Friday, August 23, 2013

The Greatest Invention Of Human Kind

We have another winner from Gary and it has to do with one of my newest interests - bikes!  Here's the scoop from him on his latest find in the Fort Greene neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York.
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In my never-ending quest for coffee nirvana, I find myself at this place - 
Red Lantern Bicycles in Brooklyn, NY!

I'm "into" coffee, bikes, and beer, and THIS place had all three.

Oh, and nut milk...but more on that later.
THE BIKES
Red Lantern sells used and new bikes like a zillion other places, but what made this shop stand out, was the sight of people rolling their bikes inside and grabbing a coffee while the repairs were being done.

Usually you drop your bike off while an overworked/underpaid bike mechanic takes a week to get to it.  Not here. Everyone was so relaxed and laid back even though they were working steadily on your bike.

Drinking fancy pants coffee while getting your spokes replaced?  How civilized!

THE BEER
There were a couple of guys drinking Pabst at the bar.  Gross. Nothing against PBR, but it's a horrible beer. It seems to have gained a following with younger people trying to appear "blue collar".

Hell, I'm a truck driver and I only drink Belgian Beers brewed by Trappist monks in the Himalayas.  [Salena's note:  Sounds like Gary is a little hifalutin', huh?  I knew there was a reason I liked him!] 

Like everything else in life, you get what you pay for and unfortunately, the beer selection here was weak.

THE COFFEE
Every concoction you could think of, with the inclusion of something very special - Nut Milk.

I've been to a zillion coffee shops and have never seen nut milk on the menu anywhere except here. Apparently they use raw nuts, soak them, and then press them to produce the nut milk.

I had the Cortado - espresso plus steamed milk - made with the almond nut milk. It was so good! The almond added a whole new layer of flavor to the drink, which ultimately was very well balanced.  The flavoring wasn't over the top, it was just right.  Perfect.

I used to think Manhattan was the epicenter of all things New York until I discovered Brooklyn. I really like Brooklyn and have just started to explore the different neighborhoods within the borough.

Red Lantern Bicycles was a true find and I can't wait to go back.


Red Lantern Bicycles
345 Myrtle Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205
347.889.5338

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I don't know how Gary finds these little joints, but I'm pretty sure in this case it's because he was fearless.  And by that I mean, willing to take a bike into New York City.

I don't know if I'm quite there yet, but if you're an intrepid explorer like he is, give this place a whirl and report back. 

As for me, I might just take the safe public transportation route and get myself a frothy almond cappuccino.



~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

2012: I Can Haul Yer Explosives And Stuff
2011: That Bitch Irene Is Trying To Ruin My Vacation
2010: Licking Our Chops
2009: I’ll Start Working On That Sarcasm Font Right Away
2008: False Security
2007: Protecting The Posies
2006: Asking Too Much
2005: Slotsa Money

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Gary need's his own blog. He could call it what else, Gary's Gem's. Coffee and bicycling, two of my favorite things. Thanks.

M.T. in Missouri

Gary said...

Thanks MT ! Salena is gracious enough to let me guest blog post on occasion, and that's enough for me ! I really don't know how she does this on a daily basis. It's difficult to find subject matter, photos and inspiration everyday while your working as well. It is enjoyable and an honor to be able to share my "gems" with TDR readers on occasion. Salena "Rocks" the daily trucker blog world !

Gil said...

You sure are right about Brooklyn becoming a place to go. I wouldn't mind hitting the bike store and some of the nice ethnic places like the Polish Club!!! No more bike riding for me. Well, except for stationary ones, but I do like coffee. My son and his bride also do almond milk. In fact, I think that he has made some.

Anonymous said...

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Jamie Miller said...

That is a lot of bikes!