http://tupalo.com/en/users/197 Tupalo en-us /en/paris/mian-fan 14e fusion ikeaish montparnasse noodles soup 48.841379 2.331387 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:17:21 +0000 /en/paris/mian-fan /en/paris/blinis-bar Not even a block away from the popular Canal is the little joint specializing in blintzes and an array of spreads ranging from caviar, hummus, olive tapenade (my favorite), and something akin to pico de gallo. At least, this is what my friend and I tried. Between the two of us, we split about 7 blintzes as well as the aforementioned spreads; although our selections were nothing to write home about, we were soon stuffed. The hot chocolate, hand-ground (?) with love, was on the other hand quite delicious, as was the pineapple financier (it's similar to a madeleine). If I were rating it just on service, I'd give the place five stars; perhaps we caught the place on a slow day, but the lady (proprietor?) was more than welcoming and didn't seem to mind going up and down the narrow spiral staircase to take care of us. I'd return just because of the friendliness and the relaxed atmosphere. 10e brunch canal-st-martin friendly light_meals nonpretentious 48.8741901 2.3625456 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:17:23 +0000 /en/paris/blinis-bar /en/paris/zuzus-petals 10e canal_st_martin light_meals salads sandwiches 48.8718589 2.3670149 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:40:18 +0000 /en/paris/zuzus-petals /en/paris/four-ts 12e faubourg_st_antoine friends ledru-rollin relax 48.8508286 2.3729553 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:36:13 +0000 /en/paris/four-ts /en/paris/lautre-th%C3%A9 11e cozy oberkampf 48.862304 2.378739 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:33:50 +0000 /en/paris/lautre-th%C3%A9 /en/paris/soya 11e oberkampf organic 48.8681551 2.3699541 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:31:37 +0000 /en/paris/soya /en/paris/autrement-sucr%C3%A9 18e goutte-dor light_meals organic pastries relax tea vegetarian 48.8883017 2.3480621 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:29:36 +0000 /en/paris/autrement-sucr%C3%A9 /en/paris/loving-hut 11e oberkampf vegan 48.8598737 2.3675288 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:26:18 +0000 /en/paris/loving-hut /en/paris/point-eph%C3%A9m%C3%A8re FMR is a multi-use site off of the Canal St. Martin managed by the Usines Éphémères collective and with an agenda determined in cooperation with district councils. I've only been in the small live music space a few times, but there's also an exhibit space, artists' studios and a café/restaurant which I hear is impossible to get into especially when it's crowded. 10e canal-st-martin live music 48.876298 2.364198 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:30:14 +0000 /en/paris/point-eph%C3%A9m%C3%A8re /en/paris/point-%C3%A9ph%C3%A9m%C3%A8re arts café collective live_music 48.876297 2.3641817 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:27:44 +0000 /en/paris/point-%C3%A9ph%C3%A9m%C3%A8re /en/paris/bar-aux-folies At first, I thought the collage of newspaper clippings and such on the walls, on the furniture was a bit kitsch. Well, it still SORT of is, though there's logic behind the decorative choice: once upon a time, the Folies played host to some legendary chansonniers like Chevalier and Piaf (she's from the hood, and born just up the street). It's another one of those neighborhood places where you can just nurse your drinks and talk...forever; the folks who run it don't seem to mind even when they're brimming with customers. Open at 6 on weekdays and Saturdays, 7 on Sundays. 20e belleville chanson nonpretentious retro 48.872337 2.3778426 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:17:30 +0000 /en/paris/bar-aux-folies /en/paris/la-merle-moqueur I'm only ever by the door whenever I go here and this whenever is actually more often that I admit despite the fact that I don't drink alcohol. It's a low-key place to converse with your friends (when you can hear them) and where you can hear a variety of music and enjoy people letting loose but in a non-aggressive way. The toilets are unfortunately not too clean, however. 13e butte-aux-cailles nonpretentious sort_of_divey 48.8276664 2.3497697 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:08:58 +0000 /en/paris/la-merle-moqueur /en/paris/biarritz-caf%C3%A9 In the late morning (10-12), it seems quite tranquil. You order your coffee at the bar (2E, if I remember correctly) and then you take it to your little coin and no one bothers you; nothing too special. Perhaps it picks up when the afternoon classes get out, but it's a calm place to psychologically prep myself for said classes. If you're into meeting random people, informal language exchanges take place every Thursday at 8PM. 13 nonpretentious olympiades 48.8263283 2.3616182 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:01:02 +0000 /en/paris/biarritz-caf%C3%A9 /en/paris/le-plougastel Because there are so many crêpe places just on this one street, that it's hard to pick one to go to. You see that both David Lebowitz-approved Josselins are packed, and you're not too keen on some of the imposing-looking dudes standing like bouncers at the entryway of some other establishments, so you pick Le Plougastel because "hey, it's not yet crowded!" but looks inviting at the same time. Although a friend ordered just one asparagus and sour cream "galette" (8E) for dinner, I picked the very filling "menu breton" (out of 3) with a veggie galette option (mushroom and cheese); it also came with an enormous salad, and a crêpe sucrée (strawberry jam for me). Though it was slightly on the expensive side (15E for the menu; drinks extra--btw, I've heard good stuff about their organic apple juice), it was money well-spent. The servers were also especially friendly, but I never know if that's because they see a lot of Americans or because that's just how the... 14e breton crêpes montparnasse 48.8424714 2.3258914 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:49:28 +0000 /en/paris/le-plougastel /en/paris/caf%C3%A9-l%C3%A9a Don't let the three-star rating fool you. The service wasn't bad and you're able to linger over your 2,3-EUR crème (cheapish, I'm guessing, for the 'hood) for as long as you want (1,-EUR at the bar). Right near the Mouffetard market, so if you get tired of shopping, or even smelling, here's a nice place to relax your wandering feet (nose). I'll have to come back for brunch. 5e brunch cheapish_coffee cozy 48.8387581 2.3498788 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:34:35 +0000 /en/paris/caf%C3%A9-l%C3%A9a /en/madrid/el-azul-de-f%C3%BAcar Borges once said that paradise is a kind of library; mine these days is a kind of coffeeshop. El Azul is easily a contender, with helpful staff and hands down the best, most scrumptious slice of carrot cake I've ever had in my entire life. (A slice can be shared by two people.) Apparently quite intimate on weekday nights, we'll have to see what the vibes are like for breakfast and lunch (two menus: vegetarian and not). It doesn't hurt that the place is tastefully appointed either, with hazy sky blue and creamy tones and comfortable furnishings. breakfast chill cozy friendly huertas lunch 40.4119478 -3.6956085 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:56:26 +0000 /en/madrid/el-azul-de-f%C3%BAcar /en/madrid/la-paca Darn you, Madrid and your cozy, informal coffeeshops! Where else can you linger over a 1,50 cafe con leche and a little biscuit with a friend, and be left to your own devices? That's not to say that the service is careless, only that it's discreet. I'll come back again, for sure! cheap cozy malasaña 40.4229301 -3.701598 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:50:42 +0000 /en/madrid/la-paca /en/madrid/happy-day Malasaña once again proves that it's the Madrileñan heart of all things young and cool. Happy Day is a cute little shop, really. It's decorated in a "super feminine" style, with flowers and butterfly wallpaper; you almost expect Amélie Poulain to make you a cortado and offer you a wonderfully decorated cupcake or a filling bagel a sandwich. Unfortunately, there's only one table, so you might have to take your goods to the nearby plaza. bagels baked_goods brownies malasaña pastries 40.4251881 -3.7030376 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:47:15 +0000 /en/madrid/happy-day /en/madrid/ordning-and-reda accessories chamberí color design desktop quevedo swedish 40.4337995 -3.7042266 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 01:39:00 +0000 /en/madrid/ordning-and-reda /en/dresden/thalia The Schauburg might be the queen of indie cinema in Dresden, but I prefer the smaller but stylish Thalia. Their one screening room, draped with cosy red curtains and equally comfy seats, offers space for a mere 75-member audience, giving it a home theater feel. Prices aren't bad, either: 5,-EUR for regular screenings, and 4,-EUR on Tuesdays and after 5 any day. It'd be really great if they were a completely non-smoking place, but I suppose this is as good as it can get. aussere_neustadt bar cafe indie 51.066941 13.754159 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 01:35:33 +0000 /en/dresden/thalia /en/boulder-colorado/laughing-goat Do you want to get some work done but have a short attention span? If your answer is "yes," DON'T come here on a weekday, as you will either be distracted and/or annoyed by the constant tap-tapping of laptops, disperse chatter, and other people pretending to work. If you do venture out here alone, make sure to bring headphones. Otherwise, the drinks aren't bad, especially the iced teas. pastries students tea wifi 40.019603 -105.273155 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 01:33:57 +0000 /en/boulder-colorado/laughing-goat /en/paris/larobase Perhaps I'm frequenting the wrong places, but many of the cafes I've visited seem to be bereft of "gemütlichkeit." Of course, when I think of this concept, I think not only of being wrapped in a blanket with a cup of tea reading Rilke but also of being embroiled in a deep conversation with a friend, letting the hours pass by without a care. Surely you can do either (well, sans blanket) at any old cafe, though there's still that cozy--or rather, scrappy, "mismatched"--factor missing from many of the places here. I guess one could make a distinction between a "cafe" and a "coffee shop"; for me the former implies distance and "order" (at least in Paris), and the latter is more indicative of informality, conviviality. The @robase doesn't have a beanbag coziness, but it's much less imposing than the more well-known establishments in town. It helps, probably, that it's in the 13th that's part of the "Rive Gauche" revitalization p... 13e bagels snacks tea 48.8301641 2.3748616 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 01:20:23 +0000 /en/paris/larobase /en/madrid/la-casa-encendida Yes, again, check out their very interesting cultural programming, and more importantly: 1) beautiful rooftop terrace and garden 2) 40c coffee machine art culture education green 40.405775 -3.699743 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:58:12 +0000 /en/madrid/la-casa-encendida /en/paris/ground-zero Previously located near uber-trendy Oberkampf, Ground Zero finds its digs in slowly-gentrifying Belleville. Of course, I lived closer, I wouldn't complain. I stormed in here in my quasi anti-social fashion, headphones on and trying to be oblivious to any sales pitches. However, the lady behind the counter did intercept me as I was contemplating a Nina Simone box set. This, of course, prompted me to engage her in chit chat, to which she responded quite warmly. I spent an hour or so perusing a tight indie rock selection, along with "world" musics and jazz. Although the prices may be slightly higher than FNAC or certain digital retailers, the music lover who patronizes similar locally O&O shops would feel their purchase(s) justified. 10e belleville music 48.8740973 2.3722163 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:54:55 +0000 /en/paris/ground-zero /en/paris/caf%C3%A9-vavin I'm thinking, "Hey, I AM in a pretty posh area, so why not blow a wad on a cup of coffee?" Vavin is just the place, as you admire the good-looking students with their perfectly disheveled manes make their way to and from classes, discussing the latest topics at the Lucernaire movie theater, lining up at the sandwich shop across the way. For the price, the coffee isn't super stellar, but you're there more for the atmosphere, right? Thanks goodness the servers are more than nice, which is pretty rare in this neck of the woods. 6e croissants jardin_du_luxembourg 48.843968 2.330534 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:42:48 +0000 /en/paris/caf%C3%A9-vavin /en/paris/les-fleurs 11e cute design 48.8529085 2.3765822 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:32:52 +0000 /en/paris/les-fleurs /en/madrid/fast-cool contemporary graphic_design huertas street_art urban 40.4125908 -3.69659 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 17:32:12 +0000 /en/madrid/fast-cool /en/madrid/viva-la-vida Gosh, how I do love the veggie buffet here, especially the rice and seitan! The drinks are kind of expensive (1,10/piece for a small juice box), but I suppose you can always get something from a corner store. Have yet to try dessert as I usually stuff myself with the aforementioned staples along with other goodies like mushroom polenta, eggplant salad...oh, the list goes on! The only downside to this place is that there isn't much room to eat "properly" (one table for two inside the shop, two counters for about three people outside), but no matter. It's food worth a standing ovation! buffet huertas international organic take-away vegan vegan-friendly vegetarian 40.413188 -3.696437 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 17:24:21 +0000 /en/madrid/viva-la-vida /en/paris/l%E2%80%99oisive-th%C3%A9 One can easily while away the afternoon with a pot of "mélange oriental" and two very generous slices of cranberry-banana bread (under 10,-EUR total) in this cozy little salon de thé in the lovely Butte-aux-Cailles neighborhood. There's currently only one official server, but the service isn't at all slow; relaxed is the preferred term at this neighborhood spot. The salads also look interesting; I'll have to come back for either that, or the language exchange that the owners organize, among other things. 13e friendly nonpretentious place_ditalie tea 48.8280199 2.3517769 Wed, 23 Sep 2009 17:06:28 +0000 /en/paris/l%E2%80%99oisive-th%C3%A9 /en/paris/le-tournesol I realize that I've never been inside the actual place, having spent my visits camped on the colorful seats out in the patio. I don't know really, what sets this place apart from the string of equally charming places along Gaîté (drinks are similarly priced), but the staff have been quite nice, if slightly rushed. 14e apéro montparnasse terrasse 48.8405208 2.3242894 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:16:46 +0000 /en/paris/le-tournesol /en/paris/le-petit-josselin On this street of crêperies, one would really have to be in the know to distinguish the best from the rest. Fortunately, we had David Lebovitz for that (or his blog, rather), and his recommendation didn't disappoint. 10,-EUR gets you a hearty lunch menu including a crêpe complète (you can order without ham), a crêpe sucrée (I like raspberry filling), and a bowl of cider. Super convivial especially during midday, you might get to know your neighbor as well. 14e breton crêpes montparnasse 48.8418376 2.325376 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:12:57 +0000 /en/paris/le-petit-josselin /en/paris/naturalia-bd-raspail Another hasty visit as I was looking for something and only one thing in particular--seitan. If I remember correctly, you get a box with two slices for about 3,5. This branch is in a part of the city that's "bien bourgeois," and as the shop is quite small, you find that you have to maneuver your way to around people to get to the tempeh or the quinoa. A popular place, expect long lines. 6e health_food st-germain 48.8445039 2.3287035 Sat, 05 Sep 2009 14:55:51 +0000 /en/paris/naturalia-bd-raspail /en/paris/bl%C3%A9-sucr%C3%A9 It was a hurried visit, as I popped in based on some foodie blog recommendations for the madeleines. Feeling a little spunky, I opted for four and when I got home, savored two with some nice passion fruit tea. So light and filling at the same time, making for a great afternoon treat. There are obviously other goods to get here (the pain de campagne was recently ranked 3rd in the city, I believe) and perhaps there are better places in town from which to procure the madeleines themselves. Still, it's not a bad stop on your way to/from the Aligre market. I'll definitely be going back again. 12e aligre pastries 48.8505445 2.3768556 Sat, 05 Sep 2009 14:49:01 +0000 /en/paris/bl%C3%A9-sucr%C3%A9 /en/paris/chez-papa You get to know your neighbor really well at this diminutive but convivial joint just south of some illustrious graves. Although we made the staff wait for the rest of our huge party to trickle in, without reservations, on a Saturday night, service was still with a smile. That said, there's not much on the menu for vegetarians (let alone vegans), and although the two cheese (cantal and I forget what other cheese) sandwich was quite filling, I could've bought it elsewhere for much less or made it myself. There's also an appetizing-looking "Basque-style" soup and the very hearty Boyarde. friendly montparnasse nonpretentious sw 48.8359742 2.3275815 Sat, 05 Sep 2009 14:41:20 +0000 /en/paris/chez-papa /en/paris/p%C3%A2tisserie-sadaharu-aoki fusion oh_no quartier_latin 48.837548 2.3461818 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 04:19:39 +0000 /en/paris/p%C3%A2tisserie-sadaharu-aoki /en/denver-colorado/denver-zine-library CLOSED bookstore community creative diy restaurant zines 39.7578010559 -105.0080032349 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 04:11:16 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/denver-zine-library /en/denver-colorado/little-man-ice-cream This place is too cute for words: a lovely patio with flower boxes surrounding a giant replica of milk can out of which they serve anything from root beer to pistachio to concord grape...looking across I-25 into downtown. Being a prime first date/family/random social occasion locale, it's no wonder that the masses gather here even during the crispest of autumn days. Once Little Man taps into the vegan market, they'll be unstoppable! highlands ice_cream organic 39.759425 -105.010729 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 04:02:25 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/little-man-ice-cream /en/madrid/mott Your best girlfriend has this huge, and I mean, HUGE walk-in closet where everything is organized by lovely shades and hues. It's called Mott. More playful than neighboring Pez, Oliphant, and Benny Room put together, Mott features flirty feminine frocks that would make Zooey Deschanel swoon. The back room is dedicated to markdowns, so it's worth looking around a bit for finding a steal. alonso_martínez chic style 40.423173 -3.695598 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 03:53:11 +0000 /en/madrid/mott /en/denver-colorado/the-9th-door More than eating out, a tapas sampling is about hanging out with friends. I tried to keep this in mind as my friends and I weaved our way to our table through a gaggle for after-work couplings with cosmopolitan pretensions. Thank goodness for the happy hour menu, with alf-price offerings on drinks and assorted tostas. A buck is all I would've paid, anyway, for my piece of honey-drizzled goat cheese. We also liked the pequillo peppers, but not much else...including the service and atmosphere. lodo tapas 39.752402 -104.996237 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:55:22 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/the-9th-door /en/los-angeles-california/stories Even if I wasn't checking out at show up the street at the Echo, I'd somehow still find a way to pass the afternoon at this bookstore/cafe. Un/fortunately, friends and I just conversed over coffee and extremely delicious banana walnut cookies in the area seating right past the coffeeshop. Next time, I'll for sure take time to browse through the collection of novels, comics, and local history tomes. art cafe design echo_park history nonpretentious 34.077222 -118.259064 Sat, 30 May 2009 04:54:23 +0000 /en/los-angeles-california/stories /en/los-angeles-california/vegan-house-2 The fried rice with tofu--arriving after 20 minutes of trying to ignore my companions' thorough enjoyment of their individual orders--was delicious enough. At $8, however, I was thinking that there were other area vegan restos that deliver much more bang for the buck. Then again, maybe I ordered the wrong thing. The service was notably relaxed but not unfriendly. hollywood nonpretentious vegan 34.102298 -118.331217 Sat, 30 May 2009 04:47:06 +0000 /en/los-angeles-california/vegan-house-2 /en/denver-colorado/the-fabric-lab Props to the Wills--or anyone else, for that matter--for supporting the local artistic community. Your hard-earned money can go towards a Colfax shirt, earrings made from skateboard parts, even a haircut. Again, it's a nice concept. city_park diy fashion indie shopping 39.7402000427 -104.9509963989 Tue, 19 May 2009 05:08:53 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/the-fabric-lab /en/morelia/govindas LP calls it a "veggie oasis," but it falls short of that. My friend and I strolled into this place only about an hour before they closed and both ordered variations of hearty combo meals (with fruit-flavored water) for about $45MXN. Of what our food was comprised, we didn't exactly know (no meat or dairy, fo' sho), but they sure filled us up! budget centro veggie 19.526521 -99.050538 Tue, 19 May 2009 04:59:32 +0000 /en/morelia/govindas /en/mexico-city/or%C3%ADgenes-org%C3%A1nicos condesa groceries organic veggie 19.415136 -99.16804 Sat, 16 May 2009 15:53:17 +0000 /en/mexico-city/or%C3%ADgenes-org%C3%A1nicos /en/mexico-city/ocho condesa games while_the_afternoon_away 19.4104138 -99.171583 Sat, 16 May 2009 15:50:02 +0000 /en/mexico-city/ocho /en/mexico-city/el-p%C3%A9ndulo Were it not for its ingenuous portmanteau (officially a "cafebrería") and open, airy floor plan, this branch of El Péndulo would probably remain another ho-hum bookstore/cafe in the midst of the gay district. Of course, this won't matter much to true bibliophiles wishing to while away their summer hours. Cafe seating is plentiful and the shiva lassies are excellent. cafe cds dvds juárez zona_rosa 19.4240969 -99.1691491 Mon, 11 May 2009 05:40:20 +0000 /en/mexico-city/el-p%C3%A9ndulo /en/mexico-city/discoteca As Rodrigo, the general manager explains, Discoteca is a platform for independent music and art, dedicating a big part of their selection to national bands. The diminutive shop on the lovely Plaza Citlaltépetl provides a relaxed ambiance in which you can peruse design magazines, check out street duds or have a listen to any available album at one of four retro-fitted listening stations. From time to time, Discoteca also hosts intimate concerts with local bands; check online or stop by for more info. condesa friendly indie music shows vinyl 19.4093115 -99.1714422 Mon, 11 May 2009 05:28:59 +0000 /en/mexico-city/discoteca /en/guanajuato-mexico/santo-cafe Feels like Venice (sort of) if you grab one of the prime tables out on the small bridge overlooking the callejon. Lovers can also canoodle in the cozy interior, over sumptuous crepes and smoothies. With an intimate ambiance and efficient staff, it's no wonder that this a Guanajuato favorite. I'd like to see how the place feels in the morning, though. light_meals romantic smoothies 21.0167 -101.25 Sat, 09 May 2009 06:59:01 +0000 /en/guanajuato-mexico/santo-cafe /en/guanajuato-mexico/bagel-cafet%C3%ADn A cute little bagel/coffeeshop in one of Mexico's cutest little colonial towns. For 20P, you can get a simple bagel with cream cheese; its upwards from there for a fancier sandwich. The vegetarian version is nothing super elaborate, but sure fills up the stomach. Drinks range from 12-30P. I didn't have much to do except to while away the morning, so I splurged on a delicious hot chocolate and then an even more delicious mocha. Usually a one-person operation, the service can be "relaxed," but also quite welcoming towards locals, language students, and tourists alike. bagels light_meals wifi 19.5888803 -99.2661996 Sat, 09 May 2009 06:44:53 +0000 /en/guanajuato-mexico/bagel-cafet%C3%ADn /en/paris/judicious 12e bastille brunch juice organic 48.8508205 2.3729402 Fri, 27 Mar 2009 03:04:19 +0000 /en/paris/judicious /en/paris/le-mange-disque art exhibits multiuse oberkampf vinyl 48.8682471 2.374068 Fri, 27 Mar 2009 02:30:12 +0000 /en/paris/le-mange-disque /en/paris/bis-morgen st-germain 48.8517235 2.3372835 Fri, 27 Mar 2009 02:25:16 +0000 /en/paris/bis-morgen /en/paris/french-touche batignolles design 48.8885438 2.3235513 Fri, 27 Mar 2009 02:24:01 +0000 /en/paris/french-touche /en/paris/artazart art canal-st-martin design 48.872835 2.363777 Fri, 27 Mar 2009 02:21:01 +0000 /en/paris/artazart /en/paris/florence-loewy architecture art design marais 48.8599906 2.3632054 Fri, 27 Mar 2009 02:19:22 +0000 /en/paris/florence-loewy /en/paris/come-on-eileen bastille designer vintage 48.8549069 2.374944 Fri, 27 Mar 2009 01:59:17 +0000 /en/paris/come-on-eileen /en/paris/le-plateau 19e art buttes_chaumont contemporary 48.877699 2.385621 Fri, 27 Mar 2009 01:54:45 +0000 /en/paris/le-plateau /en/madrid/el-peque%C3%B1o-bazaar I found this place by accident, after staring at nearby Oliphant's window display for far too long. El peque is the little sister of the SCOOTER and BAZAAR shops, stocking many Frenchy chic labels at significantly discounted prices. Sometimes the merchandise destined for the regular shops arrives late, and so, is sold directly in El peque. The stock tends to rotate every few weeks, so off-the-chart fashion fiends tend to check more than often. I try to come by every once in a while, and always, ALWAYS come away with something, like a great Vanessa Bruno belt or checkered Isabel Marant Etoile button-up top. Virginia, the salesgirl, is helpful but non-intrusive. As always: try before you buy, because there are no returns, but why would that happen, anyway? alonso_martínez chic french_labels outlet stock style 40.425484 -3.695411 Fri, 27 Feb 2009 02:28:01 +0000 /en/madrid/el-peque%C3%B1o-bazaar /en/bilbao/joker abando comics 43.2594811 -2.9311383 Tue, 24 Feb 2009 01:39:51 +0000 /en/bilbao/joker /en/bilbao/anti-liburudenda art design ibaiondo la_vieja 43.3083609 -2.9965928 Tue, 24 Feb 2009 01:33:24 +0000 /en/bilbao/anti-liburudenda /en/madrid/olivia-te-cuida salesas 40.4258069 -3.6958447 Tue, 24 Feb 2009 01:21:07 +0000 /en/madrid/olivia-te-cuida /en/madrid/mamblona artisan chueca design gifts unique 40.4243733 -3.6968222 Tue, 24 Feb 2009 01:15:14 +0000 /en/madrid/mamblona /en/washington-district-of-columbia/yes-organic-market-connecticut-ave-nw If you can't find it at the bigger Whole Foods, chances are that it's here--or it was. I say that because merchandise rotates often, so if you're into a certain brand of, say, chips, or, vegan pesto, you better stock up because you don't know when they'll be back. Products are also a tad overpriced, but what did you expect? It's a small health-food shop; at least you kind of know to whom your money is going. cleveland_park gluten_free groceries 38.934754 -77.057826 Tue, 24 Feb 2009 01:01:34 +0000 /en/washington-district-of-columbia/yes-organic-market-connecticut-ave-nw /en/washington-district-of-columbia/city-lights-of-china The first time I ever tasted their ma po tofu, I thought two things: my tongue is going to burn off, and then, give me more (supplemented by extra bowls of steamed white rice, of course)! Although the pricing is not super friendly to the student budget, I made it a point to stop by at least once a week to take in if not this very spicy concoction, then the equally tasty kung pao tofu with peanuts or eggplant in garlic sauce. Such is my love for this place! The staff are incredibly warm and welcoming, and didn't mind me ordering practically the same meal each time I visited for lunch. chinese dupont_circle nonpretentious 38.913474 -77.045294 Tue, 24 Feb 2009 00:54:48 +0000 /en/washington-district-of-columbia/city-lights-of-china /en/washington-district-of-columbia/hello-cupcake cupcakes dupont_circle 38.908513 -77.0426071 Tue, 24 Feb 2009 00:39:47 +0000 /en/washington-district-of-columbia/hello-cupcake /en/madrid/la-buena-vida "A bookstore...and more," so the site says. I first popped by to check out Acuarela Records' 15th anniversary party, and was pleasantly surprised by the intimate setting. Upon entering you first notice the register/cafe area in the middle, surrounded by shelves of fiction, design/art, poetry and autobiography. La Buena Vida also sells the odd CD and DVD selected, I'm sure, by personal preference, so you really get the feeling of love put into the entire endeavor. Perhaps if I were ever to open up a shop, it would be quite similar to this one. cafe cozy intimate opera relax shows 40.417351 -3.711254 Sun, 22 Feb 2009 17:12:56 +0000 /en/madrid/la-buena-vida /en/madrid/cosmen-and-keiless When I saw that the entire Hespen & Suarez chain had shut down, I was dismayed, especially because it was my only source for bagels. My spirits were nevertheless lifted just by one glance at Cosmen & Keiless' window display of succulent pastries; little did I know that this was the rebirth of the H&S firm. To tell you the truth, I have yet to try their bread, but I can definitely vouch for the cheesecake brownies--yes, that's right--a dangerously sweet concoction that took me one day to fully comprehend and savor. C&K's creations will definitely give Entremigas a run for its money. bread coffee pastries salesas 40.423911 -3.6946659 Sun, 22 Feb 2009 17:08:01 +0000 /en/madrid/cosmen-and-keiless /en/madrid/hespen-and-su%C3%A1rez CLOSED american_staples bagels delicacies food gourmet peanut_butter tribunal 40.427088 -3.699034 Sun, 22 Feb 2009 17:01:54 +0000 /en/madrid/hespen-and-su%C3%A1rez /en/berlin/yoyo-foodworld Yes, I agree that the fare of this "80% vegan" place is quite similar to that of Yellow Sunshine, with burgers, salads, and those pretty darn good fries. I'm really only giving it three stars because they messed up my order (I wanted a seitan cheeseburger instead of regular veggie one), but I'd probably come back, anyway. On Sundays, you can walk off your meal browsing in the nearby fleamarket on Boxhagener Platz. friedrichshain vegan vegetarian 52.509602 13.46029 Mon, 16 Feb 2009 23:41:17 +0000 /en/berlin/yoyo-foodworld /en/berlin/blumencaf%C3%A9 Over a roll and a big bowl of hot chocolate, I tried to read but instead missed my friends. I thought of one, in particular, and wished she could share the moment with me, the two of us reading and enjoying each other's company. Those were the feelings invoked in me during breakfast in this oasis of serenity (not including the parrots, of course!), but given that I was there quite early, in the dead of winter, makes me doubt that the Blumencafé is anything if not popular--it's on the main drag in Prenzlberg, of course, and only a jaunt up from Kastanienallee. The service was very relaxed and uninstrusive, and when I left, the cute girl offered me a flower from the shop next door. Nice touch! breakfast flowershop light_meals nonsmoking prenzlauerberg 52.5466008 13.4129445 Thu, 12 Feb 2009 12:56:40 +0000 /en/berlin/blumencaf%C3%A9 /en/berlin/dolores According to the website, press have billed Dolores as Berlin's best burrito joint. This is probably true, but if you're used to the Mission or any other place where Mexican eateries abound, then you might be slightly disappointed. In any case, those hankering after something homey but thankfully, un-Chipotle-y, can find respite at this Mitte stop, where you can use a five-step process to customize your order or get one of their readymade "Express" choices, two of which are vegan. I opted for the deluxe "Dolores Vegan," with the novelty (to me) of lime tofu mixed with veggies, beans, rice, and guac. At under 6,-EUR, pretty filling stuff, though I enjoyed mine in the brisk winter air, as lunchtime was expectedy crowded. burritos mitte vegan vegetarian 52.523879 13.409522 Thu, 12 Feb 2009 12:48:14 +0000 /en/berlin/dolores /en/berlin/camper-shoes Ditto the previous review. Camper, shoes made for walking. I'm not super into brand loyalty, but this is one company I always follow and try to save up for every season. Love it so much that I have three 'Spiral' model shoes...super comfy! Even better during sales. mitte shoes spanish 52.524696 13.403579 Thu, 12 Feb 2009 12:36:28 +0000 /en/berlin/camper-shoes /en/berlin/yellow-sunshine I was feeling super hungry, so I splurged and paid a little over 10,-EUR for a combination Pepperman burger, a small salad, a mango lassi, and--agreeing with Werner--a heap of some pretty damn good organic fries. Guaranteed to fill you up, or at least it did me, because that's all I had for the entire day; I was so full! You can definitely eat for a lot less at this cheery orange veggie joint, with the hefty burgers not costing more than 5,-EUR and various appetizers less. Points for the numerous vegan options, including gyro plates and seitan currywurst. fast_food kreuzberg organic vegan vegetarian 52.4976997375 13.4312000275 Thu, 12 Feb 2009 12:32:58 +0000 /en/berlin/yellow-sunshine /en/berlin/salon-sucr%C3%A9 Cons first: For those who prefer a nice and easy trip, Salon Sucré is sort of a pain to get to. Additionally, the tiny pastry shop (about four tables) is only open from Thursdays to Sundays, 10am-6pm, and the goods cost slightly more than your corner store. If, however, you're feeling indulgent and don't mind hoofing it on foot or by bike, your efforts will be rewarded. The website's photographs of tantalizing éclairs and tarts don't do them justice; you'll have to taste the creations to believe them. The almond croissant (3.10) is probably the best I've had EVER, with seemingly just the right amount of almonds and perfect flakiness. Paired with a café au lait, this makes for one of my favorite breakfasts. Eric Muller's partner, Katia Barcellos, runs the adjacent salon, if you should need that, too. breakfast french kreuzberg pastries 52.4951737 13.4448207 Thu, 12 Feb 2009 12:23:50 +0000 /en/berlin/salon-sucr%C3%A9 /en/berlin/filipino-restaurant charlottenburg filipino 52.5166211 13.3065234 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:33:59 +0000 /en/berlin/filipino-restaurant /en/berlin/kaffeeladen friedrichshain snacks 52.5115829 13.4569722 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:25:03 +0000 /en/berlin/kaffeeladen /en/berlin/fritiersalon afternoons burgers friedrichshain fries vegetarian wurst 52.5125468 13.4591758 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:14:04 +0000 /en/berlin/fritiersalon /en/berlin/zw%C3%B6lf-uhr-mittags light_meals lunch snacks tiergarten 52.5224023 13.3487072 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:11:02 +0000 /en/berlin/zw%C3%B6lf-uhr-mittags /en/berlin/morning-glory chill prenzlauerberg tea 52.5363278 13.407307 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:05:01 +0000 /en/berlin/morning-glory /en/berlin/fettnapf fries greasy prenzlauerberg 52.5358539 13.419961 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:01:00 +0000 /en/berlin/fettnapf /en/berlin/cuccuma breakfast kreuzberg light_meals 52.4907899 13.3942237 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 15:58:51 +0000 /en/berlin/cuccuma /en/berlin/eve-and-adams budget mitte organic salad smoothies take_away 52.5253983 13.4106948 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 06:14:36 +0000 /en/berlin/eve-and-adams /en/berlin/east-of-eden friedrichshain philosophy theory used 52.5174633 13.4647208 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 06:07:32 +0000 /en/berlin/east-of-eden /en/berlin/fleischm%C3%B6bel prenzlauerberg retro 52.53815 13.41082 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 06:02:51 +0000 /en/berlin/fleischm%C3%B6bel /en/berlin/focaccia-king pizza prenzlauerberg 52.5404283 13.4166892 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 05:56:16 +0000 /en/berlin/focaccia-king /en/berlin/st-georges-bookshop english prenzlauerberg used 52.5359592 13.4208593 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 05:46:28 +0000 /en/berlin/st-georges-bookshop /en/berlin/boreas kreuzberg light_meals wifi 52.5002633 13.4385143 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 05:38:49 +0000 /en/berlin/boreas /en/berlin/cafe-mir brunch kreuzberg wifi 52.4980674 13.4361325 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 05:36:03 +0000 /en/berlin/cafe-mir /en/berlin/early-bird italian kreuzberg 52.4991907 13.4402468 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 05:33:18 +0000 /en/berlin/early-bird /en/berlin/mano kreuzberg open_mic 52.4992372 13.4307971 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 05:29:49 +0000 /en/berlin/mano /en/bergen/barista-kaffebar Not quite as charming as the Little Coffee Co., but nonetheless retains that cozy, nonpretentious neighborhood coffeeshop feel. If I lived in Bergen, I'd probably frequent this place just for the carrot cake and hot chocolate and if I had kids or a dog, I'm sure they'd feel just as welcome. byparken cozy 60.3911 5.32472 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 05:20:21 +0000 /en/bergen/barista-kaffebar /en/bergen/det-lille-kaffekompaniet Only slightly off the beaten track from the main sites of Bergen, the Little Coffee Company is indeed just that: a quaint wooden idyll of a coffeeshop with about 20 seats, located near the Fløibanen. The "eplemost," apple juice with cinnamon and whipped cream, is most exquisite, and made me want to tear off my reindeer-patterned sweater when I imbibed it in all its glory. During the summer, I like to go sit outside to enjoy excellent iced coffee, and watch other customers pour in. bergenhus cozy fair_trade 60.3963703 5.3289754 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 04:53:40 +0000 /en/bergen/det-lille-kaffekompaniet /en/berlin/b_books kreuzberg philosophy politics 52.4996777 13.4377194 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 04:26:33 +0000 /en/berlin/b_books /en/berlin/zadig french mitte 52.5266271 13.3897685 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 04:24:31 +0000 /en/berlin/zadig /en/berlin/berliner-t%C3%B6chter friedrichshain housewares 52.5029523 13.4543791 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 04:22:19 +0000 /en/berlin/berliner-t%C3%B6chter /en/berlin/filmgalerie-451 mitte movies 52.5271836 13.3872601 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 04:17:50 +0000 /en/berlin/filmgalerie-451 /en/berlin/access fashion hungarian mitte 52.5270906 13.3972135 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 04:15:08 +0000 /en/berlin/access /en/berlin/do-you-read-me magazines mitte 52.5272991 13.3983489 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 04:12:47 +0000 /en/berlin/do-you-read-me /en/berlin/a-p-c A.P.C. = French Gap. Basic clothes and basic colors, with the occasional pop of color like chartreuse or raspberry. As in a lot of shops in Berlin--and Mitte, specifically--you'll feel more like you're in a gallery, with the raw wall of denim as sartorial art. Proof of exclusivity will be especially apparent at the register. french mitte 52.5272566 13.4064735 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 04:10:49 +0000 /en/berlin/a-p-c /en/berlin/bagel-company Why only three stars? Because I'm sure there are better places to get bagels. HOWEVER, I AM a creature of habit, so Bagel Co. (formerly Bagel Station, an offshoot of the chain in Vienna), has since become my go-to place for my favorite breakfast item. The staff are used to visitors and so don't think anything of hungry non-German-speaking bagel fanatics such as myself. bagels breakfast coffee light_meals mitte 52.5255012512 13.4035997391 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 04:05:55 +0000 /en/berlin/bagel-company /en/berlin/made-in-berlin You'll need a ton of patience to shop at this very popular two-story branch, whose careful selection of vintage clothing seems to have been scoured from the trendier flea markets like Arkonaplatz. Prices, on the average, seem to be moderate; I've come away with a few dresses for about 10-12 EUR each, and I find that fair considering that the staffers have already picked through the things for me. Try to go on a Tuesday between noon and 3pm, and get 20% off your purchase. mitte preloved secondhand vintage 52.5247912 13.4056965 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 03:58:47 +0000 /en/berlin/made-in-berlin /en/berlin/il-syndicato cheap_espresso light_meals mitte 52.5307546 13.4021023 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 04:41:57 +0000 /en/berlin/il-syndicato /en/berlin/beckers-fritten condiments fries mitte 52.5256425 13.3901559 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 04:37:33 +0000 /en/berlin/beckers-fritten /en/berlin/tandur-lasan budget flatbread kreuzberg snacks 52.4944159 13.4211205 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 04:36:11 +0000 /en/berlin/tandur-lasan /en/berlin/knofi bakery kreuzberg mediterranean take_away 52.4895718 13.3905794 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 04:32:57 +0000 /en/berlin/knofi /en/berlin/maroush budget kreuzberg lebanese vegetarian 52.5007589 13.4189034 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 04:30:30 +0000 /en/berlin/maroush /en/berlin/la-l%C3%BAcuma arkonaplatz empanadas mate mitte 52.5369628 13.4027911 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 04:25:50 +0000 /en/berlin/la-l%C3%BAcuma /en/berlin/tres-cabezas friedrichshain 52.5076339 13.4676371 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 04:22:35 +0000 /en/berlin/tres-cabezas /en/berlin/yum-mee bánh_mi mitte subs vietnamese 52.5121204 13.3895971 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 04:06:40 +0000 /en/berlin/yum-mee /en/berlin/marcanns breakfast french mitte pastries quiche salad 52.5305984 13.3833347 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 04:03:43 +0000 /en/berlin/marcanns /en/berlin/einhorn-2 buffet charlottenburg vegetarian 52.502855 13.321131 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 03:46:16 +0000 /en/berlin/einhorn-2 /en/berlin/beumer-and-lutum kreuzberg organic salad vegetarian 52.4970868 13.4433412 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 03:44:00 +0000 /en/berlin/beumer-and-lutum /en/berlin/soylent-cafe-club boxhagener_platz friedrichshain retro sandwiches tea 52.5098932 13.4580959 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 03:39:02 +0000 /en/berlin/soylent-cafe-club /en/berlin/double-eye budget cheap_espresso schöneberg 52.5187258 13.2720405 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 03:26:25 +0000 /en/berlin/double-eye /en/berlin/luxus-international Kastanienallee, one of the trendier streets in the very trendy Prenzlauerberg neighborhood, hosts a whole strip of one-off shops elbowing one another to cater to the artistically-incline's ever imposing consumerism. Luxus calls your attention with its postcard towers and storefront sale backets; the shop itself seems to overflow with the creative energy so emblematic of Europe's "hottest city," and provides a space for local artists who as of yet can't afford to open up their own. Favorites include breakfast trays by Berliner Toechter and shirts by Volksmarke, but you can also get a keyboard ring or a candle shaped like the TV Tower. Kitsch, you say? Yeah, but you'll score a point or two just because it's from Berlin. community creative diy prenzlauerberg shopping 52.5398706 13.4110692 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 03:24:13 +0000 /en/berlin/luxus-international /en/berlin/dodoos-palatschinken-bar budget crepes nonpretentious pancakes prenzlauerberg 52.5377956 13.4120895 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 03:05:12 +0000 /en/berlin/dodoos-palatschinken-bar /en/berlin/spielwiese friedrichshain games nonpretentious 52.5103492 13.4539169 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 03:00:19 +0000 /en/berlin/spielwiese /en/berlin/la-parisienne dessert prenzlauerberg 52.5343958 13.4255807 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 02:58:33 +0000 /en/berlin/la-parisienne /en/denver-colorado/red-trolley Good grief! The quest for artisan ice cream continues. My mind has been thoroughly blown by this quaint little spot--or rather, boutique, akin to Madrid's Bajo Cero--fortuitously located right across from Patzcuaro, my favorite Mexican restaurant. Red Trolley has developed quite creative flavors (banana bread, for instance), but so far as I can heartily vouch for pistachio and passionfruit. In my numerous visits since its recent opening, I have never once consumed a stale-tasting cone nor have I paid extra. The only choice to make: chocolate or vanilla. Classy! Edit: The waffle cone now comes at an extra dollar. highlands ice_cream 39.762001 -105.019957 Tue, 13 Jan 2009 16:20:20 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/red-trolley /en/los-angeles-california/profeta The light streams in from the quaint courtyard, other patrons' conversations are drowned out, and the savory smells of fresh brewed Vivace coffee waft around your head and caress your senses. Charm, to say the least, is what's on offer at Profeta, only one block behind all the hubbub of Westwood Blvd. The best time to enjoy a White Velvet (slightly like hot cocoa) or a Nico (a breve with candied orange syrup and zest) is in the morning, preferably with a brioche or a scone from Buttercake Bakery. Only con is the place is only open until 6PM. great_coffee quaint ucla westwood 34.06026 -118.444229 Tue, 13 Jan 2009 16:11:42 +0000 /en/los-angeles-california/profeta /en/madrid/la-central Definitely in competition with Panta Rhei as my favorite Madrid bookshop. Along with museum souvenirs and design goodies, La Central also offers tomes that run the gamut of the humanities. The smaller bookshop at the Santa Isabel entrance is better for Reina Sofia merch, while the main one at Ronda de Atocha offers three floors of a bibliophile's dream. Check their calendar for free events. art atocha books comics design 40.4073835 -3.6942622 Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:57:22 +0000 /en/madrid/la-central /en/los-angeles-california/amoeba Ok! My mind has been thoroughly blown by this musical behemoth! Thought I stumped the thing but apparently just looked in the wrong section. While their prices aren't as "amazingly low" as advertised (c'mon, $11 for a USED CD? Perhaps I'll try my hand at vinyl), I'd keep coming back to this for my aural needs, because the staff with whom my friends and I interacted were actually quite helpful and not snobby at all. Instantly smitten, I almost blew a wad on some choice box sets...the only shop from whom I'd consider buying promo merch. hollywood music shows 34.097593 -118.329047 Tue, 13 Jan 2009 03:17:09 +0000 /en/los-angeles-california/amoeba /en/los-angeles-california/pinches-tacos As immature as it'll sound, I'll admit it: we stopped off at this place after driving by because of the name. Where else can you order (somewhat without shame) these kind of tacos? I suppose if you have never been to Mexico (like me), you'd imagine this to be representative of some roadside taqueria, with appropriate Mexicanalia like sombreros, floral tablecloths and papel picado blowing in that Southern California breeze. I had two veggie tacos at $2.95 each, which seemed rather ghastly to me, but who knows? It is LA and we were on the Sunset Strip. I like to support family-run efforts like anyone, but I guess I just like my taco places less put together. I'll probably go back, though, to try the Oaxacan cheese burrito and the cactus. burritos cactus enchiladas mexican tacos west_hollywood 34.0979937 -118.3674888 Tue, 13 Jan 2009 03:10:20 +0000 /en/los-angeles-california/pinches-tacos /en/los-angeles-california/jollibee Jollibee is here mainly because I use to frequent various Metro Manila branches as a child. It's like a Filipino version of McDonald's; as such, it's not so vegetarian--let alone, vegan--friendly. I had the Palabok Fiesta, a traditional noodle dish, but without all the meat, shrimp, and eggs, it wasn't much of fiesta at all. Friends ordered the Yumburger and the Chicken Joy, the former tasting somewhat undercooked according to the friend who ate it. Both concurred, however, on the tastiness of the Halo-Halo, with its two scoops of mango and purple yam ice cream, beans, jackfruit, coconut, milk, and shaved ice. Still, our meals were way overpriced. Given the sheer number of Filipinos in the LA area alone, I'm sure that there are better and more affordable options around (including the recommended Manila Good Ha in the complex right before 3rd & S Vermont). fast_food filipino mid_wilshire 34.076585 -118.292594 Tue, 13 Jan 2009 02:59:52 +0000 /en/los-angeles-california/jollibee /en/los-angeles-california/atlacatl pupusas pupuseria salvadoran 34.07651 -118.294728 Tue, 13 Jan 2009 02:52:12 +0000 /en/los-angeles-california/atlacatl /en/los-angeles-california/meltdown Comic/graphic novel/design enthusiasts would be hard-pressed to miss this store, along the less-polished end of Sunset Blvd, and across the street from Toi. A veritable warehouse of creativity, stocking titles from more familiar works like Tintin and Spiderman, indie faves like Drawn and Quarterly, and lots too, for anime and manga fans. Need a figurine for your mantel? I'm sure Meltdown's got it. Just ask the relaxed staff. art bd comics design hollywood 34.0980279 -118.3537138 Tue, 13 Jan 2009 02:49:16 +0000 /en/los-angeles-california/meltdown /en/los-angeles-california/family A nice addition to the growing Fairfax strip, Family offers a range of books, zines, comics, and even DVDs for the indie literati. It's hard to resist leafing through or going away with the Zadie Smith-edited volume or Michel Gondry's new offering. Check out the shows, too, that add to that real cozy community feeling. art books design fairfax zines 34.0792492 -118.3614415 Tue, 13 Jan 2009 02:45:16 +0000 /en/los-angeles-california/family /en/los-angeles-california/turntable-lab Super friendly and knowledgeable dudes run this laidback but pristine record shop in Fairfax across the way from Canter's. Anything for the DJ, including classic dance/house vinyl, sweet WeSC headphones, turntables, needles, art and design books. Not exactly budget friendly, but will be worth the investment if you're as serious about your stuff as these guys are. dj equipment fairfax music records 34.078792 -118.361166 Tue, 13 Jan 2009 02:42:22 +0000 /en/los-angeles-california/turntable-lab /en/los-angeles-california/book-soup sunset_strip west_hollywood 34.090649 -118.383706 Thu, 08 Jan 2009 05:57:22 +0000 /en/los-angeles-california/book-soup /en/denver-colorado/spice-boys-of-the-rockies A nice little Golden Triangle stop with a general store feel. You almost step into a time warp and forget the neighboring tower blocks, as your olfactory senses are awakened by lavender, cayenne, and...Rocky Mountain Heat, a mix of wasabi and jalapeño. The pace here is slow and helpful, and the usually lone salesperson will go to great lengths to assist you in whatever you may need. Sweet finds for your foodie friend or the foodie in you. chocolate cozy friendly golden_triangle shopping spices tea 39.7338981628 -104.9919967651 Sat, 06 Dec 2008 02:32:04 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/spice-boys-of-the-rockies /en/denver-colorado/tattered-cover-e-colfax-ave I'm more partial towards the LoDo branch, but the renovated Lowenstein theater has a charm all its own. Nice foreign language section and cafe, and the fact that it's all mere steps from Twist & Shout is an added plus. bookstore cozy east_colfax wifi 39.7402000427 -104.9570007324 Sat, 06 Dec 2008 02:22:53 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/tattered-cover-e-colfax-ave /en/barcelona/petra born ciutat_vella 41.3838903 2.1818116 Sat, 06 Dec 2008 02:17:23 +0000 /en/barcelona/petra /en/boulder-colorado/leaf-vegetarian-restaurant Yay, the restaurant equivalent of my beloved Anjou! I've only been once so far, but my experience was so rewarding that the Leaf deserves all the stars I'm giving it and more, probably. The server was friendly but not intrusive, the hibiscus cooler ($3) was the exact remedy I needed for a sweltering day, and the Mediterranean Plate ($7), while on the smallish side for a hungry mouse like me, was so delish that I even ate the olives, which I usually can't tolerate. I've heard lots of good things about their salads, especially the seaweed version, so I'll be sure to try that out next time. What's really cool, too, is that the Leaf hosts happy hour from 3-6pm every night which means not only half-priced drinks but half-price on selected menu items. If only I had shown up during this interval, then I would've just stuffed myself silly. casual happy_hour pearl_st vegan vegetarian zen 40.019094 -105.274773 Tue, 25 Nov 2008 23:27:36 +0000 /en/boulder-colorado/leaf-vegetarian-restaurant /en/lyon/ch%C3%A8res-cousines American goods with that french touche--yeah, that's right, I added an extra 'e.' Surely, I can get bagels at Best or City Bagels, but I like hanging out with my dear cousins a little bit more because they're very nice, and always have the time to have a pleasant chat. 6,-EUR bagel lunch specials will have me coming back for more, along with the carrot cake, the "love cake," the milkshake...I could go on. Note: it's easy to pass by the storefront, so if you can't find it the first time, try again; it's across the street from the blaring orange of Nathan Coffee. You'll be richly rewarded, though go after noon if you don't want to be suffocated by the crowd. american bagels budget coffee cozy pastries tête_d_or 45.7659744 4.8440525 Tue, 25 Nov 2008 06:44:18 +0000 /en/lyon/ch%C3%A8res-cousines /en/lyon/a-point I'm a sucker for views and the one looking across the Presqu'île is a pretty one. Due to its close promixity to the university, A.'s caters mainly to the student budget (around 8,-EUR for a meal) as well as the student schedule, which means no weekend service. During the week, however, the chic cantina really does serve as a center of respite for anyone with--forgive me--a lot on their plate and offers small reductions to that effect. The vegetarian selection is limited: two sandwiches, a salad, and a lasagna-type Armenian dish called soubeurrek filled with feta and parsley. The cucumber-and-beet gazpacho isn't half-bad, and certainly won't leave you complaining at 3,-EUR. Superb teas, too. coffee cozy gerland salads sandwiches student tea vegetarian 45.7520486 4.837159 Tue, 25 Nov 2008 06:20:04 +0000 /en/lyon/a-point /en/paris/saigon-sandwich Neighborhood bobos, students, and otherwise frugal locals are falling all over the (three) bánh mìs (subs) at this tiny Vietnamese sandwich shop. Not bad, I guess, for meat-eaters, but I found myself left wanting after just one sandwich. Then again, I suppose you could invest in a few at only 2,-EUR each, and therein lays it main attraction. 11e budget sandwiches takeout vietnamese 48.8712515 2.3764682 Tue, 25 Nov 2008 05:51:04 +0000 /en/paris/saigon-sandwich /en/paris/caramella Lucky Parisians: they are never in lack of excellent artisanal ice cream shops. Caramella is the new kid on the block, and a great stop-off, if after Rose Bakery across the street, you're craving something even sweeter. Open everyday til 10, so when you're feeling super adventurous, you're free to try the 20 different flavors like tarte tatin (yes, that one), gianduja (hazelnut-like chocolate), mojito, and even peanut butter and jelly! Don't worry if you've made incongruous selections, though; Giovanni will help you obtain the ultimate gelato experience. 9e gelato 48.8800065 2.3402858 Tue, 25 Nov 2008 05:40:33 +0000 /en/paris/caramella /en/paris/rose-bakery Brits missing marmite, chutney, and porridge--look no further! Rose Bakery brings the best of British, er, cuisine and curates it for continental palates, resulting in some of the best brunches to be had on this side of the Channel. The scrambled eggs and asparagus plate was divine, although at over 10,-EUR, makes me wish I had gone for one of the lunch specials, definitely more bang for the dwindling buck. On the sweet side, I heartily recommend the banana pancakes; perhaps you can make this at home, but these are well worth the trip, just the right texture. Also worth your airplane fare is the slab of Poujaran that accompanies your meal, bread I would easily pay an arm and a leg for were it available at the fancier grocers in the US. I haven't yet tried the quiches nor the cakes, but with the looks of everything else, they must also be divine. Best to plan ahead for a trip here, though, as it's quite the popular spot, especially for weekend brunches. 9e bakery brunch casual organic takeout 48.879347 2.33996 Tue, 25 Nov 2008 05:24:42 +0000 /en/paris/rose-bakery /en/basel/namamen Form + function = fantastic food, or so I interpret the ramen-eating woman that serves as Namamen's icon. Stepping into the place makes you feel like you've stepped into a concept shop more than a restaurant as a somber palette of grays, blacks, and whites hovers in the background, gently reminding you what that ultimately matters is your palatal experience. Soups have either a soy or miso base, on top of which you can add noodles, vegetables, and meat. You can also order one of the six combos, but at approximately $10 per bowl, your wallet would probably better off with a half portion starting at $4. This is what I did, adding leeks and spinach for an additional buck each. Soups not your thing? There are also other nikkei staples like sushi and edamame and my favorite, green tea ice cream! Deceptively simple, yes, but ever so pleasing to the eye and to the stomach. casual grossbasel japanese noodles ramen steinenberg 47.5536434 7.5918005 Mon, 24 Nov 2008 08:00:02 +0000 /en/basel/namamen /en/basel/zum-roten-engel What can I say? It has that boho college vibe. I've seen a lot of headbands and blazers in this place. Nothing wrong with that, and if you're into that sort of thing, there are sometimes worthwhile opportunities for avoiding eye contact. What you're really after is a steaming cup of coffee and besides the perpetually smoke-filled interior, that is what the Red Angel specializes in. On warm, summer days, though, the terrace is quite inviting. Too bad the 30 other patrons are thinking the same thing. andreasplatz cakes casual coffee grossbasel students 47.5582822 7.5863531 Mon, 24 Nov 2008 07:42:52 +0000 /en/basel/zum-roten-engel /en/basel/del-mundo This stylish little coffeeshop behind the train station is probably one of those places you'd see listed in Time Out or Paper Mag. Surely, Del Mundo would be an integral part of my Saturday morning if I lived in Basel. I was lucky enough to partake in their Saturday brunches (check the website for future dates) and gorge on top-notch croissants, baked to flaky perfection that would give any French cousin a run for its money. I'm not normally a cereal fan, but I even tried the müesli, because I was THAT entranced. In the event that I do relocate to Basel, I would strive to make friends ASAP so that we can have weekly commiserations here. grossbasel tranquil 47.5443009 7.5902727 Mon, 24 Nov 2008 07:29:49 +0000 /en/basel/del-mundo /en/basel/tibits Tibits follows the trend of sophisticated fast food--chic decor (clean lines, subtle pops of green and turquoise), healthy cuisine, and bang your buck. Much like County Life or Viva la Vida, you grab as you like and pay by weight, where eating in-house versus taking away will cost you slightly more (per 100g). I twice made the mistake of going to lunch there, but fortunately, I was able to take my drinks (mango lassi the first time, rooibos iced tea the second) and sandwiches out to the bustling Barfüsserplatz. A third visit was made on the second day, in the afternoon, where I downed two mochas, perfectly frothed to my delight (soy milk available). All in all, a wonderful, self-service experience and merits multiple stops while in town. barfüsserplatz casual grossbasel light_meals salads sandwiches soups takeaway vegetarian 47.5526218 7.5889147 Mon, 24 Nov 2008 07:15:05 +0000 /en/basel/tibits /en/basel/kult-kino In every city I visit, I always make it a point to pop by one of the local cinemas. I figure, hey, I'm on vacation--technically, it's a time when I can relax and do "nothing." What I love about cinema houses like Kult Kino is that along with new features, they screen titles to which community cinephiles might not otherwise have access, through initiatves like "Midday Kino," among others. Kult Kino itself is particularly child-friendly, offering younger patrons a movie club ("The Magic Lantern") which screens age-appropriate films on a monthly basis...without parents! Clearly, a cinémathèque that expands upon the notion of critical cinephilia at any age is a wonderful asset of the Swiss culture capital. arthouse claraplatz kleinbasel 47.5630062 7.5982453 Mon, 24 Nov 2008 06:51:05 +0000 /en/basel/kult-kino /en/basel/hirscheneck A wayyyy left-of-center place that reminds me of my own short-lived attempt at a punk rock adolescence. It's just like my room in the 8th grade, except for the added history, the bar, and the collective cooking. The roasted potato wedges were like a dream come true, though I didn't care much for the Tex-Mex offerings. Then again, you ARE in Switzerland, and beggars can't be choosers. Not exactly the most intimate of spaces, but certainly convivial, with basement concerts to boot. community diy kleinbasel organic punk vegan vegetarian 47.5590081 7.5952305 Mon, 24 Nov 2008 06:23:03 +0000 /en/basel/hirscheneck /en/lyon/messob Let me be quite frank here and admit that I'm no expert on Ethiopian cuisine. I've only eaten at two--Meskerem and Zed's, both in DC--so those previous experiences will be my guide in reviewing their Lyonnais counterpart. I'm also totally ignorant of the Ethiopian population in Lyon itself, though I figure it must be substantial to warrant a public celebration of their national food. That said, friends and I ordered a large platter and for about 15,-EUR, contented our stomachs with injera with vegetarian messabi: samplings of lentils, carrots, and spinach. The service was welcoming, the atmosphere relaxed, but if you yourself are a connoisseur, it's probably best to hold out unless you're wanting a "different" experience or you're really craving alicha watt and honey wine. casual ethiopian friendly groups masséna nonpretentious 45.7676282 4.8545407 Mon, 24 Nov 2008 05:10:04 +0000 /en/lyon/messob /en/lyon/planbio-soup-and-smoothie I'm happy to see the fast healthy food phenomenon slowly taking over France, and moreso that smoothies are conquering non-Parisians as well! It's probably a completely false sensation, but I always seem to feel healthier once I come in close proximity to establishments such as these. Three different soups daily--nettle soup is a favorite--and excellent sandwiches on whole wheat bread. Oh yeah, smoothies, too, like mango/orange/lemon/ginger "Mix" at 4,50/5,50-EUR, and even milkshakes (I'm not sure about the avocado one, though). Planbio also offers a variety of lunch combos, depending on your needs, and cute little terrasse where your can sip your Saturday morning away. part-dieu salads sandwiches smoothies vegetarian 45.7571 4.849561 Mon, 24 Nov 2008 04:44:47 +0000 /en/lyon/planbio-soup-and-smoothie /en/lyon/harmonie Harmony, harmony...so many veggie-friendly businesses are named after this concept, and I suppose this means that veggie products co-exist "in harmony" with ones that contain meat. Who knows? This is more a health food shop than anything else, with the dining area tucked away in the back. At 8,-EUR, the lunch special (from noon to 2pm) is supremely filling, so unless you're really hungry or are sharing, I'd recommend just one of the sandwiches at 3,50 and a cup of tea. Plus: the owner, Manon, is quite nice and informs of you of the provenance of selected products. budger gerland groceries organic vegetarian 45.7474223 4.8383578 Mon, 24 Nov 2008 04:25:10 +0000 /en/lyon/harmonie /en/lyon/bd-fugue-caf%C3%A9 Even if you claim to not be interested whatsoever "the ninth art," your eye will at least be drawn to the storefront, featuring icons from the likes of Hergé and Quino alongside more contemporary talents like Joann Sfar and Julie Doucet. You might convert--and lose your mind--as soon as you step inside, astounded by the sheer selection of titles and assorted memorabilia. Mull over potential purchases (Rutu Modan? Argentine comic history? limited edition Tintin print?) upstairs over a cup of coffee, which can be free upon registration for a loyalty card. Only minor con: the service can sometimes be slow, but at least it's always with a smile. bd bellecour café comics nonpretentious 45.7595873 4.8350417 Mon, 24 Nov 2008 04:06:54 +0000 /en/lyon/bd-fugue-caf%C3%A9 /en/denver-colorado/buenos-aires-pizzeria BA is a family-owned place that started a few years ago as a take-away joint. They have since grown from popularity and opened up a restaurant next door, and the fancier Grill just down the street. I love coming in the take-away shop/café and munching on their very filling empanadas ($1.75) each. My favorites are the spinach and cheese, while meat-eating friends have enjoyed the chicken margarita and spicy beef. You have 30+ types of pizza to choose from, either tomato or olive-oil based, all very creative. Try the Humita (corn, onion, bechamel), Belgrano (blue cheese, hearts of palm), or if you're feeling literary, the Borges (spinach, tomato, bechamel)! Their gelato is also very wonderful, with three types of dulce de leche, and the fruit mixes are A-mazing! I love this place so much I could live off of just the bread and chimichurri spread they serve dine-in patrons. To top it all off, the service is quite friendly and enthusiastic, happy to answer any questions you may have. ballpark nonpretentious restaurant 39.7550010681 -104.9899978638 Mon, 24 Nov 2008 03:07:47 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/buenos-aires-pizzeria /en/denver-colorado/z-cuisine If I had a time for every time a customer mispronounced some of the items on the menu...but no matter! It's the kind of place Francophiles who've never been to France--and some who have--simply fawn over, describing it as "lovely," "charming." and variations thereof. It's THAT popular, so be prepared for a wait at either the bistro and recently-opened wine bar, À Côté. Both menus (using organic ingredients) change daily but if you're at all familiar with traditional French cuisine, you'll be aware that it's not exactly vegetarian-/vegan-friendly. You might be relegated to the crêpes (wonderful) and soups, though for our omnivore friends, I've heard good things about the house meat plate. As mentioned, the place is usually packed, but the service is always warm and friendly, and that's perhaps the no. 1 reason why worldly Denver-ites clamor for more. bistro cozy crêpes french highland restaurant 39.759601593 -105.013999939 Sat, 22 Nov 2008 21:18:39 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/z-cuisine /en/madrid/zadig-and-voltaire My love-hate relationship with fashion is perhaps best exemplified by this bastion of "French rebellious chic." The fabrics are always super soft (check the cashmere), the colors pretty (violets, pinks, turquoises), but the sizes are always super small and the designs questionable, unless skulls and crossbones set in rhinestones are your thing. chic french recoletos 40.422492 -3.694174 Sat, 22 Nov 2008 20:11:04 +0000 /en/madrid/zadig-and-voltaire /en/denver-colorado/moka-caff%C3%A8 A five-star rating is obviously good for a first impression. After seeing that DJ's Berkeley Cafe was crammed, my friend and I wandered down the street and popped into this cute retro place, one of the many fine independent businesses on Tennyson Street. We received a very warm welcome from the barista, who prepared our order while we withdrew money from a nearby ATM, since they don't (yet?) accept cards. She also waited for us to select our seating in their retro-fitted dining room, filled with midcentury lighting and furniture, before serving us our drinks and pastries (try the orange pineapple muffin!). As the place was empty, we felt free to linger and relax; the server popped by once or twice to check if things were to our satisfaction, and indeed, they were! So, if you're a fan of wonderful service, a relaxed atmosphere, tasty baked goods AND design, this is the place for you. I sure know where I'll be every Saturday morning. 50s 60s friendly organic retro vegan 39.7718892 -105.0440037 Sat, 22 Nov 2008 19:55:38 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/moka-caff%C3%A8 /en/denver-colorado/tattered-cover There is no lovelier, more welcoming store in the whole of the 16th St Mall, nor in the whole of Colorado for that matter, than this LoDo branch of the TC triumvirate. Since the Cherry Creek closing and relocation to East Colfax, the LoDo branch is now the oldest, installing itself in the beautiful Morey Mercantile warehouse in 1994. Exposed interior framing and cozy, antique furnishings lend a rustic touch to your exploration of two floors of books, so like a Borgesian paradise, that you might find yourself hard-pressed to leave. All TC branches offer literary events, from readings (kids' storytimes are especially popular), signings, and community discussions, as well as coffeeshops and newsstands (non-English press included). books bookstore cozy lodo wifi 39.7416000366 -104.9680023193 Thu, 13 Nov 2008 03:42:56 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/tattered-cover /en/denver-colorado/sunflower-farmers-market Finally; a somewhat affordable health food store in my neck of the woods! Yes, I find their motto, "serious food...silly prices," only partially true, so I usually get stuff here that I can't find anywhere else, like two packs for $1 of Brazilian cookies I've never heard of, or 69-cent Brown Cow yogurt. I'm sure shoppers appreciate the free coffee--served in Dixie cups, of course, but no one seems to stop you for multiple refills. They also take off a nickel for every shopping bag you reuse, so remember to bring your own! groceries neighborhood organic 39.7694015503 -105.0469970703 Thu, 13 Nov 2008 03:03:51 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/sunflower-farmers-market /en/denver-colorado/stellas It seems as though everyone, their dog, and their dogs' ticks rave about this deceptively diminutive caffeine den on South Pearl. A great gathering place that serves Pablo's coffee and offers innumerable nooks and crannies for working (DU is close by), chatting, or just lounging with your canine friend. The service can vary widely, from the quirky to the laidback to the super-friendly to the downright mean, but of course, this never deters the regulars, whether it's people from the surrounding neighborhood or stressed DU students. I'm giving it three stars only because I don't go often enough, and when I do, it's always packed. Take what you like from that assessment. I'm sure I'd frequent it if I lived closer. cafe cozy electic neighborhood south_pearl wash_park wifi 39.6898002625 -104.9800033569 Thu, 13 Nov 2008 03:00:28 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/stellas /en/berlin/tausche I guess messenger bags are, like, the thing in Berlin, whether it's Freitag, Kultbag, Apfelsina, Leonca, or Pelle Mia. After seeing a girl with the TV Tower on her bag, I wondered where I could get one. A chance turn led me to Helmholzplatz and straight to Tausche itself, where it not only led me to the TV Tower bag, but to the whole array of bag sizes and flap designs (two free with your first bag). It's not cheap (a "Tagediebin," "day bag" costs 75,-EUR), but it's a great way to trick people into thinking that you have more than one bag. Just tell yourself that you're supporting artists! There are also branches in Stuttgart and Dublin, I believe. bags creative shopping taschen tauschen 52.5429992676 13.4181003571 Thu, 13 Nov 2008 02:50:10 +0000 /en/berlin/tausche /en/denver-colorado/the-shoppe It's a cupcake/cereal bar; need I say more? One of the friendlier, laidback spaces on East Colfax, brought to you by one-half of the neighboring Fabric Lab. Vegan cupcake lovers need not fret; The Shoppe assures that they will be expanding their three-flavor offering in the near future. You CAN probably purchase your own cereal and enjoy it in a much cheaper fashion, but this is the place to chill out with like-minded folks while browsing their selection of design goods or cheering for your favorite Project Runway contestant. books community cupcakes diy fun 39.740177 -104.9508928 Wed, 12 Nov 2008 02:24:33 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/the-shoppe /en/denver-colorado/the-market I haven't given The Market enough chances, but there's really only one thing I like about the place: sidewalk seating. There are two components to this place, which is the coffeeshop at the entrace, and then the deli, as you move further back. For me, mornings are best with a coffee or a hot chocolate, or for those sickly moments, a steaming cup of Republic of Tea honey ginseng. The baristas are friendly enough. As an undergraduate, I passed this place on the way to and from classes, but given its LoDo Larimer St. (read: SUPER. BOUGIE.) environs, it's not the kind of place I would normally frequent, even though their croissants are oh-so-scrumptious. Plus: outdoor seating, but other than that, I wouldn't go out of my way, even for the croissants. cafe deli downtown lunch pastries restaurant wifi 39.7477989197 -104.9990005493 Wed, 12 Nov 2008 02:06:34 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/the-market /en/denver-colorado/twist-and-shout Uh, what record haven't I bought from, and more importantly, what non-music-appreciating acquaintance/friend haven't I forced to boredom by time-consuming visits to this venerable institution? Twist & Shout seems to have found more suitable digs in their new-ish location across from East High and along with a branch of Tattered Cover, adds a bit more pizzazz to East Colfax. What the store might lack in the charm of a Championship Vinyl it makes up for in its professionalism and well, their stock of records, books, DVDs, and assorted music and non-music paraphernalia. Ok, so it's not as massive as Amoeba, but like all good record stores, if you can't find it, they'll try to get it for you. good_selection indie music recordstore 39.7402000427 -104.9570007324 Wed, 12 Nov 2008 02:00:38 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/twist-and-shout /en/madrid/triffero Scandinavian style mixed with up-and-coming national talent is the name of the game at this diminutive little shop situated across from Golem and the Renoir cinemas. Its owners believe not in keeping up with the latest trends, but in "universal and durable design," a philosophy seemingly shared by, oh, just about every other exclusive multi(independent)-brand boutique in just about, oh, every other city on the face of the planet. My snide remarks, um, aside, it's hard NOT to fall in love with the simple elegance of Casmose, Yono Taola, and Aymara. plaza_de_españa scandinavian style 40.424802 -3.713914 Wed, 12 Nov 2008 01:50:19 +0000 /en/madrid/triffero /en/madrid/vegaviana Oh, that's right: make reservations for dinner! You're in Spain, land of jamón, where it can be difficult to find decent vegetarian/vegan food even in the capital city. Of course, I made the same mistake twice, but it was worth sitting near the kitchen to try out the hummus and the San Jacobo, filled with seitan, mushrooms, and a kind of vegetable pâté and down two glasses of utterly delicious orange juice. For those Mexican-food-loving-expats, the "Combinación Azteca" (burritos, jalapeños, and guac) isn't too shabby. The wonderful array of salads would be best for you folks who want something lighter; my faves are the Casablanca (with couscous) and the Refrescante, which really IS as refreshing as it purports to be. Unfortunately, Vegaviana isn't too easy on the pocketbook, so I'd suggest getting the lunch deal at around 9,-EUR. chueca organic vegan veggie 40.423412 -3.698208 Wed, 12 Nov 2008 01:38:58 +0000 /en/madrid/vegaviana /en/boulder-colorado/you-and-mee Near campus and hungry, but not wanting that slice of pizza or yet another burrito? You & Mee is a friendly and cheap affair that offers generous, customized sizes. A large bowl of veggies and tofu (and sometimes a bun) usually fills me up. Keep in mind that I'm not super into Vietnamese cuisine, but with that said, it's still one of the better places in Boulder for phở. Otherwise, you'll just have to head down to Federal & Alameda in Denver. noodles phở the_hill vegan veggie vietnamese 40.009525 -105.276337 Wed, 12 Nov 2008 01:26:43 +0000 /en/boulder-colorado/you-and-mee /en/denver-colorado/highlands-asian-grill Of all the recent additions to the neighborhood, Highlands Asian Grill is my favorite, even though it doesn't meet my Chinese take-out criterion of "good food=insalubrious surroundings." Quite the opposite actually; the Grill is a bastion of sleek, modern interior design and prompt service is highly valued, as evidence by their 15-minute (yes, I've ordered in so frequently) turn around from order to house delivery. Staples: spinach cheese wontons, vegetable spring rolls, egg drop soup, vegetable gyoza, and seaweed salad. asian casual highlands 39.762113 -105.039011 Thu, 30 Oct 2008 21:13:39 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/highlands-asian-grill /en/denver-colorado/common-grounds-3484-w-32nd-ave Reviews ostensibly come with biases, right? I'll always have a soft spot for Common Grounds, the coffeeshop of my adolescence, back when the immediate area was yet to be baptized "Highland Square," and deemed the Park Slope of Denver, back when nobody brought their Macbooks anywhere! And as with similarly low-paying jobs, there seems to be a constant turnover of baristas, and one can note a significant change in attitude. Oh, right, I was supposed to review the positive aspects of the coffeeshop, right? They've still got the comfortable chairs and ample board games for those who arrive technically challenged. I'm sure the cakes taste just as good, too, but last time I was there, I noticed that the was no IBC Rootbeer in stock. casual highlands neighborhood 39.762127 -105.03424 Thu, 30 Oct 2008 21:06:50 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/common-grounds-3484-w-32nd-ave /en/denver-colorado/sams-no-3-u-s-mexi-grill-and-bar There's Denny's, Perkin's, the Village Inn, and then there's Sam's no 3. While the Inn, reconceptualized as the VI beats Sam's in the 50s throwback diner decor, you can find a healthier cross-section of the local population trying to decide between huevos rancheros (available in vegetarian chili), classic burgers, or burritos. Comfort food for the rushed downtown set (weekdays lunchtime usually sees a crowd) and easy on the pocketbook, too. budget casual downtown nonpretentious 39.74618 -104.995574 Thu, 30 Oct 2008 21:00:46 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/sams-no-3-u-s-mexi-grill-and-bar /en/paris/lao-siam 19e belleville budget laotian nonpretentious thai 48.873085 2.380932 Wed, 01 Oct 2008 05:08:28 +0000 /en/paris/lao-siam /en/paris/caf%C3%A9-solo 3e music république 48.865279 2.363348 Wed, 01 Oct 2008 05:04:34 +0000 /en/paris/caf%C3%A9-solo /en/paris/green-garden 13e budget chinese organic vegan 48.823292 2.368518 Wed, 01 Oct 2008 04:49:53 +0000 /en/paris/green-garden /en/paris/parisian-sweet-bar 12e light_meals nonpretentious smoothies 48.835646 2.385997 Wed, 01 Oct 2008 04:47:59 +0000 /en/paris/parisian-sweet-bar /en/paris/au-rouleau-de-printemps Claustrophobes beware! It's a classic case of supply and demand--of space, at least, clocking with three (and a half) tables. As there's nothing too spectacular on offer (vegetarian salad, shrimp ravioli, and of course, spring rolls), you surely don't have to trek all the way out here. However, I must say that this is hands down one of the--nay, THE--friendliest Vietnamese eatery I've been to, and I'm not just talking about the proprietors, either. At 3,- to 6,-EUR/portion, you'd probably want to save room for a little of everything, though you might want to pass if you really want to fill yourself up. 20e asian belleville budget casual nonpretentious vietnamese 48.872592 2.380053 Fri, 26 Sep 2008 03:38:16 +0000 /en/paris/au-rouleau-de-printemps /en/paris/le-bar-%C3%A0-soupes Especially on the grayest of Parisian days, it's very hard to miss this soup bar's yellow facade, giving off those healthy vibes as you contemplate entering. The Bar offers a weekly rotating menu with 6 soups per day, always accompanied by (plain, sesame, or poppyseed) bread from the Moisan Bakery; the 9,-EUR menus are quite filling. There's the always comfortable cream of mushroom, but if you're lucky you might score the super spicy tomato (Bloody Mary) or "velvety pear," which is as delicious as it sounds. Extra points if they're able to deliver to invalids, but we'll see. 11e soup 48.853283 2.375931 Fri, 26 Sep 2008 03:23:37 +0000 /en/paris/le-bar-%C3%A0-soupes /en/paris/bobs-juice-bar You're feeling super Californian or I guess, Park Slopian. "Juice lovers unite!" ought to be the tubularly cheesy yet utterly accurate motto of this miniscule juice bar near the Canal Saint-Martin. Along with a drink (between 3,- to 5,-EUR alone, made from seasonal ingredients), the 7,-EUR formule will get you soup, salad, and ever fresh, ever delicious muffin. (Try apple cinnamon!) And let's not forget the 1,-EUR coffee, pretty much unheard of...everywhere in Western Europe (and certainly not around these boho parts)! Did I mention the pancakes on Saturdays?! Jamba quoi? Closed on Sundays, unfortunately. 10e american budget casual juice light_meals vegetarian 48.871843 2.360572 Fri, 26 Sep 2008 03:01:16 +0000 /en/paris/bobs-juice-bar /en/denver-colorado/happy-cakes Happy Cakes is a perfect addition to the perpetually gentrified area that is the Potter-Highlands historic district. While its friendly East Colfax competitor, The Shoppe, attracts a more urban crowd, Happy Cakes is honed for the neighborhood's strange mix of the bobo-yuppie and young families. My taste buds don't give a care, as they prefer Happy Cakes' rotating flavors to most of those at the other shops (recommended: red velvet, Jack and Coke, lemon drop). Basic happiness can be yours at $2.50 per serving. bakery cupcakes west_highland 39.762121 -105.037438 Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:10:11 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/happy-cakes /en/denver-colorado/chef-zorbas Veg(etari)ans beware! This ain't no Watercourse! If you can get by on appetizers, Zorba's offers superb hummus and falafel dishes. I go for the Kolokithia (zucchini slices with tzatziki) and if I'm feeling adventurous, I get the Macaronada as well (Greek-style macaroni), but usually I just stick to the appetizers. Zorba's serves Mexican as well; if that's what you're hankering after, leave it for another joiint. This is Colorado, after all. congress_park greek mexican restaurant 39.7351570129 -104.9559860229 Thu, 07 Aug 2008 17:21:05 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/chef-zorbas /en/denver-colorado/cafe-mondo SADLY DEFUNCT bistro coffee european highland light_meals lunch neighborhood restaurant 39.7633018494 -105.0110015869 Thu, 07 Aug 2008 17:14:48 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/cafe-mondo /en/denver-colorado/cafe-europa I agree with the Cowboy--Cafe Europa IS a nice spot, with an unassuming exterior but tasteful interior and offering very comfortable seating of various shapes and sizes. Since I've only partaken in their coffee drinks, I can only vouch for those, my favorite being the "Dark Toffee" which is a mocha with toffee syrup and dark chocolate powder by Ghirardelli. The "Florentine," which is half coffee, half hot chocolate isn't too bad, either. Soy milk can be yours for a little extra. cafe neighborhood relaxing wash_park_west wifi 39.7151985168 -104.9810028076 Thu, 07 Aug 2008 17:13:21 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/cafe-europa /en/prague/cafe-calma You've just stuffed yourself silly at Vegetka and are wondering where to twitter about that glorious eating experience. Wander not even a block down to this cafe, where you can hook up for the mere price of a coffee and enjoy Michal Gabriel's bronze horses across the street. For those wanting a snack, I heartily recommend the croissants, always excellent whether morning, noon, or night. nonpretentious wifi 50.098469 14.398134 Thu, 07 Aug 2008 17:01:22 +0000 /en/prague/cafe-calma /en/denver-colorado/boss-unlimited My favorite place for vintage duds in the entire city. Since many of the pieces do run on the smaller side, I'm mainly just there for inspiration, and one can be "inspired" for hours! However, I sometimes do find that one-of-a-kind item that fits me well and I must therefore snap up before some Joanna Newsom or Parker Posey fan does. Great sunglasses and other miscellaneous accessories as well. baker friendly preloved shopping used vintage 39.7163009644 -104.9879989624 Thu, 07 Aug 2008 16:46:39 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/boss-unlimited /en/denver-colorado/jack-n-grill My memory of this place is quite hazy as I went there with my family many moons ago, as a recommendation from a co-worker. My stepdad was really into the posole, but I can't remember much else. Another place to retry in the immediate future. jefferson_park new_mexican nonpretentious restaurant 39.7540016174 -105.0250015259 Sat, 12 Jul 2008 07:47:29 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/jack-n-grill /en/washington-district-of-columbia/harmony-cafe You might be put off by its location in the basement or the outdated decoration, but hey, they don't need to be included in wallpaper* to offer stellar food. Veggie versions of just about anything, for around $5, $6! Mock meat so excellent, it's scary! You're in Georgetown, what the--? Harmony Cafe is one of those places you want to share but don't want to, because the prices might rise due to its popularity. I'm getting hungry just thinking about the shiitake mushrooms and the eggplant in garlic sauce. budget chinese georgetown vegan 38.905122 -77.065614 Sat, 12 Jul 2008 07:40:05 +0000 /en/washington-district-of-columbia/harmony-cafe /en/madrid/golem As I've probably mentioned in a review of the Cines Renoir (and as I've mentioned to friends), I try to avoid going to Cine Ideal simply because I try to avoid Sol and its environs whenever possible. So, while Golem (and the Cines Renoir) is much smaller (four or five screens, I can't remember), it's also less exhausting, more selective. I doubt that Romanian cinema could even make the list over at the Ideal, but then again, Golem is owned by one Spain's leading art film distributors of the same name, who operate in four other cities, so there you go. Quality over quantity...you decide. (P.S. Monday is spectator day, 5,-EUR for any session.) argüelles cinema film plaza_de_españa 40.424802 -3.713914 Sat, 12 Jul 2008 07:32:49 +0000 /en/madrid/golem /en/madrid/golem As I've probably mentioned in a review of the Cines Renoir (and as I've mentioned to friends), I try to avoid going to Cine Ideal simply because I try to avoid Sol and its environs whenever possible. So, while Golem (and the Cines Renoir) is much smaller (four or five screens, I can't remember), it's also less exhausting, more selective. I doubt that Romanian cinema could even make the list over at the Ideal, but then again, Golem is owned by one Spain's leading art film distributors of the same name, who operate in four other cities, so there you go. Quality over quantity...you decide. (P.S. Monday is spectator day, 5,-EUR for any session.) argüelles cinema film plaza_de_españa 40.424802 -3.713914 Sat, 12 Jul 2008 07:31:36 +0000 /en/madrid/golem /en/madrid/entremigas Another designer bakery/pastry shop, but TOTALLY worth it. You can't walk by without buying anything, nor without salivating at their counter. The dulce de leche croissant (they offer the homemade dulce de leche in a jar, too) is really, to die for, or try one of their empanadillas or hell, if you can afford it (financially, dietetically), try a little of everything! There's also a branch in Salamanca on Principe de Vergara, but this one is homier. argentinian chamberi empanadas pastries sandwiches 40.434498 -3.700572 Sat, 12 Jul 2008 07:15:12 +0000 /en/madrid/entremigas /en/denver-colorado/earls-sandwich-parlor I was somewhat disappointed to learn of the name change (thanks, Disney), but apparently, neither the quality of the sandwiches nor the service have diminished a bit. My favorite part is not the actual sandwich, but the name, paying tribute to the area, with monikers like the Colfax Club, the Marion, the Ogden. It's been a while since I've visited, so I think a trip is in order. capitol_hill lunch restaurant salads sandwiches 39.738899231 -104.9749984741 Sat, 12 Jul 2008 07:10:34 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/earls-sandwich-parlor /en/denver-colorado/common-grounds There's hardly anyone here when I come in the early afternoons on weekdays, but I'm sure it's hopping during others times of the day/week, given its prime downtown location. While the offerings are nothing to write home about, I appreciate its high ceilings, music selection (I usually don't know who it is but I can always tune it out), and big front room windows. I can easily while away a few hours here reading or writing. The baristas are swell...as well. cafe downtown lodo relaxing 39.7522010803 -104.9990005493 Sat, 12 Jul 2008 06:53:01 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/common-grounds /en/denver-colorado/common-grounds-w-32nd-ave Every neighborhood has a coffeeshop (or a dozen) like this. This is the one of my adolescence, so I have very fond memories of it. Local art, local musicians--shoo, even the Hills (Clinton) stopped by many moons ago. I went by recently and while they still have the same cozy seats and the same tasty drinks, it had a very different vibe, lots of upper middle-class folks at their laptops. Well, the change is in both me and the neighborhood, so I shouldn't complain, and Common Grounds has seen a lot over the years. cafe casual neighborhood nonpretentious west_highland 39.7621002197 -105.0329971313 Sat, 12 Jul 2008 06:49:40 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/common-grounds-w-32nd-ave /en/prague/bohemia-bagel I'm sure that by now there are better bagel shops than this one (one of their other four branches, maybe?), but perhaps this is the one most convenient for tourists like me. Because I really love the concept of the bagel sandwich, I can really only vouch for their humongous portions (enough for two!), especially the Italian Vegetarian (an overload of both fresh and sun-dried tomatoes and pesto, with mozzarella) on a spinach bagel, but their Mediterranean Plate (hummus, bagel chips, veggies = excellent) also looked appetizing. Amusing posters, to boot. american bagels budget delivery staré_město 50.08918 14.423797 Sat, 12 Jul 2008 06:44:19 +0000 /en/prague/bohemia-bagel /en/washington-district-of-columbia/bens-chili-bowl Their chili "will make a hot dog bark." You really only came here for the history, for the nostalgia (you love Bill Cosby), before or after a show, because let's face it, you probably don't live in the neighborhood, and there aren't very many things on the menu you can actually eat. The homemade veggie chili IS vegan (large a little over $5), with TVP and you can add cheese (for vegetarians) and onions for a little extra. Breakfast is served until around 11, but, given the shop's reputation, it's mostly crowded any time of the day! budget chili nonpretentious u_st veggie 38.917021 -77.028274 Sat, 12 Jul 2008 06:36:35 +0000 /en/washington-district-of-columbia/bens-chili-bowl /en/madrid/bajo-cero When I think of ice cream, I don't necessarily think of it as beautiful, or DESIGNER, yet shops like Bajo Cero exist to prove the opposite. You'd think you were walking into Colette for frozen goods, but the staff are surprisingly laidback and really, who can resist the temptation of a rose-petal flavored ice cream, if solely out of curiosity? And yes, it does taste like flowers! Take out your 2,50 scoop ("cucurucho") on the sidewalk and enjoy it watching the Glorieta de Quevedo. chamberí ice_cream quevedo trafalgar 40.433771 -3.704363 Sat, 12 Jul 2008 06:28:37 +0000 /en/madrid/bajo-cero /en/madrid/gaudeamus Be careful when you come here, as it has been proven to be quite popular ever since opening last year, thanks to numerous stellar write-ups and of course, word-of-mouth. Why? On the fourth floor of the Escuelas Pias building, Gaudeamus is especially known for its beautiful rooftop terrace with views over Lavapies, but also for its sober chic decor, not to mention the gastronomic offering (including a great selection of black teas). For the atmosphere, the price is not bad, and if you get there just when the cafe opens (around 3 or 3:30 in the afternoon), you can actually just chill out and plunge into a book. There is a bunch of food (eggplant and zucchini, and a slew of salads and sandwiches) that I'd love to try, but there only available after 8pm, when stuff gets cracking. Don't forget to check their site for the latest cultural happenings. light_meals snacks style terraza 40.40763 -3.702948 Sun, 06 Jul 2008 23:41:34 +0000 /en/madrid/gaudeamus /en/denver-colorado/emog%C3%A8ne-patisserie-et-caf%C3%A9 CLOSED cafe coffee european pastries 39.7193984985 -104.9580001831 Sun, 06 Jul 2008 23:40:00 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/emog%C3%A8ne-patisserie-et-caf%C3%A9 /en/lisbon/museu-colec%C3%A7%C3%A3o-berardo Maybe this isn't your cup of tea, but you go in anyway, because hey, it's free (at least until the end of the 2008). There's something here that's bound to interest even the most non-enthusiastic person. Great small terraces (the olive garden looks out towards the Discovery Monument and the river), perfect for chilling out on a balmy Lisbon evening, and superb sculptures by Joana Vasconcelos. belém contemporary_art free 38.696431 -9.20742 Sun, 06 Jul 2008 01:38:34 +0000 /en/lisbon/museu-colec%C3%A7%C3%A3o-berardo /en/lisbon/a-outra-face-da-lua One of the best selection of preloved wear I've ever come across, but everyone knows that stuff comes at a price. If you do make a purchase, however, you're guaranteed to come out with something truly unique.The impeccably turned out salespeople at first seem intimidating, but they're quite nice (and multilingual!). This particular branch also houses a cafe, offering salads and sandwiches (one veggie option) as well as "psychoactive" teas. baixa cafe kitsch sandwiches vintage wallpaper 38.711898 -9.137146 Sun, 06 Jul 2008 01:32:53 +0000 /en/lisbon/a-outra-face-da-lua /en/lisbon/terra-restaurante-natural If I lived in Lisbon and the menu weren't so expensive (I remember the weekend buffet costing 13!!EUR), I'd probably eat here every day. As it stands, I "splurged" here twice, because the people were so friendly, and well, I could eat all that I could! If coming during the warmer months, do take advantage of the back patio seating; it's quite lovely to enjoy your food and listen to rustle of the leaves and watch the myriad shades of light. I heard that it's vegan-friendly, but as there no specific labels, you'll have to inquire with the helpful staff. Try the veggie takes on traditional Portuguese dishes as well as the lemon sorbet! buffet cozy organic príncipe_real salads vegan veggie 38.715037 -9.149112 Sun, 06 Jul 2008 01:27:51 +0000 /en/lisbon/terra-restaurante-natural /en/denver-colorado/bizarre-bazaar clothes consignment preloved 39.785581 -105.034587 Sun, 06 Jul 2008 01:20:36 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/bizarre-bazaar /en/arvada-colorado/novo-coffee The more central location is at the art museum downtown, but I guess this where it all started. Given its location in the suburb of Arvada, the outside seating is not especially beautiful (unless, that is, you have an intense appreciation of parking lots). Four stars, though, for the excellent mochas (iced or not), though I can't remember if they offer any soy, and also four stars for the extreme hospitality. Probably the best place to peruse your purchase after hitting up the nearby Black & Read. bagels casual friendly sandwiches 39.837951 -105.082913 Sun, 06 Jul 2008 01:18:47 +0000 /en/arvada-colorado/novo-coffee /en/budapest/napfenyes-izek Not a bad place to get a pizza, which can be easily split between two people. My friend and I split a "charhecoal burner's" which featured either seitan or some mock meat and a bunch of veggies...so tasty! The appetizer with the toast and eggplant spread was fabulous, though the four seasons salad looked less than inviting. We would've tried out the appetizing desserts, but we were still so full from the pizza. Our server was also quite nice and efficient. cheezly embassy_district nonpretentious organic pizza vegan 47.50534 19.071988 Sat, 05 Jul 2008 06:56:41 +0000 /en/budapest/napfenyes-izek /en/dresden/el-perro-boracho The best thing about El Perro Boracho, The Drunk Dog, is not its food, but its location. Sitting outside on a fine summer day admiring the Kunsthof makes you forget that your pan con tomate is well, not exactly up to standard. Yeah, you realize you're in Germany! At least, they give you a basketful that's enough for, say, 3-4 people. Props to the relaxed staff. aussere_neustadt kunsthof outdoor_seating spanish tapas 51.068258 13.752997 Sat, 05 Jul 2008 06:39:19 +0000 /en/dresden/el-perro-boracho /en/dresden/bagelei Cute bagel shop in the Aussere Neustadt. The ingredients always seem super fresh and the one girl that I always saw there was always seems friendly. I can vouch for the Toscana (on a Parmesan-oregano bagel) and Veggie bagels, but they have eight other sandwiches, too. This is what I wish Einstein's could be. Then again, I'm glad there's only one of these shops. aussere_neustadt bagels casual sandwiches 51.072007 13.747072 Sat, 05 Jul 2008 06:33:57 +0000 /en/dresden/bagelei /en/prague/vegetka The menu is in Czech, but there are huge pictures by the cashier's, so it's pretty easy to choose, though there isn't anything you haven't seen before. Additionally, Mr. Chen (I'm assuming he's the owner) speaks English and is quite nice about helping you out. Extremely generous portions for the price: I was full just on the spring roll and was able to eat my tofu and veggies for lunch AND dinner. Some folks might not appreciate the plastic dishware or the distance from the center, though I'd say that it's totally worth the venture. asian budget casual nonpretentious takeout 50.098787 14.397318 Sat, 05 Jul 2008 06:26:55 +0000 /en/prague/vegetka /en/prague/modernista design kubismus staré_město 50.087042 14.423323 Sat, 05 Jul 2008 06:19:59 +0000 /en/prague/modernista /en/madrid/la-gloria-de-montera budget gran_vía 40.419477 -3.700841 Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:38:32 +0000 /en/madrid/la-gloria-de-montera /en/madrid/la-tienda tetuán 40.458687 -3.700461 Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:35:36 +0000 /en/madrid/la-tienda /en/granada/los-italianos ice_cream 37.176037 -3.597703 Mon, 16 Jun 2008 09:21:57 +0000 /en/granada/los-italianos /en/madrid/tr%C3%A4 If you're a fan of minimalism--i.e., unfinished wood and lofty ceilings, this is your store. If you're a fan of simple (but not simplistic) clothes made by folks whose names you can't pronounce, this is your store. And obviously, this is your store if you're an effortlessly stylish 25-35-year-old indie ingenue (or look like one) strolling down a Chueca sidestreet at 11AM because "there's nothing else to do." I can imagine Frida Hyvönen or Victoria Bergsman modeling the threads, or at the very least, providing the soundtrack. If I had the funds, it'd be my store, too. chueca scandinavian 40.42392 -3.697713 Tue, 03 Jun 2008 16:59:57 +0000 /en/madrid/tr%C3%A4 /en/madrid/caf%C3%A9-comercial It's one of those old-style places I enter only when I desperately need to grab a cup of coffee and just relax for a short while with a friend before going up and down Fuencarral or hitting up Malasaña. Nothing special, really, which is why this review is short. bilbao classic 40.428794 -3.702164 Tue, 03 Jun 2008 16:44:03 +0000 /en/madrid/caf%C3%A9-comercial /en/madrid/la-piter%C3%ADa Ok, let me just say it straight away: if you want a "traditional," old-school pita, with falafel and all the trimmings, you're better going off to the Maoz on Fuencarral or Calle Mayor, most of all because it's hearty and MUCH cheaper. As I was very curious about this place, however, I duped my friend into eating lunch here with me on a fine Sunday afternoon. It looked nice AND it was practically deserted which, come to think of it, was probably a bad sign. The sandwiches here are original to say the least, and if I remember correctly, they had THREE vegetarian (sorry, vegans!) offerings. I chose the "Bruxelloise," consisting of raisins, Bechamel sauce, and I can't remember what else, I can't actually remember, because my mouth was watering for falafel. They also offer salads and pasta (my friend said the lasagna was "ok"). In any case, we had a filling lunch, and we're mostly disappointed because we were charged for water (ok, so we didn't specify tap,... chamberí pasta pita salads trafalgar 40.429973 -3.703706 Tue, 03 Jun 2008 16:42:24 +0000 /en/madrid/la-piter%C3%ADa /en/madrid/japanese-closet malasaña style 40.423483 -3.705014 Fri, 16 May 2008 23:44:40 +0000 /en/madrid/japanese-closet /en/madrid/mint-march%C3%A9 Maybe all the new-ish shops popping up in this area of town want to fashion it after the Marais in Paris. I suppose it's a got a long way to go, but installing exclusive little boutiques like this may be a start. Lots of Tara Jarmon, Maje, and (my current favorite) Sessun, but also Danish brands like Muka and Rützou. I hate to admit it but I do swoon for the soft fabrics and "slightly edgy" cuts and patterns, but unfortunately, they're not appearing at Zara any time soon. chic conde_duque french_labels 40.426452 -3.711161 Fri, 16 May 2008 23:41:45 +0000 /en/madrid/mint-march%C3%A9 /en/madrid/viva-la-vida After walking by the shop numerous times, I finally took the plunge and followed a friend inside, enticed by the aroma of the buffet. At 1,80-,EUR per 100 grams, it's not a bad deal, and I came away with a 7EUR lunch of tofu with onions, seitan to rival that of Vegaviana's, cherry tomatoes, and fried brown rice with mushrooms. Seating is limited, with what seems to be one table inside, and the counters and benches right outside of the shop. Viva la Vida is also a grocery shop, so if you're just popping in for some soy milk, here's your place. The lady working there was real nice, too. buffet huertas international organic take-away vegan vegan-friendly vegetarian 40.413188 -3.696437 Fri, 16 May 2008 23:23:51 +0000 /en/madrid/viva-la-vida /en/madrid/tiger "Why are all these products from Denmark?", I wondered as I glanced through the selection of 2 for 1,-EUR cards, pretty candles, assorted children's toys, and--get this--Moleskine-LIKE notebooks (The A4 size runs for 3,-EUR, while the pocket-size one runs for 1). OH, that's right, because Tiger is a Danish company! I'd never heard of the place before, until this happy detour, where I contemplated getting a heart-shaped pan and a baby bath glove with animals on each finger...just because. Just when you thought you've finally combatted conspicuous consumption, Tiger just might make you break your vows. budget danish salamanca 40.425968 -3.675953 Fri, 16 May 2008 23:18:19 +0000 /en/madrid/tiger /en/madrid/corachan-y-delgado malasaña retro vintage 40.423782 -3.702208 Fri, 09 May 2008 13:24:29 +0000 /en/madrid/corachan-y-delgado /en/madrid/zoe Five stars, because I mean it, and I feel like my tummy will always be satisfied after a visit. Zoe Cafe (ZKF) is one of those labyrinthine Madrid eateries that seems never-ending as you wind your way to your assigned table. Apparently inspired by Hamburg and Berlin cafes, Zoe offers a very chic "gastrocultural" experience; you can eat your healthy menu del dia while browsing the rotating exhibit, or the video installations projected onto the walls, or admire the stones set in various parts of the floor. And oh, yeah, the servers are ever so attentive, even when crushed by the lunch crowd. Recommended food: spring rolls and baba ganoush as appetizers and stuffed ravioli. Well, what the hay, I just want to eat everything (vegetarian) that I possibly can; everything is fresh and lip-smackingly delicious! arty friendly huertas 40.412646 -3.696362 Fri, 09 May 2008 13:22:23 +0000 /en/madrid/zoe /en/madrid/el-jard%C3%ADn-secreto The quirky coffeeshop: every American college town can lay claim to at least one. Add five or six years to Harriet the Spy, Claudia Kishi, or Hermione Granger, and they could all work at the Secret Garden, which actually neither as exclusive as the former nor as pleasant as the latter. The antithesis to "classy," "chic" joints in Salamanca and Chueca, this cafe's SO alternative, that you want to look for an alternative, especially because the best coffeeshops, in my opinion, are open for fauxllectual discussions with friends before FIVE in the evening. Then again, you don't want to go that Moby Dick haunt, right? You trudge back in, gloss over the extensive beverage menu, and make your drink last, chortling at the junior-high decor, until the next party arrives. conde_duque hot_chocolate light_meals merienda nonpretentious tea 40.425686 -3.711632 Fri, 11 Apr 2008 20:45:55 +0000 /en/madrid/el-jard%C3%ADn-secreto /en/madrid/caf%C3%A9-la-palma Alas, I've only been here for a few ultimately intimate shows with local and national bands staged in their ultimately intimate concert space. The employees seem friendly--well, polite--enough. Good sound, good vibes. Being in a super-cool neighborhood, though, kinda scares me from going in the daytime. bar concerts djs malasaña 40.426764 -3.708144 Fri, 11 Apr 2008 20:26:25 +0000 /en/madrid/caf%C3%A9-la-palma /en/madrid/artemisa It was a searing August, many moons ago. I was cranky from the heat, and weary of all the ham that would always find its way into my meals. A chance left turn onto a side street led me to dinner to this restaurant, whose welcome was more memorable than its menu, although I did have a delicious gazpacho-like soup, ON THE HOUSE. I went twice during that week-long stay in the capital, but I think another visit will soon be in order to see whether or not they're still as accommodating, and if they've become more gastronomically inspired. madrid vegetarian 40.4163246155 -3.6988880634 Fri, 11 Apr 2008 20:19:45 +0000 /en/madrid/artemisa /en/madrid/peggy-sues-american-diner If you didn't know it was there, you'd probably overlook it, unless you happen to catch a glance at the beaming pastels and realize, that yes, those lovebirds ARE sharing one shakes with two straws, and yes, that is "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend" silently playing on the flat-screen TV, pretty much the only object in the miniscule room NOT from the 1950s. Be aware that you obviously won't be paying mid-century (or American, at that) prices for your grub; that aforementioned shake costs almost 4,-EUR, and that's why they only got one! If you're hungry for what some have deemed the best hamburger in the city, or are just jonesing for some Americana, this just might be the place to go. The best part is that the wallboxes DO work; just pop in a 20cent-coin and you're ready to go. Unfortunately, the locale IS super tiny that you often have to wait, and there's no room for rollerskating servers. Oh, now, THAT would be tops! american bilbao brownies diner retro shakes trafalgar 40.428748 -3.700522 Fri, 11 Apr 2008 20:10:01 +0000 /en/madrid/peggy-sues-american-diner /en/madrid/manila-convenient-store I can't believe thatm I only recent stumbled upon this store, when I've walked past its window numerous times! I must admit that they overcharge for some products, but to me, it's worth paying 2 euros for a small bag of the beloved peanuts of my childhood, Growers "spicy" flavor. If you didn't grow up (are used to) instant pancit canton mix, banana ketchup, or mango-flavored crackers (or just know of an even better place), then this might not be worth the trip at all. Otherwise, step right in and stock up on Chippys, Oishis, and Milo drinks. Apparently, they also have halo-halo and bangus, but I've not yet verified this. (Note: this is so far the only place I know to stock rootbeer, that most refreshing of carbonated elixirs.) filipino_goods malasaña noviciado san_bernardo 40.423221 -3.707533 Fri, 11 Apr 2008 20:04:40 +0000 /en/madrid/manila-convenient-store /en/madrid/do%C3%B1a-pulguita arapiles chamberí nonpretentious quevedo tapas 40.435249 -3.704342 Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:26:35 +0000 /en/madrid/do%C3%B1a-pulguita /en/madrid/churrer%C3%ADa-santa-teresa almagro alonso_martínez chocolate churros 40.425362 -3.695258 Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:19:37 +0000 /en/madrid/churrer%C3%ADa-santa-teresa /en/madrid/macedonia chamberí fair_trade natural_foods ríos_rosas 40.44192 -3.701774 Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:16:08 +0000 /en/madrid/macedonia /en/madrid/el-chile-verde argüelles mexican moncloa 40.435547 -3.716665 Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:58:43 +0000 /en/madrid/el-chile-verde /en/madrid/la-cocina-de-lola argüelles budget homecooking 40.434434 -3.717097 Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:52:21 +0000 /en/madrid/la-cocina-de-lola /en/madrid/casa-gala budget cafe moncloa nonpretentious tapas 40.432108 -3.720195 Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:47:49 +0000 /en/madrid/casa-gala /en/madrid/cr%C3%AAperie-ma-bretagne budget crêpes malasaña nonpretentious 40.425605 -3.70217 Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:16:11 +0000 /en/madrid/cr%C3%AAperie-ma-bretagne /en/madrid/anti-caf%C3%A9 djs exhibits kitsch retro ópera 40.416723 -3.710278 Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:16:00 +0000 /en/madrid/anti-caf%C3%A9 /en/madrid/areia beds brunch djs hortaleza 40.424581 -3.698137 Mon, 31 Mar 2008 21:44:34 +0000 /en/madrid/areia /en/madrid/cafe%C3%ADna I like to come here when it first opens in the afternoon and stay on until early evening, reading a book. Very, very chulled out atmosphere which is great for very fearful, very shy people like me. Either hang out upstairs by the bar and watch dogs go by or for more seclusion, downstairs, and mack on your partner. I mean...I heard Wednesdays are big for DJed flamenco, but I've yet to check it out. malasaña nonpretentious 40.423767 -3.705392 Mon, 31 Mar 2008 21:41:55 +0000 /en/madrid/cafe%C3%ADna /en/madrid/desnivel Off of the minisculte Plaza Matute and C/Huertas, Desnivel is the travel junkie's paradise, offering a wide selection of travel literature. Everything from straight-up guides, to memoirs, to maps, most in English AND Spanish, and oh, if you're into hiking, climbing, or pretty much that involves mountains, check out Desnivel's own imprint or ask at the desk about organized trips. hiking huertas santa_ana travel 40.413383 -3.699936 Mon, 31 Mar 2008 21:36:12 +0000 /en/madrid/desnivel /en/madrid/diurno Snacks, coffee, and really good--if a bit expensive--smoothies are 2,5,-EUR for what looks like a bottle of Sunny Delight, and about 4,5E for pasta you could probably make at home. That said, Diurno is a mellow place to chill out with friends or peruse movies, with equally mellow spatial design for good vibes. It's actually quite popular, so I like to go on weekday mornings/afternoons when most of the regulars are off at work or whathaveyou. chueca dvds sandwiches smoothies 40.421199 -3.697219 Sun, 09 Mar 2008 15:40:15 +0000 /en/madrid/diurno /en/madrid/il-pizzaiolo alonso_martínez hortaleza italian pizza 40.42396 -3.698515 Sun, 09 Mar 2008 15:28:38 +0000 /en/madrid/il-pizzaiolo /en/madrid/bazaar chic french salamanca 40.431275 -3.685802 Sun, 09 Mar 2008 13:08:15 +0000 /en/madrid/bazaar /en/madrid/azalea chamberí 40.435023 -3.696654 Sun, 09 Mar 2008 13:06:39 +0000 /en/madrid/azalea /en/madrid/nagoya budget casual chamberí japanese sushi trafalgar 40.431263 -3.700399 Mon, 03 Mar 2008 21:24:42 +0000 /en/madrid/nagoya /en/madrid/la-cantina-de-lupe almagro chamberí guacamole mexican nachos 40.435796 -3.703317 Mon, 03 Mar 2008 21:19:29 +0000 /en/madrid/la-cantina-de-lupe /en/madrid/la-blanca-doble chamberí nonpretentious 40.435145 -3.700461 Mon, 03 Mar 2008 21:08:37 +0000 /en/madrid/la-blanca-doble /en/madrid/democrazy art design illustration photography typography 40.425279 -3.69811 Mon, 03 Mar 2008 21:00:50 +0000 /en/madrid/democrazy /en/madrid/gourmet-empanadas-argentinas Formely called "Todo Empanadas," the "little" empanada place is revamping its look. Gourmet or not though, it's still my favorite place to get a cheese and onion treat. The spinach and bechamel empanada is not too shabby, either. At 1,80-EUR each, you can't go wrong, though you'll surely want to eat a couple more after each delicious bite. If you're really hungry (or are having a party), consider a dozen and get it delivered to your door. Ugh, just looking at their new glossy menu makes my mouth water! (Note: There's also a branch at Pza Cuzco on Calle del Pensamiento and also one in Alcobendas.) arapiles argentinian budget casual chamberí delivery empanadas nonpretentious quevedo restaurant sandwiches snacks to_go 40.4351997375 -3.7114698887 Mon, 03 Mar 2008 20:58:55 +0000 /en/madrid/gourmet-empanadas-argentinas /en/madrid/con-mucho-amor chueca hummus light_meals salads to_go 40.421809 -3.699724 Mon, 03 Mar 2008 20:50:02 +0000 /en/madrid/con-mucho-amor /en/madrid/cr%C3%AAperie-breizh breton cider crêpes galettes malasaña nonpretentious 40.424367 -3.703593 Mon, 03 Mar 2008 20:47:09 +0000 /en/madrid/cr%C3%AAperie-breizh /en/madrid/taste-of-america american food groceries salamanca 40.44648 -3.684705 Sun, 02 Mar 2008 20:29:43 +0000 /en/madrid/taste-of-america /en/madrid/muji Yes, I REALLY did want to pay 5EUR for that plastic pencil holder that I could've purchased at my corner "chino" for 60 cents. Yes, REALLY. Ok, so since I love IKEA, by default I also love Muji, although the latter is Japanese, not Swedish. What the two brands share is the philosophy of "less is more," though the problem lies in that many people end up buying more because the products SEEM so appealing. Something that was so quotidian just a moment ago, like a folder, or a cup, is now the best thing "since sliced bread," teaching consumers (and designers) that Japanese minimalism will make people go crazy with desire. At least I did. fuencarral japanese minimalist 40.422618 -3.700832 Sat, 01 Mar 2008 14:48:40 +0000 /en/madrid/muji /en/madrid/polar british chic conde_duque style urban 40.426124 -3.711397 Sat, 01 Mar 2008 14:42:00 +0000 /en/madrid/polar /en/madrid/caf%C3%A9-ruiz Classic, seriously, though kinda cramped at times. You can imagine the greatest writers of the 20s, 30s in a feisty tertulia (debate/discussion), or perhaps overhear their contemporaries. On some afternoons, a good place to get lost in a book, hopefully with one of their delicious ice cream concoctions. I prefer the dulce de leche shake. centro classic ice_cream malasaña 40.428217 -3.70389 Sat, 01 Mar 2008 14:39:24 +0000 /en/madrid/caf%C3%A9-ruiz /en/madrid/bossa-nova colorful fun san_bernardo street 40.429711 -3.707358 Sat, 01 Mar 2008 14:38:04 +0000 /en/madrid/bossa-nova /en/madrid/librer%C3%ADa-rafael-alberti argüelles art literature poetry 40.431901 -3.718737 Sat, 01 Mar 2008 14:34:19 +0000 /en/madrid/librer%C3%ADa-rafael-alberti /en/madrid/la-santa alonso_martínez comics design graffiti urban 40.427604 -3.696129 Fri, 29 Feb 2008 23:37:02 +0000 /en/madrid/la-santa /en/madrid/la-bo%C3%AEte centro live music sol 40.418139 -3.703243 Fri, 29 Feb 2008 23:33:02 +0000 /en/madrid/la-bo%C3%AEte /en/madrid/nuevo-caf%C3%A9-barbieri lavapiés nonpretentious relaxing tea 40.409299 -3.701049 Fri, 29 Feb 2008 23:31:05 +0000 /en/madrid/nuevo-caf%C3%A9-barbieri /en/madrid/bacchus coffee moncloa used wifi 40.433066 -3.714954 Sat, 23 Feb 2008 22:07:18 +0000 /en/madrid/bacchus /en/madrid/oliphant Another shop of which I've been fearful to enter. Long before I found out that it was cited in Vogue, I was already afraid of the snob aura. With no good reason though, as the attendant seemed down-to-earth. More French chic like Tara Jarmon, Madame à Paris, Bellerose (Belgian) shoes by Mellow Yellow, and also the most precious clothing for that discerning tot, designed by one of the shop owners. alonso_martínez french_labels style 40.425632 -3.695607 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 23:51:23 +0000 /en/madrid/oliphant /en/madrid/pez One of the airier spaces I've perused. After many walk-bys, I finally dared to enter the store and admire the many beautiful items up close, with very gentle music playing in the background: American Vintage, Les Prairies de Paris, Aloe, Humanoid, to name a few. The attendants are quite attentive without being nosy; they place the items in the cabins for you and leave you alone to peruse. Quite difficult to tear yourself away, but looking in your pocketbook, you know you must. At least there are some worthwhile style ideas. alonso_martínez style 40.424958 -3.696052 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 23:43:10 +0000 /en/madrid/pez /en/madrid/ensanchez accessories alonso_martínez bags chic style 40.425355 -3.694895 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 23:37:27 +0000 /en/madrid/ensanchez /en/madrid/comptoir-des-cotonniers-calle-mayor centro chic french_labels sol 40.416223 -3.707255 Sat, 09 Feb 2008 18:57:26 +0000 /en/madrid/comptoir-des-cotonniers-calle-mayor /en/madrid/comptoir-des-cotonniers-calle-de-fuencarral Given the flashy, (wannabe) edgy looks streaming up and down Fuencarral, I'm rather taken by the fact that the label (along with Hoss Intropia, for example) have taken up shop yet. Taken, but not surprised, precisely because of the flow of traffic. A narrow little shop with mostly the same selection as the two other branches, but this one has by far the nicest salespeople. chic french_labels fuencarral 40.421794 -3.701032 Sat, 09 Feb 2008 18:56:20 +0000 /en/madrid/comptoir-des-cotonniers-calle-de-fuencarral /en/madrid/maje-calle-de-claudio-coello More or less the same offering of ultra-feminine cuts and prints at the other branch near Chueca. I'm guessing this one is the original, a much bigger space that merits four stars for the flowy, flowery interior design and a pillar that's reminiscent of Park Güell. chic french salamanca 40.423069 -3.686916 Sat, 09 Feb 2008 18:50:30 +0000 /en/madrid/maje-calle-de-claudio-coello /en/madrid/alfombras-bsb design recoletos rugs salamanca 40.422483 -3.687218 Sat, 09 Feb 2008 18:46:19 +0000 /en/madrid/alfombras-bsb /en/madrid/la-pajarita pastries recoletos salamanca sweets 40.422572 -3.688445 Sat, 09 Feb 2008 18:44:23 +0000 /en/madrid/la-pajarita /en/madrid/pasajes A language-lover and amateur linguist's dream, one could easily while away one of a perfectly sunny afternoon here. The Spanish-language novels and poetry dominate the entrance, while the linguistics books are in the back, with all manners of grammar texts, exam preps, histories, and easy readers. Downstairs, the selection is mostly English, French, and German. Even if only speak one of the available languages, it'll be hard to pry yourself from this place. alonso_martínez languages linguistics 40.427253 -3.694971 Sat, 09 Feb 2008 18:41:17 +0000 /en/madrid/pasajes /en/madrid/el-granero-de-lavapi%C3%A9s lavapiés nonpretentious vegan-friendly vegetarian 40.408181 -3.699118 Thu, 07 Feb 2008 11:58:04 +0000 /en/madrid/el-granero-de-lavapi%C3%A9s /en/madrid/las-mil-y-una-noches entre_amigos light_meals maghrebi middle_eastern plaza_de_españa tea 40.425704 -3.714662 Thu, 07 Feb 2008 11:50:30 +0000 /en/madrid/las-mil-y-una-noches /en/madrid/la-devedeteca dvds movies rentals 40.425553 -3.714524 Thu, 07 Feb 2008 11:42:52 +0000 /en/madrid/la-devedeteca /en/madrid/naturas%C3%AD A fortuitous encounter in the land of ham. NaturaSí stocks tofu, seitan, tempeh, quinoa, pita--basically anything "weirdly" vegetarian/vegan/environmentally-friendly and organic that you'll have a tough chance finding elsewhere at a decent price, including vitamins and beauty products and of course, the most important of food items, ICE CREAM. The produce section leaves much to be desired, so perhaps you might opt for a market or (gasp!) El Corte, even. Arguelles branch is small but its aisles well-marked; if you can't find anything, one of the harrassed-looking but ultimately friendly employees will point you in the right direction. There are two other branches in town in Salamanca (C/Montesa 31) and next to the Santiago Bernabeu stadium (C/Doctor Fleming 1). Website orders at naturasite.com. argüelles groceries organic vegan vegetarian 40.433226 -3.713349 Thu, 07 Feb 2008 11:39:29 +0000 /en/madrid/naturas%C3%AD /en/madrid/matadero-madrid arganzuela contemporary design exhibits 40.393921 -3.699016 Wed, 06 Feb 2008 18:38:14 +0000 /en/madrid/matadero-madrid /en/madrid/dong-fang-extremo-oriente It's literally underneath the Plaza. There's no sign and sometimes, even if you're usually good with directions like I am, you can get confused. After a few tries, I finally found the entrance, feeling foolish because I'd bypassed the stairways leading to it (eastern and western ends of the Plaza, on Gran Via) so many times. In any case, the slightly disheveled store is a must for (most of) your Asian goods: seaweed, noodles (instant and not), spices, sauces, dips, dumplings. You name it, and they probably have it here, including a wide range of Chinese-language books and magazines. Five stars for me because there are even Philippine dried mangoes so, of course, I'm returning. asian groceries plaza_de_españa 40.423444 -3.711361 Tue, 05 Feb 2008 22:54:52 +0000 /en/madrid/dong-fang-extremo-oriente /en/madrid/al-natural-calle-de-zorrilla cortes vegetarian 40.416714 -3.697242 Tue, 05 Feb 2008 22:46:49 +0000 /en/madrid/al-natural-calle-de-zorrilla /en/madrid/chocala A very nondescript bar across from the northern entrance to the Retiro, near the Puerta de Alcalá. In warmer times, they have a little sidewalk terrace going on to watch the world speed by you or watch sweaty joggers across the street. bar chocolate 40.420771 -3.685554 Tue, 18 Dec 2007 13:48:04 +0000 /en/madrid/chocala /en/madrid/yerbabuena One of the first veggie places that had been recommended to me, I finally checked it out with a fellow veggie friend. The lunch specials are only available on the weekdays, but we decided to go in, enticed by the very colorful menu and wonderful photographs, enhanced by the very vivid green and orange interior. (If any space oozed vegetarian, this was it.) It was Saturday lunchtime, and good thing we had reservations; 10 minutes or so after we entered, people kept piling in, and for a reason...everything on the menu was mouth-watering, but we both finally decided on some interesting cheesy spinach and mushroom "crepes," which looked more like calzones. Pricey, but filling, I think I'll go back again sometime during the week and see what's on hand for their ever-rotating specials. centro sol vege ópera 40.4163703918 -3.7077600956 Tue, 18 Dec 2007 13:43:22 +0000 /en/madrid/yerbabuena /en/madrid/rinc%C3%B3n-azteca mexican salamanca 40.435177 -3.67927 Tue, 18 Dec 2007 13:35:47 +0000 /en/madrid/rinc%C3%B3n-azteca /en/madrid/lbagel-kaffee bagels deli salamanca sandwiches 40.435177 -3.67927 Tue, 18 Dec 2007 13:34:25 +0000 /en/madrid/lbagel-kaffee /en/madrid/caf%C3%A9-bel%C3%A9n Intimate. So far my favorite coffeeshop in which to relax during weekday afternoons, with a book or with friends or just staring off into space listening to music that I always seem to enjoy, though I might not necessarily know who is playing. On the weekends, it can be sometimes tough to find a spot because it's a rather "well-known secret." Really good but kind of expensive (2EUR) tea. chueca entre_amigos nonpretentious 40.424244 -3.696676 Tue, 18 Dec 2007 13:31:36 +0000 /en/madrid/caf%C3%A9-bel%C3%A9n /en/madrid/low concerts electronica plaza_de_españa 40.423536 -3.708952 Fri, 30 Nov 2007 21:09:06 +0000 /en/madrid/low /en/madrid/joy-eslava centro concerts sol ópera 40.417155 -3.706357 Fri, 30 Nov 2007 21:06:12 +0000 /en/madrid/joy-eslava /en/madrid/hand chic chueca french_labels hortaleza style unique 40.421519 -3.70025 Fri, 30 Nov 2007 20:53:57 +0000 /en/madrid/hand /en/madrid/caf%C3%A9-de-las-estrellas light_meals plaza_de_españa restaurant 40.424149 -3.713346 Fri, 30 Nov 2007 20:29:51 +0000 /en/madrid/caf%C3%A9-de-las-estrellas /en/madrid/chill-out argüelles plaza_de_españa unique 40.4252 -3.714201 Fri, 30 Nov 2007 20:21:22 +0000 /en/madrid/chill-out /en/madrid/franka alonso_martínez argentina chueca hortaleza indie style unique 40.424863 -3.697952 Wed, 28 Nov 2007 20:45:47 +0000 /en/madrid/franka /en/madrid/angelika bar la_latina smokefree videoclub wifi 40.41253 -3.709056 Sat, 24 Nov 2007 08:21:03 +0000 /en/madrid/angelika /en/madrid/dulce-y-amargo chamberí chocolate 40.435193 -3.711474 Fri, 23 Nov 2007 23:05:18 +0000 /en/madrid/dulce-y-amargo /en/madrid/modesta chamberí ríos_rosas 40.441422 -3.696076 Fri, 23 Nov 2007 22:59:29 +0000 /en/madrid/modesta /en/madrid/reestreno chamberí preloved ríos_rosas 40.442076 -3.703318 Fri, 23 Nov 2007 22:50:52 +0000 /en/madrid/reestreno /en/madrid/american-store chamberí snacks specialty united_states 40.439645 -3.717011 Fri, 23 Nov 2007 22:45:22 +0000 /en/madrid/american-store /en/madrid/los-chicos argüelles moncloa patatas_bravas tapas 40.433087 -3.713358 Fri, 23 Nov 2007 22:39:12 +0000 /en/madrid/los-chicos /en/madrid/naos architecture argüelles children moncloa 40.42811 -3.716892 Fri, 23 Nov 2007 22:37:11 +0000 /en/madrid/naos /en/madrid/colby chueca fuencarral light_meals merienda restaurant 40.423567 -3.700695 Fri, 23 Nov 2007 22:32:19 +0000 /en/madrid/colby /en/madrid/caligae One of the more well-known "muestrarios" (discounted shoes shops) in the area, I love Caligae especially for their offering of Chie Mihara. chueca muestrario shoes 40.422414 -3.698492 Fri, 23 Nov 2007 22:29:21 +0000 /en/madrid/caligae /en/madrid/graphic-book design malasaña 40.426651 -3.707001 Sun, 18 Nov 2007 21:02:51 +0000 /en/madrid/graphic-book /en/madrid/la-herradura I always seem to come here with there's barely anyone, right at the beginning of lunchtime, and then I leave when it starts crackin'. The few times I've been here, I always order the fixed-price lunch menu, and when there's nothing vegetarian to eat, the same server always checks with the chef to see if they can't cook me up an alternative. They always do AND they still charge the same price! Now, THAT'S service! I keep coming back because of the relaxed atmosphere and the employees are friendly without overdoing it, know when to leave you alone to enjoy your food. Try the very exquisite crepes! budget conde_duque menú mexican nonpretentious tacos 40.4279 -3.709743 Sun, 18 Nov 2007 20:58:51 +0000 /en/madrid/la-herradura /en/madrid/giangrossi ice_cream pastries san_bernardo style wifi 40.429644 -3.706559 Sun, 18 Nov 2007 20:52:29 +0000 /en/madrid/giangrossi /en/madrid/paraiso-chino My friend was craving Chinese, so I thought we'd head over to El Buen Gusto, which we never found. Walking back up the street, she saw a sign for Paraiso Chino out of the corner of her and eye, and after scanning the menu (cheap and veggie options), we decided to try it out. Got there right at lunch time, efficient and friendly service, nondescript decor (although they have tablecloths and cloth napkins!) though nothing really above the ordinary. The two fixed-price lunch menus (at 7 and I believe, 10,-EUR each) are only available during the week, but we spent about 10,-EUR each, anyway. Be careful with the wontons, though, as they apparently have pork and not the cheese ones. The spicy tofu is really good, as is the veggie lo mein. The desserts look mighty delectable as well; I shall have to find out next time. arganzuela budget chinese delicias nonpretentious 40.398877 -3.703104 Sat, 17 Nov 2007 22:10:26 +0000 /en/madrid/paraiso-chino /en/madrid/ojal%C3%A1 juan_pujol light_meals malasaña snacks 40.425534 -3.703945 Mon, 12 Nov 2007 22:36:41 +0000 /en/madrid/ojal%C3%A1 /en/madrid/el-rinc%C3%B3n bar juan_pujol malasaña nonpretentious terraza vegan-friendly vegetarian 40.425388 -3.70374 Mon, 12 Nov 2007 22:31:52 +0000 /en/madrid/el-rinc%C3%B3n /en/madrid/cd-drome Sometimes brusque service, sometimes just indifferent. However, it's one of the only stores--well, that I know of--that SPECIALIZES in electronica pop, indie rock, etc., and you can't deny that the staff is knowledgeable. Also a section dedicated to peninsular artists, as can be found on labels like Jabalina, Elefant, and Acuarela. Some vinyl, and stations for listening; they also tickets to select shows (check their notice board). Expect to roughly 17,-EUR for one CD. electronica indie malasaña rock 40.424634 -3.706635 Mon, 12 Nov 2007 22:26:40 +0000 /en/madrid/cd-drome /en/madrid/antorcha-caf%C3%A9 exhibits malasaña music tapas 40.422763 -3.704053 Mon, 12 Nov 2007 22:21:25 +0000 /en/madrid/antorcha-caf%C3%A9 /en/madrid/i%C3%B1aki-sampedro bags chueca unique 40.423327 -3.694137 Mon, 12 Nov 2007 22:18:00 +0000 /en/madrid/i%C3%B1aki-sampedro /en/madrid/scooter These shops seem like a dime-a-dozen. Last time I was in, there were some uber-fashionistas that looked up and down at my bohemian outfit. Oh well! I was only there to calmly scope out the Vanessa Bruno and Isabel Marant stuff, but I wasn't digging the vibes. Maybe I'll try yet another time, but for now, let's go to Benny Room instead. french salamanca style 40.423868 -3.685933 Mon, 12 Nov 2007 22:14:48 +0000 /en/madrid/scooter /en/madrid/comptoir-des-cotonniers I love this label; what can I say? I love it so much that I'm bound to incorrectly use punctuation marks?!. A very sober color palette with the occasional burst of yellow, royal blue, or coral, with matching classic designs of stripes, or polka dots. The concept is for mothers and daughters in step with style, that way the clothes can be shared, or at least, last you through the ages. So, the prices aren't that friendly, but the fabrics are. And well, the saleswomen too. By the by, there's also a shop more in the center, on Fuencarral, but I prefer this one, as it seems more laidback, but maybe it's also because I'm in prim-and-proper town. Now I feel like carrying a chihuahua in my purse. chic french salamanca 40.427803 -3.68528 Mon, 12 Nov 2007 22:07:05 +0000 /en/madrid/comptoir-des-cotonniers /en/madrid/benny-room Very, very, very pretty clothes like Cacharel, Velvet, See by Chloe, and Eley Kishimoto sold by very, very, very stylish women. Light and airy space. Take your time browsing. recoletos style 40.423691 -3.694123 Mon, 12 Nov 2007 22:00:25 +0000 /en/madrid/benny-room /en/madrid/librer%C3%ADa-de-lavapi%C3%A9s lavapiés nonpretentious 40.407612 -3.696478 Sat, 10 Nov 2007 17:25:57 +0000 /en/madrid/librer%C3%ADa-de-lavapi%C3%A9s /en/madrid/cine-dor%C3%A9 anton_martín cinematheque classic retrospectives vo 40.411777 -3.69929 Sat, 10 Nov 2007 17:22:44 +0000 /en/madrid/cine-dor%C3%A9 /en/madrid/humana Humana is actually an organization for what can be termed as international (i.e. "third world") development, especially in African countries. Currently there are 20+ countries involved in various projects; most of this is in the collection and resale of used clothing. I have not yet been to any of the four other branches in town, but at this one, everything is quite spartan (although organized), and as with any thrift shop, the pickings can vary. If you look close enough, however, you might find a gem. I give it four stars because of the concept and also because of the nice salespeople. anton_martín atocha thrift_store 40.411707 -3.69793 Sat, 10 Nov 2007 17:18:16 +0000 /en/madrid/humana /en/madrid/cabreira 2_de_mayo bar budget malasaña tapas 40.427316 -3.704012 Sat, 10 Nov 2007 02:59:15 +0000 /en/madrid/cabreira /en/madrid/pepe-botella bar malasaña nonpretentious vegan-friendly vegetarian 40.426595 -3.70377 Sat, 10 Nov 2007 02:53:56 +0000 /en/madrid/pepe-botella /en/madrid/wanda malasaña style unique 40.428741 -3.704351 Sat, 10 Nov 2007 02:51:37 +0000 /en/madrid/wanda /en/madrid/with-love asian fusion salamanca 40.423624 -3.678746 Sat, 10 Nov 2007 02:43:21 +0000 /en/madrid/with-love /en/madrid/hoss-intropia fuencarral style 40.421379 -3.701171 Thu, 08 Nov 2007 23:24:26 +0000 /en/madrid/hoss-intropia /en/madrid/cacharel french salamanca 40.425505 -3.687833 Thu, 08 Nov 2007 23:14:51 +0000 /en/madrid/cacharel /en/madrid/yube recoletos style 40.424631 -3.695581 Thu, 08 Nov 2007 23:08:49 +0000 /en/madrid/yube /en/madrid/la-duquesita alonso_martínez bakery pastries 40.42583 -3.697026 Thu, 08 Nov 2007 23:05:06 +0000 /en/madrid/la-duquesita /en/madrid/s%C3%A9ptimo-arte chueca dvds rentals videoclub 40.424863 -3.697952 Thu, 08 Nov 2007 23:02:05 +0000 /en/madrid/s%C3%A9ptimo-arte /en/madrid/mi-lolita chueca recoletos shoes style unique 40.422496 -3.694295 Thu, 08 Nov 2007 22:56:55 +0000 /en/madrid/mi-lolita /en/madrid/lhabilleur chueca designer_discount 40.422825 -3.697423 Thu, 08 Nov 2007 22:54:35 +0000 /en/madrid/lhabilleur /en/madrid/sabor-a-m%C3%AD chueca mexican 40.422013 -3.696851 Thu, 08 Nov 2007 22:52:06 +0000 /en/madrid/sabor-a-m%C3%AD /en/madrid/ladinamo embajadores exhibits lavapiés 40.407923 -3.704389 Wed, 07 Nov 2007 23:13:52 +0000 /en/madrid/ladinamo /en/madrid/traficantes-de-sue%C3%B1os activism embajadores lavapiés political 40.408155 -3.704584 Wed, 07 Nov 2007 23:06:22 +0000 /en/madrid/traficantes-de-sue%C3%B1os /en/madrid/escridiscos-navas-de-tolosa callao indie vinyl 40.419148 -3.706458 Wed, 07 Nov 2007 22:58:11 +0000 /en/madrid/escridiscos-navas-de-tolosa /en/madrid/escridiscos callao indie vinyl 38.007076 -4.399629 Wed, 07 Nov 2007 22:56:44 +0000 /en/madrid/escridiscos /en/madrid/luke-soy-tu-padre chueca indie nonpretentious 40.421857 -3.69851 Wed, 07 Nov 2007 21:42:57 +0000 /en/madrid/luke-soy-tu-padre /en/madrid/mad-is-mad A gallery/shop that not far off from Plaza de Chueca. Features interesting artwork to say the least (check out the latest [11/07] exhibit of ludic paintings and illustrations featuring penises, including one dressed as Bambi!). In addition to art, Mad is Mad also sells more "portable" items, such as books, zines, bags, dolls, toys...all in all, a great concept and also a wonderful place to shop for that discerning arty-indie friend. Oh yeah, the girl that's always there is really nice; they have an embosser and stickers and everything! arte chueca indie toys trinkets 40.4237594604 -3.6978371143 Wed, 07 Nov 2007 21:19:39 +0000 /en/madrid/mad-is-mad /en/madrid/bang bookstore dvds indie malasaña punk zines 40.423483 -3.705014 Wed, 07 Nov 2007 21:13:29 +0000 /en/madrid/bang /en/madrid/el-juglar flamenco lavapiés shows 40.409838 -3.702359 Tue, 06 Nov 2007 23:49:55 +0000 /en/madrid/el-juglar /en/madrid/neu-club chamberí concerts music shows 40.438793 -3.709983 Tue, 06 Nov 2007 23:45:47 +0000 /en/madrid/neu-club /en/madrid/librer%C3%ADa-antonio-machado art humanities literature 40.425056 -3.696043 Tue, 06 Nov 2007 23:42:55 +0000 /en/madrid/librer%C3%ADa-antonio-machado /en/madrid/las-bailarinas If you like your clothes and footwear to be graphically unique, then this shop will quite literally be a treasure trove of sartorial sublimeness; you have to take a few steps down to enter what seems a small cove. I myself had to back track on the street as an exquisite printed dress caught my eye. It turned out to be by Tsumori Chisato, and it so happens that this is the only place in Madrid to get her stuff, because Mónica has got some sort of hook-up. And what shoes could go with Tsumori's fantastical creations than those of Mónica García's, which aim to make the ballet flats more popular and inject a little bit of feminine fun into them. Open until 20h30. recoletos shoes style unique 40.423075 -3.694912 Tue, 06 Nov 2007 23:37:08 +0000 /en/madrid/las-bailarinas /en/madrid/maje For the superpija in you, though I must admit I love most of what Maje doles out, so much so that I have a few pieces. Again, this is a French label, so there you go. chic french recoletos 40.423053 -3.694147 Tue, 06 Nov 2007 23:33:01 +0000 /en/madrid/maje /en/madrid/lost-people All over, well, EVERYWHERE, there are these concept shops (like Berlinomat) aiming to support the local design community and in Madrid, Lost People is one of the best. The really cool thing is that the clothes are available in all sizes; if yours is not in stock, and you really want something, just ask! That said, you're paying for the exclusivity... fuencarral malasaña style unique 40.42431 -3.701556 Sun, 28 Oct 2007 13:10:51 +0000 /en/madrid/lost-people /en/madrid/the-the Dudes into vintage duds should check out this shop and chat a little with Tito, the owner who (like Lotta) knows his shit when it comes to looking fabulously retro. And the hats! Oh, the hats! Displayed so proudly on the wall. If something doesn't fit well, just say so, and Tito will fix you right up or recommend something else. malasaña preloved style vintage 40.426712 -3.701817 Sun, 28 Oct 2007 13:04:40 +0000 /en/madrid/the-the /en/madrid/lotta-vintage I don't really know much about vintage anything, but according to a friend, the prices are pretty good for what you get (30,-EUR upwards),. You can tell that everything was handpicked carefully and lovingly by Lotta (its owner and namesake), mostly women's items (dresses, coats), and a handful of stuff for men as well. Guaranteed unique-ness, Jenny Lewis-ness. chueca indie retro style vintage 40.423488 -3.700078 Sun, 28 Oct 2007 12:59:13 +0000 /en/madrid/lotta-vintage /en/madrid/consuelo-arenas The key is color. A very upmarket, beautiful shoe shop with beautiful shoes sold by beautiful people, I hate to go in, lest I make a compulsive purchase. Guess it's a good thing that I'm a disaster on heels. chueca shoes style 40.423527 -3.698793 Sun, 28 Oct 2007 12:54:54 +0000 /en/madrid/consuelo-arenas /en/madrid/baires-caf%C3%A9 A friend and I were walking past and did a double take, attracted by the sleek-looking chairs. Upon relaxing, we soon discovered that they were plastic, and not leather, but this didn't damper our evening as we laughed off about embarrassing teenage crushes. The espresso's OK, the ambiance even better--the lighting and music are set at the appropriate levels in order for you to enjoy your conversation with your partner(s). Service is also quite efficient...and yes, like about every other place in the neighborhood, BA Cafe offers monthly rotating exhibits, featuring painting and photography. bar chueca contemporary exhibits relaxing slick 40.423281 -3.698368 Fri, 26 Oct 2007 01:15:55 +0000 /en/madrid/baires-caf%C3%A9 /en/madrid/pizzer%C3%ADa-maravillas budget dos_de_mayo malasaña pizza terraza 40.426703 -3.70398 Fri, 26 Oct 2007 01:05:55 +0000 /en/madrid/pizzer%C3%ADa-maravillas /en/madrid/el-bandido-doblemente-armado A very cool bookshop/cafe without the pretense. Such a favorite with the artsy/literary folk, sometimes you can't get past the cafe to the books, but it's worth jostling the crowd for a look at the carefully-selected titles. Check out the free readings and exhibits (mostly photography and painting), if you're into that, too. Otherwise, stop by just to try their AMAZING hot chocolate (three different kinds at last visit)--at 2,50,-EUR, it's so much better than what you get at San Ginés. bar cafe gatherings malasaña nonpretentious poetry 40.427294 -3.701303 Fri, 26 Oct 2007 01:01:43 +0000 /en/madrid/el-bandido-doblemente-armado /en/madrid/panta-rhei A treasure trove of books concentrating on design/style/photography/illustration/architecture...I could go on as much as I could spend time here. There's always something new, and you're quite welcome to loll away the hours here. And what tomes! Without even opening it up, you already have an interesting one in your hands, some titles beautifully bound and letter-pressed. Panta Rhei also offers rotating exhibits featuring contemporary illustrators, so check their site for the next one. Perusing the collection, these ladies know their shit (but are super nice about it), so don't hesitate to ask them for suggestions if you're looking for something in particular. books chueca 40.423524 -3.700223 Wed, 24 Oct 2007 23:35:18 +0000 /en/madrid/panta-rhei /en/madrid/subaquatica One block off of Gran Vía, it's like walking into your multi-talented friend's apartment, white walls splayed with illustrations, paintings, and the like, also available are limited-edition serigraphs. Actually, you can get a lot of "limited-edition" items here--besides artwork, there are clothes, toys, and music. Subaquatica, like many other spaces of its ilk, dedicates itself to promoting lesser-known (at least, in Spain) artists and publications. A must for fans of the strikingly visual. art contemporary design gallery gran_vía graphics shirts shopping street_art 40.419311 -3.699941 Wed, 24 Oct 2007 23:26:59 +0000 /en/madrid/subaquatica /en/madrid/divina-providencia Creative prints and patterns, for the child in you. It's on Fuencarral, so it's not that big of a secret. I'd probably still get a thing or two, though. colors fuencarral style unique 40.422998 -3.700752 Sun, 21 Oct 2007 08:46:01 +0000 /en/madrid/divina-providencia /en/madrid/zadig-and-voltaire-calle-de-claudio-coello french salamanca 40.431275 -3.685802 Sun, 21 Oct 2007 08:43:38 +0000 /en/madrid/zadig-and-voltaire-calle-de-claudio-coello /en/madrid/bufalino budget malasaña nonpretentious style 40.422199 -3.703304 Sun, 21 Oct 2007 08:36:47 +0000 /en/madrid/bufalino /en/madrid/delipanific Upon noticing a poster for free tasting on the "Ruta del Gourmet," a friend and I crammed with a bunch of other people inside in hopes of getting a free (small) slice of some kind of pastry. Alas, we were a little too late, but this did not deter us from getting a treat. Everything looked utterly delectable, but we finally decided on a huge strawberry-filled macaron, which burst with even more flavor after each bite. I will be a return customer, that's for sure! alonso_martínez bakery barceló chueca french pastries sta-_bárbara 40.425164 -3.697762 Sun, 21 Oct 2007 08:34:14 +0000 /en/madrid/delipanific /en/madrid/the-c%C3%B3mic-co comics malasaña 40.427571 -3.703494 Sun, 21 Oct 2007 08:27:15 +0000 /en/madrid/the-c%C3%B3mic-co /en/madrid/biscuit Self-proclaimed as the most chic place in the capital. I might have to agree, but then again, I'm easily impressed by cute shops offering beautiful and one-of-a-kind clothes and accessories with prices to match. I bought an alarm clock because I felt like I couldn't walk away with anything, ha. The salesperson lets you take your time browsing the different collections and running your hands along the very fine threads. malasaña style unique 40.427537 -3.703291 Sun, 21 Oct 2007 08:24:21 +0000 /en/madrid/biscuit /en/madrid/a-quemarropa french_labels salamanca style 40.43629 -3.684339 Sun, 21 Oct 2007 08:17:35 +0000 /en/madrid/a-quemarropa /en/madrid/ayala-jap%C3%B3n friendly japanese salamanca sushi 40.427393 -3.676529 Fri, 19 Oct 2007 23:37:25 +0000 /en/madrid/ayala-jap%C3%B3n /en/madrid/the-geographic-club coffee salamanca 40.423952 -3.677627 Fri, 19 Oct 2007 23:34:59 +0000 /en/madrid/the-geographic-club /en/madrid/wok-delight chinese nonpretentious ventas 40.431723 -3.658094 Fri, 19 Oct 2007 23:31:42 +0000 /en/madrid/wok-delight /en/madrid/taquer%C3%ADa-del-alamillo la_latina mexican 40.413689 -3.71241 Fri, 19 Oct 2007 23:24:52 +0000 /en/madrid/taquer%C3%ADa-del-alamillo /en/madrid/le-sal%C3%B3n-dapodaca One of the older multiuse salons straddling Malasaña and Chueca, offering not only (expensive) haircuts (starting at around 30,-EUR for ladies, less for dudes), but also monthly art exhibits and its own fashion label. Like Juan por Dios, a great concept, but go elsewhere for your cut or cut it yourself. creative exhibits haircuts malasaña 40.427279 -3.701581 Fri, 19 Oct 2007 23:19:50 +0000 /en/madrid/le-sal%C3%B3n-dapodaca /en/madrid/la-bio-tika bio groceries huertas macro macrobiotic vegan vegan-friendly vege vegetarian 40.413259 -3.698286 Fri, 19 Oct 2007 23:10:08 +0000 /en/madrid/la-bio-tika /en/madrid/el-perro-de-la-parte-de-atr%C3%A1s-del-coche bar concerts dance djs malasaña music 40.422302 -3.703874 Fri, 19 Oct 2007 22:59:51 +0000 /en/madrid/el-perro-de-la-parte-de-atr%C3%A1s-del-coche /en/madrid/renoir-retiro This one of about four or five Renoir cinemas in the city. A bit on the small side with only four screens, but sometimes you've got to sacrifice quantity for quality. Program includes mostly Spanish-language titles as well independent cinema from around the world. retiro v-o 40.42013 -3.676145 Fri, 19 Oct 2007 07:44:42 +0000 /en/madrid/renoir-retiro /en/madrid/helader%C3%ADa-los-alpes I tell you, I sure do love my artisan ice cream! This particular one may beat even Berthillon or Octave of Paris. Los Alpes has been in the family for three generations and while they don't have much in the way of seating, they make up for it in the delicious offerings. Be sure to take a loyalty card as I guarantee you that you'll be back sooner than you know it! My personal favorite is cream with pine nuts. argüelles ice_cream moncloa nonpretentious 40.4337997437 -3.7177200317 Fri, 19 Oct 2007 07:30:08 +0000 /en/madrid/helader%C3%ADa-los-alpes /en/madrid/ocho-y-medio Movie buffs will have a difficult time extricating themselves from this shop, where they can peruse all manner of items from original screenplays, posters, shirts, DVDs and other sort of celluloid paraphernalia. Let's not forget the books, in multiple languages and covering a wide variety of subjects including theory, history, and guides. 8½ is also the name of their publishing company, from which the copies of scripts and slim and user-friendly artist biographies. Sign up for their fidelity card and you'll be sure to get in on the latest happenings at the shop. argüelles cinema film plaza_de_españa 40.424575 -3.713721 Fri, 19 Oct 2007 07:28:33 +0000 /en/madrid/ocho-y-medio /en/madrid/diskpol ambient electronica experimental industrial malasaña prog_rock 40.424064 -3.704883 Fri, 19 Oct 2007 07:18:30 +0000 /en/madrid/diskpol /en/madrid/traves%C3%ADa-cuatro chueca contemporary 40.425672 -3.698533 Fri, 19 Oct 2007 07:14:53 +0000 /en/madrid/traves%C3%ADa-cuatro /en/madrid/clan A cute place with huge flowers (hibiscus?) painted on the walls makes you feel like spring even in the midst of winter. The lunch special is reasonable (about 9,-EUR), and is a great starting (or ending) point for the Rastro. Depending on the night, you can also check out some live jazz or tablaos (flamenco) on Thursdays. cute embajadores lunch rastro 40.405492 -3.707051 Mon, 15 Oct 2007 14:11:30 +0000 /en/madrid/clan /en/madrid/la-mordida Near the Teatro Real, another cheerfully-decorated Mexican joint that unfortunately doesn't offer burritos! There are actually four branches of this place; this one near the Opera metro station might be the smallest. Better for drinks and dessert--try the crepe de cajeta (with dulce de leche). The nachos aren't bad either, but you could also make some at home for much less. los_austrias mexican 40.417008 -3.708808 Mon, 15 Oct 2007 14:01:35 +0000 /en/madrid/la-mordida /en/madrid/tucha artists design gifts malasaña unique 40.425706 -3.70316 Mon, 15 Oct 2007 13:54:09 +0000 /en/madrid/tucha /en/madrid/barriga-llena Owned by the same folks as La Panza es Primero, and located right next to it. Prepare to enter a world of colorful and cheerful design, as your utensils are served in small plastic buckets and assorted Mexican paraphernalia scream at you from every angle. Yes, there are nachos (and very good ones, at that), but if you're looking for burritos/tacos/fajitas or--dog forbid--SOPAPILLAS, you're at the wrong place, because none of this is available here. But (if you're meat-friendly) you can have a whack at their specialty, steak fillet with huitlacoche. chueca mexican 40.422123 -3.697289 Mon, 15 Oct 2007 00:01:08 +0000 /en/madrid/barriga-llena /en/madrid/casa-alberto Again, lots of stars for the atmosphere and its classic status. Yes, the tapas are quite tasty, but unfortunately not much in the way for vegans. huertas tapas 40.413877 -3.700066 Sun, 14 Oct 2007 23:26:46 +0000 /en/madrid/casa-alberto /en/madrid/casa-alberto Again, lots of stars for the atmosphere and its classic status. Yes, the tapas are quite tasty, but unfortunately not much in the way for vegans. huertas tapas 40.413877 -3.700066 Sun, 14 Oct 2007 23:26:46 +0000 /en/madrid/casa-alberto /en/madrid/j-and-j-books-and-coffee A cozy little cafe (upstairs)/used bookshop (downstairs) run by Jamie & Javi. The atmosphere is laidback, where you can sit for hours with the literary world of your choice. What's really cool about this place are all the events they host, such as language exchanges on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and Friday quiz nights. And, yes, of course, se habla ingles. books english malasaña nonpretentious 40.425722 -3.70692 Sun, 14 Oct 2007 23:24:57 +0000 /en/madrid/j-and-j-books-and-coffee /en/madrid/manuela Not a place in which to be alone, it's always packed with the 20-40 year olds leaning across tables, chatting with close friends and trying to outmaneuver each other at some board game. Try the San Francisco and some nuts at the cozy little bar while you wait for some corner to empty. It's worth it. If there's more than two of you, try the Copa de la Casa, four scoops of different-flavored ice cream. Just don't let it get all soupy. friends games malasaña snacks 40.425774 -3.70382 Sun, 14 Oct 2007 23:18:23 +0000 /en/madrid/manuela /en/madrid/el-viajero I´m giving it four stars solely for ambiance. Three levels that are given over to restaurant, bar, and the beautiful terrace that looks over the Plaza Cebada and at the Palacio Real, if I remember correctly. Mostly good music (and when I say good, I really mean music that I personally like) playing, and it´s like a party with all your very good-looking, artistic, creative friends. Open in the afternoon until the wee hours of the morning. Good luck trying to find a place to sit. la_latina restaurant terrace 40.411445 -3.710569 Mon, 08 Oct 2007 16:16:41 +0000 /en/madrid/el-viajero /en/washington-district-of-columbia/sparkys cozy nonpretentious u_st 38.91329 -77.031975 Tue, 25 Sep 2007 00:07:32 +0000 /en/washington-district-of-columbia/sparkys /en/madrid/la-casa-encendida La Casa Encendida is much more than a gallery, serving a cultural resource center for the Embajadores/Lavapiés area and Madrid as a whole. One of the aspects I really appreciate is their educational programming, with anything from art in early childhood, language courses for both non-English and non-Spanish speakers, and technology courses for the mentally disabled. Another great feature is their promotion of "green" issues, for which they also offer a whole gamut of lectures and conferences. If you're interested in volunteering, La Casa would welcome you with open arms. art culture education green 40.405775 -3.699743 Sun, 23 Sep 2007 18:55:39 +0000 /en/madrid/la-casa-encendida /en/madrid/delic This place seems to figure in every piece of travel lit, with good reason. You could spend a whole day here, with a hot chocolate in the morning, a tostada and some spring rolls for lunch, and something else from their delightful menu later in the evening. They also have a take-away bar, if you're not in the mood to stay, or rather, you can't. Another somewhat overpriced place, but you're there for the ambiance, anyway. cafe centro la_latina snacks 40.412974 -3.711179 Sun, 23 Sep 2007 18:41:51 +0000 /en/madrid/delic /en/madrid/peseta "Where did you get that?" Exclusive bags (and other items, like keychains) made from love and with all different sorts of fun and crazy fabrics. So, yes, again, it might be slightly "off-budget," but you really get something personal (and some personality) with each item that you purchase. Also sold in Mad is Mad and the Reina Sofía shop. bags craft gifts unique 40.425721 -3.709079 Sun, 23 Sep 2007 18:31:47 +0000 /en/madrid/peseta /en/madrid/espiral-pop According to El Pais, there's a very high glasses-to-Converse ratio of locals. In any case, it's another place I like to take friends to, with two floors of plain good vibes (first is more conducive to chatting) and excellent music (lots of dj nights). friendly malasana 40.4277992249 -3.7035601139 Sun, 23 Sep 2007 18:22:01 +0000 /en/madrid/espiral-pop /en/boulder-colorado/anjou Light, airy, zen space with some outdoor seating. Love the mango lasse smoothie ($6) and vegan wrap ($5.75). A little overpriced, but super laidback. You're in Boulder, after all. juice sandwiches westend 40.016885 -105.284819 Sun, 23 Sep 2007 18:16:29 +0000 /en/boulder-colorado/anjou /en/denver-colorado/cebiche highlands lunch peruvian 39.7620201111 -105.0138397217 Sun, 19 Aug 2007 19:18:37 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/cebiche /en/madrid/lefties I found this place by chance, walking in to get a respite from the heat. Little did I know that Lefties is actually a Zara stock store--"leftover" fashions at much, MUCH reduced prices. Again, with these kinds of places, the options are hit and miss, but that didn't stop the mostly female clientele from clamoring over select items. If you don't mind cut tags, you can walk away with basic tops for less than 3,-EUR each. centro clothes sol 40.4152984619 -3.7032599449 Fri, 10 Aug 2007 06:24:46 +0000 /en/madrid/lefties /en/madrid/ecocentro bio groceries vegan-friendly vege vegetarian 40.4428291321 -3.7051019669 Fri, 10 Aug 2007 04:49:43 +0000 /en/madrid/ecocentro /en/denver-colorado/fancy-tiger I agree with the Cowboy. Fancy Tiger is a neat place to get your local wares and fosters a sense of community. It seems that everybody in there knows everybody; if not, you probably will soon, either because you're checking out the same item or you're taking a class together. Everything is very cute. baker crafts diy indie restaurant shopping shows 39.7164993286 -104.9879989624 Wed, 08 Aug 2007 00:59:59 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/fancy-tiger /en/montreal-quebec/three-monkeys I'm usually quite intimidated by visions of cooler-than-thou salespeople. When I do muster the courage, I actually enjoy going into shops as a way of sampling (and sometimes, supporting) the local design. Such shops abound in cosmopolitan and "podunk" locales alike, and Montréal is no exception. Though located in the Cours Mont-Royal shopping center, the Three Monkeys folks are neither too pushy nor aloof; the shopper is invited to enjoy the offerings at this contemporary museum of textile, as it were. design fashion indie style 45.5004005432 -73.5735015869 Wed, 08 Aug 2007 00:41:55 +0000 /en/montreal-quebec/three-monkeys /en/denver-colorado/constance-love congress_park preloved vintage 39.7402000427 -104.9530029297 Fri, 22 Jun 2007 04:56:11 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/constance-love /en/madrid/trenque-lauquen At this Argentine joint across the street from the Retiro, there is no (vegetarian) pizza I will not try! My favorite thus far is the Brída, with mozzarella, brie, and chives, and the Napolítana (mozzarella and tomato) a very worthy runner-up. The only real downside is that the pizzas are kind of expensive (never more than 20-,EUR for a whole, 12,-EUR for half), but I guess if you're splitting among a group, it all evens out. Trenque Lauquen also serves baked empanadas (3,50), getting progressively cheaper depending on where or how you eat them (take-out is 3, non-baked 2,50). They have salads and desserts as well. empanadas ibiza pizza retiro 40.4174995422 -3.6785299778 Thu, 31 May 2007 19:01:38 +0000 /en/madrid/trenque-lauquen /en/madrid/chocolater%C3%ADa-san-gin%C3%A9s Like Gijon, San Gines is one of those institutions listed in every guide as one of the gastronomic "must-dos" of Madrid. So be it. I admit, I'm far too much of a chocolate fan to avoid the place, but I prefer the rolls to the much-touted churros. It's the experience that counts, for sure. centro chocolate churros sol 40.4168014526 -3.706870079 Sat, 19 May 2007 00:38:09 +0000 /en/madrid/chocolater%C3%ADa-san-gin%C3%A9s /en/madrid/el-naranja If you're sad, the orange and white mod-ish deco might pick you up, not to mention the food. For about 7,-EUR you can get a filling brunch (bread, hot and cold drinks, and a choice from four entrees). Three stars because I want to try it again. brunch cafe conde_duque merienda noviciado 40.4261016846 -3.7075901031 Sat, 19 May 2007 00:01:44 +0000 /en/madrid/el-naranja /en/madrid/caf%C3%A9-del-sol I think I must've gone here every day (sometimes twice in one evening) when I was last in town. Nice ambience and chill music; there seemed to be djs spinning electronica every time I went, but I don't know if that's a regular thing. Next time, I think I'll take a friend so we can get some of the delicious crepes. centro friendly sol 40.4156990051 -3.7023699284 Fri, 18 May 2007 23:38:22 +0000 /en/madrid/caf%C3%A9-del-sol /en/denver-colorado/scooter-joes I've been here only a few times but I like the vibes. Nice staff, good blended drinks (try the Black Forest mocha), and free wifi. Very convenient to public transport either on your way to or from downtown. friendly governors_park nonpretentious 39.7277984619 -104.986000061 Fri, 18 May 2007 06:03:10 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/scooter-joes /en/denver-colorado/liks A neighborhood ice cream parlor at its best, with varying flavors (made on the premises!) at each visit. This usually includes the Cheesman, a strawberry cheesecake concoction dedicated to the neighborhood in which its located and the lovely park where you can take a stroll, dessert in hand. For me, five stars says a whole lot; I love Liks so much that I visit throughout the whole year, whether during a blustery winter or an indian summer. And of course, it would garner an extra star if they offered options for our vegan friends. cheesman_park ice_cream neighborhood 39.7368011475 -104.9629974365 Mon, 30 Apr 2007 07:07:17 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/liks /en/denver-colorado/potager capitol_hill cozy 39.7338867188 -104.9752731323 Mon, 30 Apr 2007 07:01:06 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/potager /en/denver-colorado/park-tavern capitol_hill nonpretentious snacks 39.7336807251 -104.9761734009 Mon, 30 Apr 2007 06:59:13 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/park-tavern /en/denver-colorado/lancer-lounge capitol_hill nonpretentious 39.7272796631 -104.984413147 Mon, 30 Apr 2007 06:57:36 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/lancer-lounge /en/denver-colorado/7th-ave-cafe capitol_hill coffee neighborhood 39.7273864746 -104.9836044312 Mon, 30 Apr 2007 06:53:59 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/7th-ave-cafe /en/denver-colorado/les-delices-de-paris bakery pastries wash_va_vale 39.7078590393 -104.9256134033 Mon, 30 Apr 2007 06:52:00 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/les-delices-de-paris /en/denver-colorado/bennys A wildly popular Mexican place in a convenient neigborhood spot, so I thought I'd try it with some friends. I suppose we were there during rush hour (apparently, when isn't in rush hour), though we were left unimpressed. Props for the chips, but maybe a second go will do it... capitol_hill mexican 39.7272987366 -104.983001709 Mon, 30 Apr 2007 06:42:31 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/bennys /en/denver-colorado/aviano coffee golden_triangle 39.7313117981 -104.9861373901 Mon, 30 Apr 2007 06:36:39 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/aviano /en/denver-colorado/fluid-coffee-bar capitol_hill coffee 39.746181488 -104.9809875488 Mon, 30 Apr 2007 06:33:32 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/fluid-coffee-bar /en/denver-colorado/panaderia-mexico The default stop for my coworkers and myself, if we haven't brought lunches. Spanish only, service sometimes slow and dubious, but products, prices, and ambience as though you were in a small village. bakery barnum budget mexican nonpretentious 39.7182006836 -105.0350036621 Mon, 30 Apr 2007 06:30:19 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/panaderia-mexico /en/denver-colorado/pho-99 Finding the place might be a little tricky if you don't know the area. The first thing you see upon entering the seemingly barren parking lot is the Viet Hoa supermarket at the south end. Pho 99 is actually one of a string of smaller shops located on the eastern end of the lot, between a nail salon, and fish market, if I remember correctly. Unlike other pho joints I've been to, there's actually something (besides boba) for veggies, though nothing too substantial. That is, unless you want to fill up on their delicious spring rolls (and specify vegetarian WITH TOFU). I did this last time, and also asked for a side of steamed white rice. Not too shabby at less than $4. budget friendly nonpretentious noodles valverde vietnamese 39.7112007141 -105.0120010376 Mon, 30 Apr 2007 06:24:32 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/pho-99 /en/denver-colorado/cafe-caliente coffee neighborhood west_highland 39.7621459961 -105.0358734131 Mon, 30 Apr 2007 05:40:55 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/cafe-caliente /en/denver-colorado/lasie-fusion-bistro capitol_hill southeast_asian 39.7256240845 -104.9798202515 Mon, 30 Apr 2007 05:24:23 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/lasie-fusion-bistro /en/denver-colorado/city-o-city I don't yet know how I TRULY feel about a space that quotes Boris Vian (in French!), but it's owned by the Watercourse folks (and located in the old space), so it should be ok, right? The preliminary reviews were pretty much on the dot; City is really more of a bar that happens to serve coffee (and veggie pizzas), a stylish nook that's kind of like a Cheers for the indie/creative community. Having said that, I was kind of intimidated about dining here, but the servers are in that friendly but unobtrusive Mathlete/A.V. club fashion, and the ambiance on one Saturday afternoon rather low-key. Perhaps I'll give it a second (or third) round. EDIT: I went here four times in one week. Go for the #3 pizza with seitan! capitol_hill cozy indie pizza style veggie 39.7368011475 -104.9850006104 Fri, 27 Apr 2007 20:13:53 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/city-o-city /en/denver-colorado/fat-jacks The original branch is actually OFF of Colfax, on Lafayette, across the street from Video One. Sometimes the service is a little shoddy, but it definitely beats going to Subway (that's why I give it four stars). The classic subs and super salads are under $5, classic clubs being a buck more, and of course, other extras always adding a little to the final bill. A meat-eating friend recommends the Gold Coast (turkey, avocado, lettuce, tomato, mayo, sprouts, mustard and cheddar), while I go for trusty and (surprisingly filling!) veggie options. Besides that, the two awesome things worth noting about this place is that they deliver and are open til the wee hours. budget capitol_hill late_night sandwiches takeout 39.7400016785 -104.9729995728 Fri, 27 Apr 2007 20:12:37 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/fat-jacks /en/denver-colorado/gelazzi Here's where to get your fancy Italian ice cream after a long day spent at the masseur's, the tanner's, and John Atencio, respectively. When it's hot and I feel like splurging (or have friends that treat!), I go for a bowl of bacio and something fruity, though with 32 "dizzying" flavors, you can try them all, with each successive visit. You can also get gelato cocktails, and of course, (illy?) coffee. cafe gelato lodo treats 39.7475013733 -105.0 Fri, 30 Mar 2007 22:47:09 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/gelazzi /en/denver-colorado/buzz-filler-up-cafe Just catty-corner from the Esquire, Buzz is small, cozy, and quaint--just the way I like it. Owners are very friendly and serve Ethiopian coffee for either walk-in or drive-thru customers. Yes! This is one of the few non-Starbucks I know with a driver-thru. After all, the cafe has been converted from a garage, which adds to its charm. Outdoor seating popular on sunny weekend afternoons. The only negative is that the cafe is not open too late (til 6 on weekdays, I believe). cafe capitol_hill coffee cozy neighborhood nonpretentious wifi 39.7256011963 -104.9729995728 Fri, 30 Mar 2007 22:34:34 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/buzz-filler-up-cafe /en/denver-colorado/the-mercury-cafe casual cozy dance five_points restaurant 39.7504005432 -104.9850006104 Fri, 30 Mar 2007 22:25:47 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/the-mercury-cafe /en/denver-colorado/lollicup Boba: you either love it or you hate it. It's definitely an acquired taste, and here at Lollicup, it can be added to their many-flavored beverages, including milk and juicy teas, slushes, smoothies (delightfully called 'snow'), and good ol' coffee and espresso. Slush and snow drinks (my personal favorite, the passion fruit slush--TOTALLY refreshing on a summer's day) come sealed by a plastic lid depicting a cutesy graphics chosen at random. (Frequent purchasers are entitled to loyalty cards, stamped for each visit.) beverages boba bubble_tea cafe cory_merrill cute tapioca_pearl 39.6878013611 -104.9410018921 Wed, 14 Mar 2007 16:46:30 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/lollicup /en/denver-colorado/ph%E1%BB%9F-79 budget lunch nonpretentious pho restaurant valverde vietnamese 39.7025985718 -105.0250015259 Wed, 14 Mar 2007 16:35:54 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/ph%E1%BB%9F-79 /en/denver-colorado/sonodas downtown japanese restaurant seafood sushi 39.7500991821 -104.9980010986 Wed, 14 Mar 2007 16:32:29 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/sonodas /en/denver-colorado/sunflower-market grocery organic shopping virginia_village 39.6646995544 -104.9410018921 Wed, 14 Mar 2007 16:28:12 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/sunflower-market /en/denver-colorado/double-daughters bar cozy downtown lounge 39.7501983643 -104.9980010986 Wed, 14 Mar 2007 16:24:10 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/double-daughters /en/denver-colorado/two-fisted-marios downtown pizza restaurant 39.7500991821 -104.9980010986 Wed, 14 Mar 2007 16:21:34 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/two-fisted-marios /en/berlin/berlinomat Chic, nice, pretty Berliner design under one roof. So, it's kind of expensive, too, but it's a nice place to browse, and the salespeople are nice. If you get tired, there's an adjacent cafe with good homemade pastries. boutique cafe concept design fashion friedrichshain shopping 52.5141983032 13.4710998535 Wed, 14 Mar 2007 16:17:56 +0000 /en/berlin/berlinomat /en/philadelphia-pennsylvania/govindas restaurant vegan veggie 39.943901062 -75.1672973633 Wed, 14 Mar 2007 16:08:37 +0000 /en/philadelphia-pennsylvania/govindas /en/portland-oregon/le-train-bleu fashion pearl_district shopping unique 45.528301239 -122.6819992065 Wed, 14 Mar 2007 16:04:38 +0000 /en/portland-oregon/le-train-bleu /en/denver-colorado/spicy-basil I've eaten here only once (so far) but I already award this "Asian grill" four stars just for their spinach cheese wontons. I've also enjoyed the golden tofu as an appetizer, but I must say that next time, I'll try the house pad thai instead of the drunken noodles. They also have pho. baker restaurant so_bo thai yummy_wontons 39.7167015076 -104.9879989624 Mon, 12 Mar 2007 01:26:53 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/spicy-basil /en/denver-colorado/mad-greens I don't deny that the offerings are tasty, but I went to this particular location primarily out of convenience, as it is located across the plaza from my old job. That said, I would almost always get the "Marilyn Monroe," a panini with sundried tomatoes, cucumbers, pesto spread, and goat cheese, and about the only sandwich that can be made vegetarian, if you ask to leave out the turkey. With the paninis, you have the option of getting 1/2 or the whole thing. As far as salads go, you can either choose from their selection, or "build your own." Again, I've never tried this more leafy part of the menu, but the paninis are nothing to write home about; I much prefer Wholly Tomato. golden_triangle light_meals lunch restaurant salads sandwiches 39.7352981567 -104.9889984131 Mon, 12 Mar 2007 01:22:17 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/mad-greens /en/denver-colorado/la-cocinita Another low-key, neighborhood Mexican resto on the northwestern edges of Denver. When I lived in this neighborhood, I practically lived off of the cheesy burritos, topped with cubed tomatoes and dashes of lettuce (around $3), but I've since found concoctions that my taste buds prefer. Good chips, though. mexican nonpretentious restaurant sloan_lake 39.7584991455 -105.0500030518 Mon, 12 Mar 2007 01:15:24 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/la-cocinita /en/denver-colorado/buffalo-exchange From vintage to just plain ol' "preloved" wear, the selection is, at best, eclectic, perhaps mirroring its clientele. Sometimes you find something you fall in love with and want to take home with you. And sometimes you just want to check out the people that frequent the place. What's cool is that you can bring your clothes in for cash or trade. That's not guaranteed, however, as the staff are quite picky. Don't sweat it, though; they are in the fash biz, after all! capitol_hill consignment fashion indie preloved shopping used 39.7368011475 -104.9840011597 Mon, 12 Mar 2007 01:12:38 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/buffalo-exchange /en/denver-colorado/julia-blackbird lunch neighborhood new_mexican restaurant west_highland 39.7621002197 -105.0329971313 Thu, 08 Mar 2007 14:35:46 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/julia-blackbird /en/denver-colorado/haneys-coffee-shop berkeley cafe coffee neighborhood 39.7697982788 -105.0350036621 Thu, 08 Mar 2007 14:29:21 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/haneys-coffee-shop /en/denver-colorado/gelmans bistro deli neighborhood restaurant sunnyside 39.7692985535 -105.0230026245 Thu, 08 Mar 2007 14:23:07 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/gelmans /en/denver-colorado/mod-livin deco furniture midcentury park_hill shopping vintage 39.7402000427 -104.9250030518 Thu, 08 Mar 2007 14:16:02 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/mod-livin /en/denver-colorado/five-and-dime capitol_hill fashion preloved shopping used vintage 39.7369003296 -104.9800033569 Thu, 08 Mar 2007 14:11:33 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/five-and-dime /en/denver-colorado/denver-bread-company bread restaurant west_highland 39.7621994019 -105.0299987793 Thu, 08 Mar 2007 14:07:01 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/denver-bread-company /en/denver-colorado/the-other-side-arts art community creative diy gallery 39.7578010559 -105.0080032349 Thu, 08 Mar 2007 14:04:44 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/the-other-side-arts /en/denver-colorado/core-new-art-space art art_district creative gallery lincoln_park 39.7305984497 -104.9990005493 Thu, 08 Mar 2007 13:58:46 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/core-new-art-space /en/denver-colorado/nine10arts art arts_district community creative diy gallery indie lincoln_park 39.7308006287 -104.9990005493 Thu, 08 Mar 2007 13:56:34 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/nine10arts /en/denver-colorado/denver-public-library As its name suggests, DPL is NOT a bookstore (and if you know me well, you know why I'm writing about it). This location is the main branch, housing five public floors in the including the world-reknowned Western History & Genealogy collection. This Michael Graves-designed building offers a multitude of nooks and crannies in which to peruse any literature of your choice (5th floor is my favorite on which to get serious studying/reflection done, as it is the least populated). The library also offers free internet, though there is usually a queue. Sometimes, special exhibits are shown on the 7th floor, often worth checking out. In the basement, they host the (free) film series. If you get thirsty, there's a(n) overpriced cafe just to the left of the Broadway entrance. architecture books bookstore downtown library nonpretentious relaxing renovation solitude 39.7383995056 -104.9879989624 Thu, 08 Mar 2007 13:49:13 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/denver-public-library /en/denver-colorado/charlies bar capitol_hill dancing fun gay karaoke 39.7400016785 -104.9759979248 Thu, 08 Mar 2007 13:40:03 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/charlies /en/denver-colorado/jrs-bar-and-grill bar capitol_hill fun gay karaoke 39.7433013916 -104.9779968262 Thu, 08 Mar 2007 13:34:23 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/jrs-bar-and-grill /en/denver-colorado/benders-tavern bar capitol_hill light_meals nonpretentious shows 39.7369003296 -104.983001709 Thu, 08 Mar 2007 13:30:26 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/benders-tavern /en/denver-colorado/tommys-thai A seemingly IKEA-fitted Thai place that's popular, and I mean, HELLA popular because oftentimes there's a long queue for dine-in or a long wait time (1.5h+) for delivery. Some folks might rip this place because it's not "authentic" enough, i.e. sans ubiquituous pictures of Buddha or the "real" Thai taste. For the price, however, I wouldn't give up on the drunken noodles! busy congress_park friendly restaurant thai 39.7402000427 -104.9469985962 Thu, 08 Mar 2007 13:26:55 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/tommys-thai /en/denver-colorado/takis Bang for your buck--the servings here (starting at $4) are so HUGE, I can fit my face in the bowl. When I don't want to moisturize with miso, I enjoy the tofu bowl or veggie tempura. (Three stars just because I'm not too big on Japanese cuisine, except for inari sushi, which they never seem to have!) budget capitol_hill friendly japanese lunch restaurant vegetarian 39.7401008606 -104.983001709 Thu, 08 Mar 2007 13:19:47 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/takis /en/denver-colorado/great-wall-chinese-restaurant Another no-frills, budget Chinese place, located amidst the hustle and bustle of East Colfax. Don't expect exemplary service, just (relatively) fast food. The lunch specials ($5) are a good deal. chinese nonpretentious restaurant takeout 39.7400016785 -104.9820022583 Thu, 08 Mar 2007 13:13:50 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/great-wall-chinese-restaurant /en/denver-colorado/new-china-cafe More of a take-out joint than anything else, given that there are only three (four?) tables, usually occupied by waiting customers. This is a nondescript, family-run, neighborhood place where although not everyone knows your name, you certainly feel like they'll eventually get to it. Wontons and soup are enough to fill you up. chinese nonpretentious restaurant takeout west_wash_park yummy_wontons 39.711101532 -104.9800033569 Thu, 08 Mar 2007 13:10:14 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/new-china-cafe /en/denver-colorado/paris-on-the-platte Oh, it HAD to be added. The clientele varies according to day--especially during weekends, quite popular at night thru the wee hours of the morning with young-ish folks who probably idolize Sartre, Ayn Rand, or maybe even some more obscure philosopher of whom I've never heard. When it's light out, it has a more casual, less pretentious vibe. The service (to your table) also varies, but it is usually friendly. Local art decorates the walls, the hummus sandwich is pretty darn good. If it weren't one of the only "cool" cafes open late at night, well, then, I guess we would have other (better?) options, obviously. arty cafe coffee fauxllectuals light_meals people_checking_each_other_out students wifi yuppies 39.7569999695 -105.0090026855 Thu, 08 Mar 2007 12:56:13 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/paris-on-the-platte /en/denver-colorado/india-house The chic interior, "downtown" clientele, and my relatively sparse knowledge of South Asian cuisine has yet to deter me from taking advantage of the wonderful lunch buffet (11-2, I would like to say)--around $9 bucks for all you can eat veggie pakoras, aloo gobi, etc. While that may seem steep, it's actually quite a good deal considering the ... buffet indian lodo restaurant vegetarian 39.7498016357 -105.0 Thu, 08 Mar 2007 12:48:57 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/india-house /en/denver-colorado/gallop-cafe cafe coffee highland light_meals 39.7620010376 -105.0159988403 Thu, 08 Mar 2007 12:34:03 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/gallop-cafe /en/denver-colorado/rosa-linda casual friendly highland mexican nonpretentious restaurant 39.7631988525 -105.0110015869 Thu, 08 Mar 2007 12:28:44 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/rosa-linda /en/denver-colorado/wholly-tomato casual friendly golden_triangle good_rootbeer lunch restaurant sandwiches 39.7313256 -104.9861576 Thu, 08 Mar 2007 12:21:28 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/wholly-tomato /en/denver-colorado/rare-bird-vintage-clothing capitol_hill fashion shopping vintage 39.7369003296 -104.9729995728 Thu, 08 Mar 2007 12:16:21 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/rare-bird-vintage-clothing /en/denver-colorado/gabors-e-13th-ave bar capitol_hill 39.7369003296 -104.9729995728 Thu, 08 Mar 2007 12:14:29 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/gabors-e-13th-ave /en/denver-colorado/st-marks-coffeehouse cafe people_checking_each_other_out students west_city_park 39.7431983948 -104.9629974365 Wed, 07 Mar 2007 15:40:56 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/st-marks-coffeehouse /en/denver-colorado/bump-and-grind brunch cafe capitol_hill drag fun nonpretentious restaurant 39.7433013916 -104.9820022583 Wed, 07 Mar 2007 15:32:10 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/bump-and-grind /en/denver-colorado/penn-street-perk cafe capitol_hill coffee wifi 39.7369995117 -104.9810028076 Wed, 07 Mar 2007 15:16:50 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/penn-street-perk /en/denver-colorado/leela-european-cafe That Leela has a myspace should say it all. Buzzing at dusk til dawn, I prefer coming here early in the morning, when there is practically no one save for a few early risers (or insomniacs, depending on how you see it). Very good hot chocolate and friendly (if at times, slow) service. Poetry slams on Mondays and weekend shows. 24h bar cafe friendly light_meals nonpretentious wifi 39.745098114 -104.9940032959 Wed, 07 Mar 2007 15:12:14 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/leela-european-cafe /en/denver-colorado/gypsy-house-cafe I've only been here a few times, but the owner is super friendly and accommodating. One time I tried to order a pot of tea but didn't have enough money--she just let me give her what I had (not even half). They also have very good muffins and gelato. cafe capitol_hill friendly hookah kooky nonpretentious wifi 39.7364997864 -104.9720001221 Wed, 07 Mar 2007 15:01:15 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/gypsy-house-cafe /en/berlin/caf%C3%A9-selig budget cafe neukölln 52.4770011902 13.4228000641 Wed, 07 Mar 2007 02:24:03 +0000 /en/berlin/caf%C3%A9-selig /en/berlin/caf%C3%A9-rix cafe coffee neukölln 52.4766998291 13.4392995834 Wed, 07 Mar 2007 02:18:24 +0000 /en/berlin/caf%C3%A9-rix /en/berlin/kaufbar bar cafe einkaufen friedrichshain 52.5088996887 13.4598999023 Wed, 07 Mar 2007 02:10:53 +0000 /en/berlin/kaufbar /en/berlin/caf%C3%A9-intimes buffet cafe cinema coffee friedrichshain 52.5127983093 13.4580001831 Wed, 07 Mar 2007 02:04:30 +0000 /en/berlin/caf%C3%A9-intimes /en/berlin/oh-21 books bookstore collective kreuzberg 52.5005989075 13.4217996597 Wed, 07 Mar 2007 01:55:57 +0000 /en/berlin/oh-21 /en/berlin/space-hall kreuzberg music recordstore 52.4906005859 13.394200325 Wed, 07 Mar 2007 01:50:07 +0000 /en/berlin/space-hall /en/berlin/b%C3%BCcherbogen-am-savignyplatz My landlady took me here as surprise, knowing that I was very keen on all things design. Really, it was a dream: two spaces of all manner of material concerning architecture, fashion, film, graphics, photography, prints, typography...anything artistically-oriented, it's probably here, or they can get it for you. Stencil art in Argentina? Check. Iconic 50-70s buildings in Berlin? Of course. It's hard to walk away without a purchase. art books bookstore bücher charlottenburg design kunst 52.5055007935 13.3215999603 Wed, 07 Mar 2007 01:32:43 +0000 /en/berlin/b%C3%BCcherbogen-am-savignyplatz /en/denver-colorado/taqueria-patzcuaro For me, it starts with the service: it's like eating at a (nice) relative's house in the countryside and NEVER wanting to leave. This relative also happens to be a good cook. You relax in one of the wooden booths, gazing at various photographic anecdotes of Mexican history, grabbing some fresh, homemade chips here and there. Even when the restaurant is busy, your enchiladas rojas or tacos albanil come out almost as soon as you ordered, sometimes served by the super friendly owner himself, or one of the other equally welcoming family members. So cozy, you just might end up eating all your meals here. casual friendly highland mexican nonpretentious restaurant 39.7620010376 -105.0189971924 Tue, 06 Mar 2007 15:35:29 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/taqueria-patzcuaro /en/denver-colorado/el-taco-de-mexico With accolades for its authenticity, El Taco offers a space where everyone--and I mean, EVERYONE, no matter the budget--rubs elbows at any time of the day, whether chomping down on tacos, chili rellenos, or my personal fave, huevos rancheros. Being a vegetarian, I have no desire to try the meaty selections, but others have attested to their scrumptious factor. Forget Chipotle/Qdoba/etc, this is the place to be, especially if you just want to bathe in their delicious green chili. Be forewarned: as this place is SUPER popular, there might be queue for a table (or the counter), but the wait will be WELL WORTH it. budget casual lincoln_park mexican restaurant 39.7276000977 -104.9990005493 Tue, 06 Mar 2007 15:26:52 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/el-taco-de-mexico /en/denver-colorado/pablos-on-6th alamo_placita cafe casual coffee indie nonpretentious roaster 39.7256011963 -104.9800033569 Tue, 06 Mar 2007 15:01:17 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/pablos-on-6th /en/denver-colorado/red-door-swingin gifts indie kooky quirky shopping 39.757900238 -105.0110015869 Tue, 06 Mar 2007 14:53:43 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/red-door-swingin /en/denver-colorado/mutiny-now art books bookstore coffee creative gallery indie shows so_bo west_wash_park 39.7164993286 -104.9879989624 Tue, 06 Mar 2007 14:51:59 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/mutiny-now /en/denver-colorado/house-of-commons This place might be easy to miss if you're actually heading a couple shops down to that OTHER neighborhood hang out, Paris on the Platte. At roughly two years old, the House of Commons is indeed an "oasis of calm," dare I say, even a HAVEN OF SERENITY. Usually I am the kind of person who's too nervous to step into places with which I'm not familiar, it didn't take me long to feel comfortable and enjoy my pot of imperial gunpowder and a good book. (However, I'm giving it only three stars, because my scone was stale, the last time I went there...) cafe casual friendly nonpretentious quaint tea teashop 39.7568016052 -105.0100021362 Tue, 06 Mar 2007 14:42:21 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/house-of-commons /en/denver-colorado/watercourse-foods If I had an unlimited budget, I would eat here every day of the week. My hands-down fave is the Dona Lee, a pita pocket filled with seitan, veggies and ranch dressing. On the side I get the quinoa salad and fries--one can never go wrong! Good thing they moved into bigger digs (with outside seating!) on 17th Ave, cos there's usually a queue to fill up on their fantastic grub. (The service isn't bad, either...) breakfast capitol_hill dinner friendly lunch organic vegan vegetarian 39.7431983948 -104.9769973755 Tue, 06 Mar 2007 05:12:51 +0000 /en/denver-colorado/watercourse-foods