Cup a advocacy

I have a confession. I happen to find Starbuck's breakfast blend to be a pretty decent cup a joe, especially when I'm still foggy from staying up late staring at a computer screen. But I also am a big believer in supporting local small businesses, and there's nothing like spending the afternoon or morning or late-night at your favorite local cafe.

When I lived in New York, I had several faves. All the names have fallen victim of red-wine mind rinsing over the years, but there was the place on, what was it, East 8th? (East of St. Mark's.) And there was the place on the Upper East Side, the tea room. I loved that place! And then there was a place across the street from St. John the Divine. I didn't really get into the Village proper scene. Just too busy, although there were a couple of places off Bleeker that were just great. And then there was the Opera Espresso. (I say "was" because I haven't been there for a few years now, and New York aint nuttin if it aint changin.)

Buy a cup of cappucino. Sip. Write or stare out the window.

Life was so simple then.

Anyway, if you like indie cafes, then do your part and use the Starbucks Delocator to let people know what alternatives to Starbuck's franchises they might find in your neighborhood. (Bloggers, post the link on your site, too. There's a Google bomb afoot.)

[via Carrie McLaren at Stay Free Magazine's blog]