Tag: Coffee

Bite Into The Tastiest of Treats

If you haven’t heard, Utica has gained a newly beloved bakery. With its grand opening being shy of just one month ago, Bite Bakery has captured local Utica residents tremendously fast. Operated and owned by Jason Allen-Leonard, Douglas Allen-Leonard and Angela Brown. These three entrepreneurs teamed up to deliver more than an average bakery. With coffee shops and bakeries located all over, Bite Bakery has everything all in one setting. Not to mention their rustic modern cafe style makes you feel like you’re in a New York City setting with the view of Genesee street and downtown Utica in plain sight.

Specializing in breakfast, lunch and coffee cuisine, Bite also offers numerous baked goods including soft delicious cookies, a variety of different flavored cupcakes, including seasonal deserts, just in time for holiday celebrations, scones and pastries and everyone’s favorite; delicious warm cinnamon buns, that will surely melt in your mouth.

Trust me, they will. The aroma of coffee grounds mixed with cookies and bread when you first walk in will leave you itching for a cup to wash all the baked goodness down. But the menu doesn’t stop there. If breakfast isn’t what your looking for Bite offers lunch specials from wraps and sandwiches to fresh soups and salads. With their motto being simple, fresh and delicious, they sure live up to those standards. Stop in today and try it our for yourself. Bite Bakery is open 7 days a week and is located on 53 Franklin Square.

Tramontane Cafe: A local favorite

The fall season is here and it shows promise that the bitter cold is here to stay for awhile.

That’s no surprise to us folks who live in Upstate, New York we’re immune to the cold, but that doesn’t mean we can’t hold back on warming up with a little something special. The first sip of coffee sure is something to look forward to. It warms my soul, perks me up right away and as a college student, coffee is what gets me and many other students through the day.

As a native of Utica, I’m all about finding new local hang-out spots. I believe there is so much more to Utica than what meets the eye. One thing I know for sure is, coffee spots are a definite favorite here.. and I’m not talking about corporate chains such as Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks, which are great for on the go runs, but the local ran cafe’s all over Utica are what make the city unique.

One cafe in particular that caught my eye was the Tramontane Cafe. The Cafe also known as “The Tram” is a local favorite because of the uniqueness and entertainment it has to offer. With funky, bohemian and vintage furniture including couches and lamps and humorous wall art bouncing off the walls. The Tram makes it feel like your in the comfort of a family lounge.

Owned and operated by Robin Raabe and Garrett Ingraham, The Tram has been open since 2008 and was rated Utica’s 4th best coffee house, but if you haven’t heard of it, you are not alone. It took me awhile to find it. Tramontane Cafe uses local coffee grounds and beans, mostly from the Finger Lakes and local produce as well. And If coffee isn’t your first go to, then have no fear because the cafe offers so much more than your ordinary cup of coffee. Whatever you’re wishing for, they have it. From latte’s, to chai tea, to homemade vegan soups, vegan burgers, salads, hummus, baked goods and sandwich melts, The Tram has it all. But it doesn’t stop there, when you stop in stick around for the events and entertainment. The Tram is open 7 days a week and offers nightly events including open-mic night, poetry night, story night and also has local band performers time to time. Stop on in and check it out for yourself. The Tram is located on 1105 Lincoln Ave. Just shy of Downtown Utica.

Utica Coffee Roasting Co.

“Can I start you off with something to drink?” is the first question you are asked when out to eat somewhere for the first time. Your first sip of Utica ought to be a signature one and Utica Coffee Roasting Co. is surely a hot spot. Utica Roasting sources the world’s highest quality coffee and roasting in Utica since the year 2005, according to its homepage.

“We’re committed to offering the highest quality coffee available from around the world- right here in downtown Utica.”

Utica Coffee Roasting also offers tea and sells brew kits, brewing supplies, apparel, and additional merchandises.

Utica Coffee Roasting also has what is known as Coffee of the Month Club. Members are sent two 10-ounce bags of Arabica coffee, single origins, blends or specialty origins every month. Customers can choose between being a part of the club for three months, six months or for an entire year. One must become a member before the fifth day of the month in order to begin that month or else the membership will not begin until the next month. Three months for $54, six months for $105, and 12 months for $204. A year-long membership will give you the lowest monthly price and those members will receive a free Utica mug.

Find more information on http://uticacoffeeroasting.com

The website also has additional videos and a blog. There you can also subscribe to Utica Roasting’s mailing list. You can keep up with the latest updates on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.