some coffee (DIY) and I ordered a mocha while we waited for our table.  We were seated almost immediately in the back room.  The decor reminds me of my parents house – wood floors, trinkets from their travels, Persian rugs, and random antiques. Oh yeah, and great food!  I walked into the Dining Room not very hungry, but when I caught eye of what others were ordering, I changed my mind quickly! Portions are large, quality is there, outdoor seating is offered.  Just go here.  But don’t order a mocha.