O-what-a-lovely-cafe.

I have a confession to make.

I love coffee. And I drink it wayyyyy too much. When I find a coffee drink that I like, I'm done for. I will go out of my way to obtain said coffee drink again. It's true.

However, I also love cupcakes. And by love, I mean, I've been obsessing over them since I was in Jr. High, fantasizing about one day owning my own cupcake shop. And I'm not saying that dream is quite dead, yet.

If you love food in any form, you've come to the right place. This is the beginning of an exciting journey; the blog that is quintessential for any devoted blogger... a food blog. Not just any food blog, of course. MY food blog. I will not only be taking you to find the cutest, quaintest, loveliest cafes, cupcake shops, bakeries and in-betweens, but I will be finding gluten-free, dairy-free, and allergy friendly places. I will be trying my own hand at exciting new recipes, and featuring my successes (and maybe my failures). And... I will be doing it all on a budget. That's right. A college student budget! The I-work-so-I-can-buy-groceries college student budget.

Essentially, this is the blog that I want to read. The blog that appeals to my allergies and sensitivities, but isn't just a restaurant or recipe blog. It's a healthy, friendly mixture of both. Disclaimer: I have discovered some delightful restaurants that are not allergy friendly; as such, they will also be featured, because... sometimes the temptation is just too great, and they're worth their weight in gold for people who are fortunate enough to not have allergies. So here's to cupcakes and coffee! Speaking of coffee, what better way to start this off, than with...

An O-so-incredible cappuccino.

This place is wonderful. They make one of my favorite soy cappuccinos in the city. They do indeed have dairy-free and gluten-free baked goods, and their napkins, cups and lids are O-so-compostable! Masculine in its decor, O Cafe means business. The shop itself is lined with wood paneling that was recycled from previous building materials, and their counter top is made from the leftover wood from their tables and chairs. Talk about being good for the environment! Plus, the baristas are cappuccino masters. I was sold the minute I stepped into this cute little place.

  


A great place to be, with a friendly atmosphere and a really awesome location. The thing I can't wait to try next is their individual cup drip coffee! You watch them pour steaming water through an individual drip funnel right into your cup. But my favorite part of this cafe? Their book exchange shelf. It has a "take one, leave one" policy, so that coffee lovers and readers alike can share their love of literature in an open, honesty based system.


Located on the corner of 6th avenue and 13th street.

Nearest transit: L, B, D, F, M at 14th street.


Price - $$
Comparable to most coffee shops.

Quality- ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
4 out of 5 hearts may be a very generous first rating, but I've been so pleased with this place each time I go, that I feel most confident in my opinion.

Recommended: Banana and Brazil Nut Muffin. I'm a sucker for Brazil Nuts.

Yelp it at: http://www.yelp.com/biz/o-caf%C3%A9-manhattan-3

Or visit their website: http://www.ocafeny.com/index2.htm