It may come as a surprise but yes, there is a day recognizing one of our favorite caffeinated beverages.

In 2014, the International Coffee Organization declared October 1^st as International Coffee Day, with National Coffee Day being celebrated two days earlier on September 29^th. Both days give coffee lovers an occasion to celebrate their favorite beverage, which just so happens to be the most consumed drink in the world, as well as a great way to learn more about this ancient drink.

With a very long history, the start of coffee can be traced back to around 700 AD. As time progressed, so did coffee itself, receiving more attention and eventually progressing into the drink it is today. These days the caffeinated beverage is regarded as one of the greatest crops. It’s safe to say, coffee lovers have been enjoying their favorite “Cup O’ Joe” for a very long time!

If you are an avid coffee drinker, then you know what it feels like to smell the aroma of a freshly brewed pot. Day in and day out people all over the world wake up anticipating that first sip. Whether you need that first cup the moment you wake up, to get the day started, or even to help you make it through the day, there are so many ways to enjoy all of the different kinds of blends.

Did you know….

• The U.S. spends more than $40 billion on coffee each year and on average, Americans drink about 146 billion cups of coffee every year? That’s a lot of coffee! In addition, 64% of adults consume coffee daily, with the average person drinking approximately 3.1 cups per day.
• Coffee also works as an anti-stress substance thanks in part to the dopamine and serotonin. Caffeine is one of the most common stimulators of the central nervous system and for some people having a cup of coffee calms their nerves. For others, just the smell alone can do the trick.
• Another perk, it’s actually good for you! Coffee has many powers – it can wake you up, aide you in being more productive, and has some good health effects. It’s also a great source of antioxidants.According to a health publishing study conducted by Harvard, coffee drinker’s tend to live longer and have a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
• You’ve heard the saying, a “Cup O’ Joe,” but did you ever wonder, “who’s Joe?” During President Woodrow Wilson’s presidency, Navy secretary Josephus Daniels banned alcohol from all warships during WW1. Sailers needed a replacement and coffee was it. Sarcastically, they called it “Cup of Jospeh.”
• Right after water, coffee is the most consumed beverage. It is also the second and largest traded commodity, right after crude oil.

Nowadays, there are many different kinds of coffee to choose from. Whether you enjoy a latte, a cappuccino, an espresso, or maybe an Americano, the different blends, strengths, and flavors provide coffee lovers with an array of options.

With National Coffee Day right around the corner, what better way to celebrate than to try a a new coffee inspired recipe, a new flavor, or even a completely different brew than you normally drink.

Along with the larger coffee chains, there are many wonderful local coffee shops where you can grab your favorite brew. Brooklyn is filled with endless choices so ask around, check out your neighbored, or do a search online to discover some of the borough’s popular spots and hidden gems. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a few local shops to help you celebrate the day.

Sey Coffee – Located in the East Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, the cafe offers coffee lovers a unique experience. With it’s bright and airy atmosphere, this contemporary micro roastery serves a variety of the most dynamic and complex coffee selections.  18 Grattan Street, Brooklyn, NY 11206

Brooklyn Perk – Serving up peace, love, and unity along with their coffee, this local coffee shop, located in the Prospect Lefferts-Gardens section of Brooklyn offers cool vibes and a wide assortment of caffeinated beverages to choose from, along with a selection of sweet treats. 605 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11225

Cup of Joe Coffee Co. – This vintage-inspired boutique coffee shop offers its customers the feel of a neighborhood cafe with the convenience of a quick service shop. Here you’ll find only the highest quality beans that are freshly roasted to perfection. 7407 5th Avenue, Brooklyn,NY  11209

Social House Cafe – This Williamsburg cafe offers not only an array of different coffees (the beans are imported directly from Italy) but their fall lattes, which include Nutella, lavender, and white chocolate, are the talk of the neighborhood. Along with your coffee, you can pick up a delicious French pastry or take a seat and enjoy a dish from their brunch menu. 60 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY  11249

Pep Bakehouse and Coffee Shop – With four locations within Brooklyn, Pep Bakehouse and Coffee Shop is a true artisan bakery, serving up fresh croissants and pastries daily using only fresh, local, and natural ingredients. And when it comes to their coffees, they work with the best Italian and Columbian manufacturers. From the wide assortment of baked goods, chances are you won’t be leaving empty-handed.

To help celebrate this caffeinated holiday, the Brooklyn MLS has teamed up with some local coffee businesses in bringing you some of the finest roasts. From September 29th – October 1st, we’ll be giving away one coffee basket per day. Participants will have the chance to win one of the following three:

• BKG Coffee Roasters: BKG Brew Kit (v60 pour over, coffee filters, two bags of coffee-$40)
• Brooklyn Roasting Company: Winter Gift Set (two tins of seasonal winter blend coffee and a mug-$40)
• Variety Coffee Roasters: v60 Kit (Hario v60 brewer, coffee filters, and a box of coffee-$40)

To enter, follow the Brooklyn MLS on Instagram and Facebook. Like our post, comment, tag a friend or two (more tags = more entries). Share the post to your Instagram story for extra entries!

 

However and wherever you choose to celebrate, Happy National Coffee Day!

 

If there is one thing, we can all agree on is, this year has been like no other. Throughout almost all of 2020, things have looked a bit different and this holiday season is no exception.

 

As we brace for a potential second wave of COVID-19 shutdowns here in New York City, independent businesses, along with the local eateries, have shifted the way in which they operate. They have faced profound challenges throughout the year and have all had to creatively come up with different strategies to stay afloat.

 

Operating a lot differently than they’re used to has been tough, especially during the holiday season. With so much uncertainty looming ahead, it is extremely important to continue supporting the people and places we enjoy frequenting year-round.

 

Along with making customers happy, the locally owned businesses play a huge role in the economy as well as the community, moving both forward in a positive way. The success of one local business can have a trickle effect – if a business is doing well, they’ll need to hire additional staff or employees, and in turn, will look towards the community to fill those roles.

 

When shopping local, over 65 percent more of the dollar stays right in the local community compared to shopping online. Supporting these types of businesses helps keep stores open and their employees employed. Another reason why it’s important to support our local “neighbors.”

 

As we focus in on the good we can do as a community, we can support our local shops, even if it’s in a slightly different way then we’re used to. If you’re wondering how, consider some of the following ideas:

 

• Order take out / delivery from your neighborhood eateries – indoor dining may be on pause but you can still enjoy a delicious meal from some of your favorite restaurants. Some restaurants have even come up with unique ways in which to make outdoor dining work as we head into the colder months.
• Shop your local businesses online – most stores have a website so check first before searching for what you need from a big box retailer or an e-commerce shop.
• Buy gift cards – whether it’s a restaurant or another type of store, purchasing a gift card is always a good idea. Many small businesses and restaurants offer these so instead of grabbing that Starbucks card, check first with your local coffeeshop to see what they offer.
• Share on social media – these days most people share just about everything on social media so why not show your favorite local businesses some love on your feed? See a post your favorite boutique puts up, like it, maybe even re-share it. If you make any purchases, consider sharing a few photos and tag the business. Order out a good meal, why not leave a review for the restaurant and your followers to check out? These all seem like small gestures but to the local owners, they are everything.

 

As we are days away from the holiday, there is still time to grab those last-minute gifts. Brooklyn neighborhoods are bustling with local shops and we’re sharing just a small sample of what the borough has to offer:

• Yesterday’s News Antiques & Collectibles – Since 2001 this store has been bringing their love of vintage collectibles to Court Street. From furniture, to jewelry, to home goods, you never know what “vintage” treasures you may uncover. 428 Court Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231
• Brooklyn Candle Studio – Handmade right here in Brooklyn, this local candle shop in Sunset Park has been creating beautiful scents for the past seven years. They offer a wide variety of products to choose from and all of their candles are eco-friendly, 100% vegan, and beautiful packaged.
• Books Are Magic – Located in the Cobble Hill section of Brooklyn, this independent bookstore caters to both young and adult readers. Established in 2017, the owners believe that no neighborhood should be without a bookstore. That’s why following the closing of a long-time neighborhood favorite they decided to bring back the magic of books to their neighborhood. 225 Smith Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231
• Homebody Boutique – If you’re looking for something creative and unique either as a gift or even for yourself, look no further than this Park Slope boutique. They offer an eclectic variety of handcrafted, one-of-a-kind items. 449 7th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215
• Brooklyn Brew Shop – It may be difficult these days to hang out at your favorite neighborhood pub, but that doesn’t mean you can’t bring the brewery to you. The Brooklyn Brew Shop has everything you need to make your beer right at home. With a wide variety of kits to choose from, there is something for everyone looking to brew their own spirits. 20 Jay Street, Brooklyn NY 11201

 

In addition to grabbing gifts (or even something for yourself) from these and other independent shops, remember to also check out your local eateries. Whether you’re looking for a meal for two, catering for a bit more guests, in search of some delicious desserts, coffees, or teas, check out some of these local spots:

• Oregano – Handmade pasta and wood fire pizza along with gluten free and vegan options make this Williamsburg Italian eatery a great selection. You can also order with Doordash and Grubhub. 102 Berry Street, Brooklyn, NY 11249
• Ho’Brah – Amongst the hustle and bustle of Bay Ridge you’ll find this local taco joint serving up California-style tacos, burritos and other Mexican small plates and cocktails. 8618 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11209
• Hometown Bar-B-Que– With locations in Red Hook and Industry City, meat lovers can look forward to some Brooklyn Style BBQ. After the dishes are smoked, the flavors are manipulated to create dishes that represent the flavor profiles found in this diverse, multi-cultural city. From Vietnamese wings, to Jerk Baby Back Ribs, and Fried Korean sticky ribs, the menu offers some great dining choices. 454 Van Brunt Street Brooklyn, NY 11231 / 87 35th Street, Brooklyn NY  11232
• Brooklyn Tea – Tea lovers rejoice! This local tea shop in the Bedford Stuyvesant neighborhood offers over a selection of 60 different options along with sweet treats to compliment your cup! 524 Nostrand Avenue, Brooklyn, NY
• The Chocolate Room – Located in Cobble Hill, this is a chocolate lovers dream. From delicious chocolate treats to their famous dark hot chocolate accompanied by their famous homemade marshmallows, this dessert cafe will leave you wanting to order one of everything. The good news is they offer online ordering as well as online gift cards. 269 Court Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231

 

As we close out a year that has been difficult for so many people, remember we can help make a difference by choosing small businesses.

With every holiday season comes the opportunity to spread love and cheer by giving back to the local citizens in our community. For many people, the holidays are a difficult time of year, and as a result of the current health crisis, 2020 has been especially hard on our neighbors who are experiencing poverty, hunger, and even homelessness.

 

We’ve also seen many families separated, loved ones in nursing homes isolated, unable to receive visitors, and the elderly who live alone are unable to leave their homes. This holiday season, helping those in need is more important than ever. Without our volunteers, so many of the programs available would not be possible. Whether it’s helping to pack or deliver meals, donating blood, even contributing a monetary donation, every giving gesture counts.

 

Becoming a volunteer brings about an opportunity to connect with people in your neighborhood and leaves you with a sense of purpose. It also brings a sense of teamwork and camaraderie to an organization. Giving back to others happens all year round, but the holidays are always a good time to take stock in all that you have been afforded and to pay it forward. Seeing the smiles on the faces of your neighbors or someone you’ve only just met is priceless; knowing an act of kindness is going to bring joy to another human is a gift unto itself.

 

Every city has its own volunteer opportunities, and here in Brooklyn there are many ways in which residents can give back to their community.

 

Whether you’re a first-time volunteer or someone who gives back often, we’ve put together a list of local organizations who can greatly use your help, especially during this upcoming holiday season.

ChiPs – Since around 1971, this Brooklyn soup kitchen and homeless shelter for young women and their infants has been supported by a community of neighbors, friends, and volunteers, all looking to give back to those in need.

 

Due to the current health crisis, in-person volunteer opportunities are on a very limited basis with strict requirements put in place. Despite the changes, takeaway meals will be handed out on Thanksgiving Day between the hours of 11:30am – 2pm for those in need of a hot holiday meal.

Heart of Dinner – Co-Founders and romantic partners, Moonlyn Tsai, a NYC based chef and restaurateur, and Yin Chang, actor and founder of the podcast, 88 Cups of Tea, launched the #LOVINGCHINATOWN Covid-19 relief initiative to counter the racism and isolation the Asian-American immigrant elderly have been experiencing throughout the pandemic.

Hot meals, along with care packages that include fresh produce and pantry essentials along with bulk essentials are provided on a weekly basis to those in need, with a heavy focus on the homebound elderly in Chinatown, Brooklyn, and Queens.

 

Included with the deliveries are handwritten notes written in Chinese and Korean and brown bags illustrated with messages of love and support. To aid in the relief efforts, volunteers can get involved by donating, delivering meals, illustrating brown bags, and supplying heartfelt notes.

Neighbor’s Together – This Brooklyn-based soup kitchen provides food and social services five days a week and is committed to ending hunger and poverty in some of  Brooklyn’s lower income neighborhoods.

 

This holiday season, they’ve launched their annual “Thirty Thanksgivings Campaign” which raises funds for meals served between Thanksgiving and the end of the year. All of the donations made between now and December 31st will help provide more than 1,500 healthy meals to neighbors each week. In addition, all donations made to the campaign on Giving Tuesday will be matched.

 

On Thanksgiving Day, a celebratory holiday meal will be offered. As a result of COVID-19, all meals are currently served “to-go.”

 

New York Cares – Since 1987, New York Cares has been mobilizing volunteers in response to pressing community needs. Their coat drive initiative has helped to raise more than two million coats. This year they are focusing in on providing coats to communities most affected by the pandemic. With every $20 donated, a new coat is purchased for someone in need.

 

Other volunteer opportunities include packing pantry bags, delivering meals for seniors, etc, all which can be found on their website

Maimonides Medial Center – Along with other medical centers throughout the borough, hospitals are another great place to consider both donating and volunteering your time. While they are the largest hospital in Brooklyn, Maimonides, located in Borough Park, has many different opportunities to get involved.

 

Along with monetary donations to various programs within the hospital, some additional ways in which local residents can contribute is through blood donations (temporary shortages are not uncommon during the holiday season), plasma donations, as well as supplies and other needed equipment.

 

If you’d like to contribute to Maimonides, or any other hospital in Brooklyn, the best place to find information on what is needed and how you can get involved is on their website.

Rescue City – During this time, it’s important that we also remember our four-legged friends who are always in need of support, not just at the holidays.

 

In an effort to protect the dogs who are abandoned and abused, Brooklyn-based rescue group, “Rescue City,” works tirelessly to place loving pups in their “fur-ever” home. Their mission is to save the lives of dogs in desperate need wherever they are located and to spread public awareness against animal cruelty and overpopulation.

 

In order to achieve their goal, they are always in need of donations to help make their mission a success. Donations can help feed and medically care for the pups until they are adopted. Other volunteer opportunities include lending time to roles that are a bit more “behind the scenes.” To learn more about how you can get involved check out their website.

 

Regardless of whether you decide to get involved by making monetary donations to causes and organizations most important to you or if you’re able volunteer your time in person, being able to help others less fortunate is what the holiday season is truly all about.