Like any neighborhood in New York City, Forest Hills has its share of cafes and restaurants. But where do you go when you need an array of healthy foods, high-quality coffee, morning and afternoon pick-me-up fresh juices and desserts – all in one spot?
Poesie Cafe on Metropolitan Avenue.
Alexandra and her husband Chetan are owners of Poesie Cafe. This hard-working duo named their cafe poesie, a French word for poetry. It’s a cafe that exudes old world charm in the new world – friendly, accepting vibe and a strong sense of community.
Alexandra will cook anything you want! Her regular customers treat the cafe like their ‘kitchen’ and Alexandra, their personal chef. One customer asked for chia seed pudding with freshly cut fruits, and Alexandra made it. Poesie Cafe will be a place where all are welcome, all day long, for breakfast, lunch, dinner and soon for happy hour too.
The couple’s initial plan was to have a spot for macarons and coffee, but their vision expanded when they landed at the current location. Poesie Cafe is a full-fledged cafe. Alexandra, a coffee enthusiast, serves coffee by Julius Meinl, a 150-year-old coffee company from Vienna, Austria. On the menu are macchiato, espresso, ristretto, cappuccino, latte, mixto, Americano, iced coffee and more.
Alexandra and Chetan are inspired by healthy eats and are committed to having a cafe where everyone can come in and eat tasty and healthy food. They get their cooking inspiration from a French cooking method known as “sous vide.” Sous vide means under vacuum, where food is placed in an air-tight container and cooked inside temperature-controlled water. This method of cooking was invented in the 70s and food is never in contact with direct flame. It’s known to be healthier and the meat more tender and juicier.
Nothing is pre-made in Poesie Cafe. All sandwiches and salads are custom-made to order. The cakes are from Balthazar in Manhattan and Omonia Cafe in Astoria. In the morning, bagel lovers can grab a bagel and coffee to go.
Most of New York City’s cafes are often crammed and over-crowded. Poesie Cafe has 22 seats and offers lots of room for customers to sit and relax. There are many electrical outlets for laptops or phones. Wi-Fi is readily available too. Outdoor seats are available when the weather gets a little warmer.
On weekends, Poesie Cafe offers brunch for the whole family. Brunch starts at 10 am and ends at 3 pm. Customers get to build their own healthy lunch for just $14.95 per person. It includes an appetizer, a main course, and two drinks.
Alexandra and Chetan also provide a family-friendly environment where kids are free to pick up a book to read or play a board game. Family Painting Workshop and Lantern Making were some of the past events they had at the cafe. More events are in the works at Poesie Cafe. Check their Facebook page for updated information.
If you’re looking for mealtime possibilities during the week or on weekends, for yourself or your whole family, go to Poesie Cafe on Metropolitan Avenue.
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