I grabbed a latte and a croissant to go a few days ago — it’s something I’ve done several mornings a week before the COVID-19 pandemic.
I posted a picture in the group chat my friends, and I created, but no one responded. We usually share our morning smoothie, homemade lunches and dinners, bits and pieces of our day for a few laughs or a bit of encouragement.
The next day I received a call “I’m so surprised you’re still eating for restaurants and coffee shops — with all that’s going on, it’s so dangerous, I thought you were making your coffee at home.” And that was the first of several messages I’d received throughout the day with the same sentiment.
My friends are terrified, and so are many others. People are worried, and that’s understandable, but I do believe it’s safe to order my favorite coffee and pastry. I see it as a way of supporting my community — my purchases and those of others are infusing money into our local coffee shops. It’s great for them and the economy.
With proper precautions, I don’t believe there’s any harm in supporting your community. Of course, necessary precautions should be taken, i.e., hand washing, etc. — but I think we’re ok. I dislike saying it, but the truth is food is not the problem — people are.
Many coffee shops are offering delivery and pickup, and many are wondering if it’s safe to eat food prepared outside of their homes. Yes, it’s a scary time, but we all have our favorite coffee shops, and we’re familiar with the cleanliness or lack thereof.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states there is no evidence of the fact that food prepared outside the home can transmit COVID-19. Although COVID-19 is a new virus — the coronavirus is not. Many studies have been done, and there is no implication of food-borne transmission.
So meet me at Cup of Brooklyn – ok wave to me as we grab our Lavender Lattes to go.
Here are five Coffee Shops offering Grab and Go or Delivery.
Bedstuy/Bushwick — 1071B Gates Avenue
718-552-2221 — Open from 9 AM to 2 PM for grab and go.
Flatbush — 1119 Newkirk Avenue
718-513-0441 — Open from 7 AM to 8 PM for delivery or takeout.
Prospect Heights — 732 Washington Avenue
347-240-7281 — Open from 6 AM to 6 PM for delivery and takeout.
Dumbo — 55 Prospect Street
718-373-6858 — Open from 8 AM to 4 PM for pickup and delivery.
South Slope — 639 5th Avenue
929-301-5535 — Open Monday – Friday 9AM to 3:30 PM + Saturday & Sunday 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM for curbside pickup.
Roots Cafe is adapting to our current norm and is finding ways to support their community. They are now operating as a Food Pantry, Soup Kitchen and Coffee Shop. Providing free vegan chili and grilled cheese as well as pantry items. Stop by grab a cup of coffee and a bite — drop off canned/dried goods to help to their efforts.
Support your community — support your local coffee shops.
Cheers
XXOO
Nat
