CRISTINA & HER INTERESTS
Bean Counter
Worcester, MA - U.S.A.
This is the most local one to me. I like that their desserts are not super sweet, which is a very American tendency. At the time I write this entry, they have 3 locations, being Worcester downtown their first. If ever in town it is one of the best options for a sweet.
Website
Last visited July 2016
Curio
Summerville, MA - U.S.A.
Indeed, like a curio cabinet, this tiny cube of a place is filled with unique an eclectic items. Places like Curio are the reason why I started this project in the first place. A hole in the wall if you may; a found jewel! This is where I learned what a Belgian Liège Waffle is (the only food item in their menu) and got so hooked on it, that I learned how to make it at home. But if you don't feel like spending the next 14 hours of your life trying to make this glorious pastry, go visit Curio.
Website
Last visited July 2016
Biscuiteers
London, U.K. - Europe
Biscuiteers, Buiscuit Boutique and Icing Cafe is on a quaint and rather quiet street in Notting Hill. Being this London, a city that both overwhelms and fascinates me, I think it feels a bit like an oasis... Or so it did to me. Their specialty... well, it is in their name.
Last visited October 2017
Queen of Tarts
Dublin, Ireland - Europe
If you ever find yourself in Dublin [raising my pinky and attempting an accent] "fancying a spot of tea," Queen of Tarts is your place. If it is too crowded, fear not! A block or two away there is another location!
Last visited April 2015
Ogawa
Boston, MA - U.S.A.
One of the main reason why I started this project is because I was jealous. That's right, I was jealous of Tukanana! If you ever stumble upon Tukanana's Instagram account, you'll know what I'm talking about. I wanted to be in those cozy, quirky, Japanese cafes so badly, it got to a point when I couldn't take it anymore. But a trip to Japan was out of the question. So imagine my excitement when I learned about Ogawa Coffee in Boston's financial district.
Last visited August 2016
Chocolatería San Gines
Madrid, Spain - Europe
Let me preface this post by saying that, after visiting San Gines, I'm ruined for churros for the rest of my life.
San Gines has mastered the secret for the most perfect churro I have tasted. And how could they not! This is the oldest churro shop in the country, which makes it the original; because churros is something we inherited from the Spaniards. Yes, I know the history of the churro is muddy at best, and that some people claim it came from the Portuguese, who brought it from China... But it is also true that they wouldn't be so popular in the Americas had it not been for the Spanish conquistadors that brought them over. So, for argument's sake let's call them a Spanish snack. Look, all I'm saying is that this place is open 24/7 and it is totally worth the line!
Last visited October 2017
Salvador Bachiller
Madrid, Spain - Europe
No matter how you drink it, culturally speaking, coffee is drunk the same way around the world; yet not all coffee shops are made equal. And THAT is why exploring them is such a thrill.
Salvador Bachiller is literally a cafe on top of a shop. It is both metaphorically and literally hidden. A little oasis in the middle of a hectic and noisy downtown Madrid. It is quite a cozy hidden place on top of a luggage store. You read that right. I loved it!
Last visited October 2017
THE COFFEE SHOP PROJECT
In the summer of 2016, I decided to explore local coffee shops. As it happens, one thing led to another and, before I knew it, I was making plans every weekend to find my next coffee experience.
NOTE: Since shortly before the pandemic life got in the way and I was not able to continue this project as consistently as I had started. I have taken, however, any opportunity to visit a coffee shop when presented, so new places will be populating this page. Fear not!