roberta c.'s Profile

To be fair, this is a BRUNCH REVIEW ONLY.

I'm a patient person most of the time.  But my oh my, Disgraceland, today you tested me.  Your coffee delivers a mouthful of grains, your dishes are undercooked and overpriced, your service is painfully slow, and in this girl's eyes, there's nothing redeeming about your brunch.  Hipster hangout be damned.

I'll give you a star for having board games on hand, though.

The Roastery provides an appreciated alternative to the poorly-laid-out Starbucks or hit-or-miss Le Gourmand coffee, but they're more than just a coffee joint.  They do tasty and affordable foodstuffs too.

Between the decent coffee, the smiling staff and the healthy lunch choices, this is my number one weekday lunchtime escape when I'm feeling that 9 to 5 rut.  

Hello, high ceilings.  Hi there, big windows.  Obama-bump, free wifi!

It's hard not to love everything in Magic Pony!  But it's such a scene!  But, little Japanese toys and books!  But, keffiyeh-clad hipsters!  But, hilarious art!  But, impossible opening night crowds!

Self-preservation tip:  Avoid reliving high-school-loser anxieties by cutting show openings out of your diet and going straight to the lazy weekend visit.

Magic Pony, you curate a mean art show and you carry fun and funny merch.  Thanks for the laughs, you get (almost) top marks from me.

If you're looking for a delicious and flaky almond croissant but don't want to venture into the obnoxious stretch of Little Italy to find it, head to La Fromagerie.  Make sure to bring a friend/food-chaperon along with you, one who has promised to hurt you if you try to make a break for it with that easy-to-carry croissant basket in tow.  Trust me, you'll feel your animal instincts kick in when you taste those bad boys.

Tip: Since they place their pastries in the window, they sell out quickly, so go early to avoid gut-wrenching heartbreak.

I've heard complaints that the owners are snobby grumps...  I've never had a problem, but even if I had, it's College & Oz, who cares!  

This can't be a complete review without mentioning the cheeses:  They sell cheeses.  I've never bought any.