As a native manhattanite and enthusiastic consumer of high-end chocolate, I have obviously been to many of the recommended drinkeries. In fact my parents house, on 16th and 6th, is deliciously located at the very core of NYC’s molten chocolate goodness. Though I’m a huge fan of such indulgence, I find the super thick hot chocolate from City Bakery almost impossible to finish. My friend Max recommends sharing a cup among 3 friends, but I have qualms about three dudes sitting around sharing a cup of melted chocolate.

According to the article, nearby Tisserie offers a more diluted brew. Unfortunately I’ve only gotten a chance to try their brownies (they were fabulous!). Instead recommend Tarallucci e Vino (also in the area), which the article failed to mentioned. Their hot chocolate is still fairly thick, but much easier to stomach, plus it has a wonderful chocolate pudding taste to it. If you’re on a budget, you can also try walking over to Whole Foods and popping a cup of chocolate pudding in their microwave. If that doesn’t work out, don’t worry, Chocolate by the Bald Man is around the corner.

And so concludes this super masculine post about New York’s gourmet hot chocolate. I think I’m going to go shoot a gun or something.

I don’t know if this is a nationwide (or even citywide) decision, but I’m concerned that the popularity of cinnamon dolce is significantly enhanced by the fact that if you order a cinnamon latte, you often get a cinnamon dolce latte anyway. At best the cashier will ask you if you want cinnamon, or cinnamon dolce. Shocking I know, especially since cinnamon dolce was originally introduced a few years ago as a seasonal drink. Unfortunately it was reintroduced this year, constantly hindering my ability to order my preferred Starbucks beverage.

Every time you drink a cup of our premier quality, perfectly roasted, fairly traded coffee, you’re contributing to a positive movement for change in this country.

The idea struck one Saturday morning during a coffee-and-donuts run for the rest of the family. Standing in line, we started talking politics. “Wouldn’t it be great,” [my son] Drew commented, studying the elaborate menu, “if profits from all of these lattes could be channeled into great causes?”

It made sense. People wouldn’t need to find more time or spend more money. They could enjoy the highest quality coffee and support the progressive causes our community cares about

After reading this, I was immediately less excited about Blue State Coffee. I like progressive politics as much of the next Rhode Islander, but why the hell does it “make sense” to link a coffee to progressive causes? You could have the exact same thought at a tire yard. The whole concept struck me as a highly questionable business decision.

By late June my enthusiasm was partially renewed. I found out that a former bartender from Brown’s own GCB would be managing the shop. In mid-July though, things took a second turn for the worse. When walking by, my housemate and I spotted large amounts of brushed metal being installed. This did not compare favorably with the wood interior of the Coffee Exchange, the gold standard for East Side coffee.

A few weeks ago I returned from New York to discover that Blue State Coffee had opened its doors. Given the emotional roller coaster ride leading up to this moment, you can imagine how excited I was to try some (probably even more excited than you are right now reading about it). I ordered a latte, and although the texture was excellent, the coffee itself tasted a bit watery. The next day I went to good ol’ Starbucks and that latte didn’t taste very good either. I decided I’d been tainted by Joe back in NYC.

Since Blue State Coffee seemed more likely to switch things up than Starbucks, I went back the following week and found the coffee dramatically improved. I’ve been back several times since, and I dare say their latte’s are superior (and certainly stronger) than anywhere else by Brown. Also, they have have baked goods from Seven Stars, which is nice, plus free WiFi, outdoor seating and biodegradable cups. Now that they’ve won me over, they’d better survive long enough for me to get my degree.

Update (10/2/07): I just found out that my blog is the 5th result when you google “Blue State Coffee”. Since I’ve been to Blue State many times since writing this post I figured I owed them some additional positivity.

Blue State is definitely my favorite work/hangout spot on Thayer street. They’ve expanded their menu a bit as it now includes cider. They also recently put artwork on display, hopefully benefiting a deserving local artist. Even better they were playing Night Ripper by Girl Talk earlier today. This album is great, and I dare say unlikely to be heard at less liberal establishments. Finally I’m a big fan of their mocha, a drink that’s definitely lacking at Starbucks. Hooray for progressive caffeine!