Plowshares

Plowshares Coffee

Sandwiched between a convenience store and liquor store, it would be easy to miss the narrow storefront of Plowshares Coffee Bloomingdale if it weren’t for the wafting smell of freshly roasted coffee drifting out the door. Named one of the top five coffee shops in New York City by Grub Street, Plowshares is a welcome addition to the Bloomingdale neighborhood.

Opened in 2014, the coffee shop on Broadway between 104th and 105th Street is owner Anthony Kurutz’s first retail cafe. Five years prior to the Bloomingdale shop, Kurutz founded Plowshares as a wholesale coffee roasting business, providing freshly roasted coffee and espresso to cafes and restaurants in and around New York City. Working out of a small roastery in the foothills of the Ramapo Valley in Hillburn, New York, Plowshares sources, roasts, and prepares unique coffees for its growing customer base.

Kurutz has brought his love and passion for coffee to Bloomingdale and has created a place for neighbors and visitors alike to interact. In his words,

“my favorite thing about doing business in this neighborhood has been discovering how many truly talented and interesting people live in our neighborhood.”

The front awning of Plowshares is proudly labeled with the name Bloomingdale, the neighborhood monicker dating back to the Dutch settlement of “Bloemendael” in this area in the 1600s. A resident of the neighborhood since 2000, Kurutz’s favorite local business, other than his own, is Absolute Bagels, just four blocks north of the cafe.

“There has definitely been an uptick in both the variety and quality of restaurants and drinking establishments in the neighborhood in recent years, however the diversity and social fabric that makes the Bloomingdale neighborhood interesting and appealing has remained largely in tact.”

The passion and talent of the staff at Plowshares are evident when you visit — they take pride in their work, preparing and serving consistently great espresso drinks and brewed coffee. During our visit, the barista crafted a picture perfect cortado that tasted as good as it looked. In addition to coffee, Plowshares also offers loose leaf teas, and a variety of pastries from some of the best bakers in the city, including Underwest Donuts, Colson Patisserie, and Ovenly. For those with dietary restrictions, a variety of vegan and gluten-free treats are also offered from Sans Bakery and Bakerlee Bakery.

Don’t miss the Nitro cold brew, a smoother and creamier alternative to regular iced coffee. Enjoy the friendly atmosphere and delicious coffee at Plowshares Bloomingdale — it may just become your new favorite stop.

Plowshares Coffee
2730 Broadway (btwn 104th/105th)
(212) 222-0280
Coffee Shop

feature by: Emily Edwards

Miss Mamies

Miss Mamies

Soul Food is a great draw for foodies the world over. Here in Bloomingdale, you don’t even need to leave the neighborhood for some of the best fixin’s around. Owner Norma Jean Darden runs Spoonbread Inc. one of the city’s premier catering kitchens. In October of 1997 she opened her passion project in Miss Mamie’s Spoonbread Too. In the years since, the Michelin recommended restaurant has become a neighborhood landmark and a proud favorite of mayors, former presidents, and neighborhood residents alike.

“The neighborhood has certainly grown since we opened and has really blossomed into one of the premier neighborhoods in New York.”

While the catering menu ranges between different cuisines, Miss Mamie’s is all about bringing the best of the south to our taste buds. They have classic New Orlean’s style flair in their Louisiana catfish and seafood gumbo. They serve a great Caribbean style Jerk as well as traditional Southern fried chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy. Norma Jean has decades of experience in our area and notes that “the neighborhood has certainly grown since we opened and has really blossomed into one of the premier neighborhoods in New York.” They have been excited to see such a thriving and diverse restaurant scene in the area and have been eager to have support all the new Bloomingdale Restaurants over the years!

Stop by their recently remodeled Southern Dining Room-style restaurant on 110th across the street from Morningside Park. Their lunch specials are difficult to beat and their famous Sunday Brunch will definitely need a reservation at the 50 seat restaurant. In fact there’s rarely a night when something special isn’t on offer, which is fitting at such a great neighborhood place.

Miss Mamie’s Spoonbread Too
364 Cathedral Parkway (110th)
(212) 865-6744
Soul Food
50 seats
Famous Sunday Brunch, Tuesday Tastings, Daily Bar Specials, Bake Sale 1/2 Price Desserts

feature by: Alex Zamudio

Tropical Sensation

Tropical Sensation

There is something special about island cuisine. Unique flavors grow while culinary ideas are exchanged. Tropical Sensation, which opened in the summer of 2008, is where these Flavors of the World meet. This family owned and run restaurant specializes in Tropical Spanish/Caribbean food with dishes from each of the islands and a weekly rotation of regional dishes that’ll have you island hopping without leaving Bloomingdale.

“We opened here because there is a great diversity in the neighborhood with old and new residents, people of all ages and from all over.”

“We opened here because there is a great diversity in the neighborhood with old and new residents, people of all ages and from all over” says owner Jose Clemente, who runs the restaurant with his wife Maria, and children Jose Jr. and Joseline. “The restaurant itself can seem roomy compared to other places in NYC that try to crunch in as many people as possible in tables barely inches apart.” They love the area and are happy to share a block with other established neighborhood favorites like Awash and Mama’s Pizza, as well as newcomers like the Ellington, Yasha Ramen, and La Toulousaine.

Come over to Tropical Sensation’s beautifully designed 60 seat dining room for a comfortable sit down meal, a daily lunch special, or a regional favorite. Several craftspeople were involved in decorating the space: with a mural painted by an artist from the Dominican Republic and a wood worker designing a custom 60 foot bench along the front wall of the restaurant. It’s a unique mix of crafts, traditions, and of course delicious food, that will have you coming back.

Tropical Sensation
953 Amsterdam Avenue
(212) 222-0098
Spanish/Latin Caribbean Restaurant
60 seats
Daily Lunch Specials, Happy Hour Specials

feature by: Alex Zamudio

Manhattan Brew & Vine

Manhattan Brew & Vine

Bloomingdale newcomer Manhattan Brew & Vine provides brings an exciting selection of wines and craft beers to their beautifully designed space on 109th and Columbus. Owner/partner Joseph Hargrave is quick to point out that it’s a great time to be doing business in Bloomingdale. “Our team is familiar with the neighborhood,” he says, “and we notice that crime is at an all-time low, new businesses are being welcomed by the community, and our local legislators are making a stronger effort to encourage growth.”

“The diversity of the business community encourages us to meet the standard for quality products and services that residents have come to expect.”

The northern end of Columbus Avenue is now home to a thriving cluster of restaurants that the welcoming MBV rounds out perfectly. “The diversity of the business community encourages us to meet the standard for quality products and services that residents have come to expect.” New specialty dine-in restaurants along Columbus and Amsterdam “create a buzzing environment for residents and businesses.” Joe enjoys frequenting neighbors Miss Mamie’s, Freda’s, and has a soft spot for his favorite: Mama’s Pizza on 106th and Amsterdam.

Manhattan Brew & Vine seats 50 and serves a varied selection of 44 hand-selected wines and 29 craft beers that pair with the chef-inspired tasting menu to truly offer something for everyone. It’s the perfect place for a special occasion or a Happy Hour after a long day’s work. Feel free to ask manager Ralphie Mercado questions about what is on offer, interesting flavor pairings, and suggestions for what to try next time!

Manhattan Brew & Vine
998 Columbus Avenue
(646) 964-4091
Lounge
50 seats table
Happy Hour, Special events

feature by: Alex Zamudio