Cheap Eats - Fresh brew
Tarrazu: the new date destination
To think that just a few short years ago, the corner of Ponce and Penn was known for its ambiguously gendered streetwalkers. Now, with new apartments, condos and restaurants everywhere, denizens can enjoy sushi, salons and smooth jazz. Tarrazu Coffee Bar is a neighbor to newbie MF Sushi, old standbys Mary Macs and the Spaghetti Factory, and perennial favorite Krispy Kreme. With its simple menu, strong coffee and cool vibe, Tarrazu is the area’s answer to Intermezzo and Aprés Diem.
DOUBLE DATE: I arrived with my friend Mr. Weather, and we immediately felt the date vibe punch us in the gut. A man waited patiently with a rose for his beloved, and another table included a couple holding hands, their faces dappled by candlelight. It’s hard to escape the romantic feeling at Tarrazu, with its red walls, wraparound bench covered in sumptuous velvet pillows, and light from ceiling lamps filtered through gauzy, jewel-toned fabric hangings.
CAFE CULTURE: Tarrazu is named for the small, mountainous region of South America that produces quality coffee beans. But the house brew ($1.95-$2.45) is actually Italian Lavazza, while “coffee of the day” selections hail from Costa Rica, Guatemala, Colombia, Kenya, Jamaica and other locales. There’s also a selection of hot teas, chocolates (the Mexican hot chocolate, $3.25, features the dark, semi-sweet variety with Mexican vanilla, almond and cinnamon) and a sexy Chai tea latte ($2.95). A sizeable wine list includes plenty of affordable labels by the glass.
FLAT BREAD: The panini — a smushed, grilled Italian sandwich — is the two-hander of choice these days — and Tarrazu has a few. The Italiano ($7.95) is the simplest and best; salami, pepperoni, ham, roasted red pepper and sliced black olives are heaped on a choice of rosemary or onion Italian loaf. The real bonus is the pesto aioli smeared on one side. The parmesan basil chicken ($7.25) isn’t touted as a panini, but it resembles one — with a full chicken breast and garlic aioli. The lunch deal pairs a half-sandwich and cup of soup of the day (a tasty clam chowder hit the spot) for just $6.99.
MUZAK MIDTOWN: Mr. Weather pegged it immediately: “Your local forecast is coming up next.” While soothing, the piped-in jazz is ostensibly the segue music between Weather Channel segments. Fridays do offer live jazz events, but otherwise you’re stuck with Kenny G.
JUST DESSERTS: The desserts in the walk-up case come from some of the most popular distributors in town, including Murphy’s, Alon’s and Metrotainment Bakery. A Kahlua cheesecake with Oreo crust ($5.95) was subtle, but a little too soft and gooey. But for a real sugar fix, Krispy Kreme is around the corner.