SMITTEN BY TEA
I’m sitting in my new favorite “office space” right now: argo tea in Columbus Circle. I’m a freelancer, meaning I have no office. I’m a street soldier, an urban vagabond, a road warrior if you may…I work “on-the-go.” And so, crucial to my daily grind is a space in which I can sit down for a few good hours with my laptop and just tap away. I get so much work done during my cafe excursions: everything from website overhauls to sister/sister skype sessions to dream-making and oh yes, emails! Starbucks used to be my spot but it’s also the spot for half of Manhattan’s freelancer and homeless population as well. So with the rise in it’s popularity, which I believe has also spurred the chain to begin boardng up it’s electrical outlets and bathrooms (has anyone else noticed this?!), I’ve been on the prowl for a new spot and argo tea is a diamond-in-the-rough just in the nick of time!
Free wi-fi is the first draw of this adorable chain. Then you notice outlets everywhere…even as part of the tables, people! This totally reminds me of Narita airport in Japan where outlets existed on the lounge seats. This is so progressive and welcomes the laptop community in this way! This is just the type of thinking that lends itself to the success of the likes of Bolt Bus, Central Park wifi, and all the other businesses who just “get it!” I’m a sucker for clever marketing and the ways in which argo tea has grossly overplayed the word “tea” is quite impressive to me. Argo tea is involved in “charitea;” they also have a “loyaltea” program; don’t forget a “biscotea” with your coffee!. Some might find it obnoxious…it makes me smile =).
What else makes me smile about this place? In no particular order:
- they serve bubble tea (hard to find outside of chinatown!)
- 54 cent refills (starbucks is the only other place I knew of that did this!)
- sangria tea (no alcohol, but genius)
- organic coffee (i’m on an organic kick, so this did it for me!)
- they recycle (they even have a sign that really breaks it down!)
- plugs galore (in full view, you’re welcome to “plug in!”)
- charming (like the Trader Joe’s of coffeeshops!)
- live music (yes, believe it…and they do it well!)
- a welcoming bathroom (a rarity in Manhattan)
So, I’m probably shootin’ myself in the foot by promoting this place, but hey, that’s how I do!
CHELSEA PIERS, BABY!
In other news, if you read in an earlier post, I had auditioned for a spin instructor position at the incredible facility Chelsea Piers! After not hearing after for two weeks, I had relegated myself to the “reject” list. I had mourned it, accepted it, and laid it to rest, believing that there are bigger fish to fry, that God has a plan, and that all things happen for a reason. Then, last night! An e-mail on my phone that elicited a shriek, a reflexive hug to the person next to me (luckily it was BJ!), and then a sigh of contentment. That evening, I ogled over their website, envisioning myself sunning on their deck, swimming in their Olympic pool, and getting PAID! I’m very happy to be simply on the sub list…I’m subbing as soon as next week and in a matter of time, will have my own class…that’s the plan. =)
