Zibetto Espresso Bar

OK travellers. Here’s a warning. Getting a good cup of coffee in the US, isn’t always that easy. Yes, surprisingly from the country that gave us convenience in lifestyle, the hamburger, pizza and apple pie, quality coffee, at least the way Australians and Europeans know and enjoy it, isn’t easily available.

You need to know where to go and one place I’d highly recommend in New York is Zibetto, 1385 Sixth Ave, (near 56^thSt), run by my good friend Anastasios Nougos.

Being of Italian and Greek heritage, he saw an opportunity to provide the European coffee experience in a city he loved and set off to make it a reality. And what a revelation it has been.

Zibetto is an inconspicuous place that in only a few short years, has had a big impact on Midtown Manhattan. It’s one of those places we love and want to keep for ourselves.

Intimate, interesting, vibrant and where every visit makes you smile, don’t be concerned if it looks busy. It probably is but the service here is still friendlier, quicker and more efficient than those chain store coffee shops.

There are no seats, but to stand at the white marble bar and sip a Zibetto latte, espresso or cappuccino, transports you instantly to Italy, if only for a short time. Service comes with a smile (and a glass of water) by expert baristas who look for perfection in every coffee they make.

The coffee is smooth, sumptuous, rich and just delicious. Have a little biscotti (cookie) or cornetti (pastries with fruit filling or chocolate) or, if you’re there for lunch, one of the fantastic toasted homemade panino sandwiches.

And your host, Anastasios will make you feel at home no matter if you’re just visiting the city or a New York local.

While it’s early days, Zibetto is obviously making a bit of an impact. There’s already another one in the Financial District at 102 Fulton (near Williams) for those who want their Zibetto ‘fix’ downtown and though it only opened in March 2006, it’s Midtown store has already had a few minor style touch ups, enhancing its’ homely feel.

I’m a long way from New York and perhaps a little biased, but I yearn for some time standing at the bar at Zibetto and delighted that people from all over the world, feel the same way. Try it and you won’t be disapppointed.

Zibetto (Midtown):1385 Sixth Ave (btwn 56^th and 57^thSts), New York

Zibetto (WTC): 102 Fulton St, New York (near William)

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