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vixxscifiwritings · 4 years ago

Text

lilac melancholy

Length - 4590 words

Characters - Hongbin x Sanghyuk, VIXX Ensemble

Rating - Teen and Up

Summary - Sanghyuk wonders bitterly if he has loved Hongbin or if he has regretted him longer.

Tag List - @tomatoholmes @merlionmen @seraphistols @k-craze-97 @blossomtearsleo

The days that pass by are drowsy, packed with heat and the roaring noise of factory machines from the mills three blocks over. The posters peel off the electricity pole, revealing the maroon red rusting beneath. A single touch would result in your skin burning from the ferrous substrate.

The power is gone once again, like it usually was during the afternoons. Hongbin watches as Sanghyuk flips through the pages of the copy of Sputnik Sweetheart , stolen from his older brother’s bookshelf. Sanghyuk is too young to understand these stories, his brother insists. What does a thirteen year old know of people feeling melancholy and emptiness from unrequited love and unattachment?

Hongbin likes to think that he knows. There is a far away look in his eyes now, an emptiness inside him ever since his mother finally up and left. His father abandons all pretenses of the family being together and stops coming home entirely that one fateful night in April. At fifteen, Hongbin understands melancholy and loneliness in ways Sanghyuk’s brother thinks Sanghyuk won’t.

“You’re doing that thinking thing again” Sanghyuk points out and Hongbin hums. It is June now and it is far too hot for Hongbin to sling his arms around Sanghyuk’s waist and bury his face in his shoulder to hide the emotions that are always on display on his face. He hates that the most about himself even if he feels safe enough in Sanghyuk’s presence.

“It’ll be good if you thought in a while too” Hongbin retorts, letting the sassy facade take over. How many times can he be sad about the same things till Sanghyuk gives up on consoling him?

“Are you thinking about your mother?”

“What makes you say that?”

“It was her birthday yesterday. I saw you looking at the calendar you have hidden away under your mattress” Sanghyuk confesses. His voice is still high pitched and hasn’t grown deep the way Hongbin’s has. In his childlike voice, everything sounds naive and innocent and Hongbin always forgives him for it. There is not much room to hide secrets in this sixteen by twenty feet room they share.

“It’s okay to miss her,” Sanghyuk adds, putting his arm around Hongbin’s waist. Hongbin turns to his left to look at Sanghyuk. His face is only a few inches from his own and his gaze is steady, searching for the answers to the complex maze of emotions that Hongbin himself does not have.

“I don’t want to miss her. Not when everyone knows she doesn’t miss me” Hongbin says. It’s commendable that the anger and bitterness he has kept bottled up doesn’t explode vehemently into those lines. The feelings flood his mind every time the topic is brought up and Hongbin does his best to stop the flow of emotions with the success of duct tape holding together a pipe bursting at its seams.

“Okay” Sanghyuk says. His actions are different from his words because he pulls Hongbin in and holds him and lets Hongbin bury his face in Sanghyuk’s neck like he always does. He kisses the back of Hongbin’s head and pats his back and lets Hongbin intertwine his legs with his own and holds him despite the stuffy heat. The sun shines angrily on the dry ground outside but Hongbin thinks he only has a grey misty sky clouding his mind.

“Will you leave me when you grow up?” Hongbin asks Sanghyuk. Sanghyuk’s brother will leave in September. He’ll go to a reputed college on the other side of the country and that will be one more person in his found family who does not come back home regularly.

“You’re older than me. You’ll be the one who leaves first” Sanghyuk reminds him.

“Kiss me” Hongbin asks in lieu of replying. Those are demons he harbours for darker days. Hongbin is selfish that way. He will hold onto whatever he can for however long he has it because he knows nothing lasts. The old yellowing wedding card promising eternal love and happiness that his father hides in his closet is proof that nothing lasts.

But when he feels Sanghyuk’s lips on his own the static in his mind drops to a quiet hum. Sanghyuk is skinny and his body feels bony under Hongbin’s small fingers. Sanghyuk hovers over him and his weight is a pleasant distraction from the world. The way Hongbin calls Sanghyuk’s name when he runs his fingers through his hair is a rhythmic metronome that is spoken in hushed tones to keep his dependency on Sanghyuk’s affection a secret from the rest of the world.

Sanghyuk falls asleep in Hongbin’s arms but when he wakes up, Hongbin is not in his room. His brother tells him that he went home and comments on how odd it is and how Hongbin should move in with them properly instead of staying in that lonely apartment. Sanghyuk nods but knows Hongbin won’t return for a few more days.

Sanghyuk doesn’t see him for days following moments like the one they shared earlier today. It happened the first time they kissed and the second and the third. It will happen again tomorrow. Maybe Sanghyuk will see him by the field, playing football with Wonshik and inviting him to join the game like nothing has happened. Or maybe hanging out at the cafe in the mall because the part timer there has a soft spot for him and always gives him free milkshakes. Sanghyuk doesn’t know.

He tries not to think about it and goes back to reading.

If there is one part about growing up that Sanghyuk thinks he will never get used to, it’s the parties. He likes people but he doesn’t like dozens of them stuffed into tiny spaces that reek of smoke and cheap shitty alcohol that is more likely to cause nausea over intoxication. He draws his jacket close and finds a chair by the kitchen’s island counter to sit on.

It’s the premium view to everyone else’s bad decisions. Sanghyuk regrets not bringing his earphones along (he swears they should be in the pocket of his jacket). He makes peace with listening to whatever indie song is playing in the background. Or whatever is audible of it over the incessant chattering of the crowd.

“Leather looks good on you,” Hongbin says, materializing out of nowhere to grab a cup of the fruit punch that has definitely been spiked.

“Thanks,” Sanghyuk says, pulling on the cuff. The leather jacket is an old jacket that his father almost throws out but Sanghyuk sneaks back in. It has cracks around the elbow where it has been bent up and two yellow stripes on the right sleeve but he doesn’t know what that signifies. He likes to think it’s a cult of sorts. The allure of being part of an underground secret society is always high.

“Kinda short for your normal sleeves,” Hongbin says, tugging on the part of Sanghyuk’s overshirt that peeks through from the jacket. It’s dark blue and not visible in the dim purple lights till you really go looking. His father was shorter than him whenever he got this jacket but Sanghyuk knows Hongbin is not interested in explanations. Sanghyuk focuses on the way the rough skin of his fingers feel against his softer skin. Hongbin has rough hands from all the chores he does on his own and lack of belief in hand creams that Sanghyuk’s baby sister rubs on his hands during tea parties insisting he keep them soft.

Hongbin focuses on looking at Jaehwan across the room. Jaehwan who has blonde hair now and is leaning against the wall while laughing at something someone from the football team said. Sanghyuk doesn’t know the name of the dude but he isn’t interested in finding out. Even while Hongbin asks after Sanghyuk’s family and school life, his eyes stray towards that corner of the room.

When Jaehwan returns his gaze and smiles at Hongbin, Hongbin smiles in a way his dimples appear. He has one of those faces. The kind you would see on magazines on the racks of newspaper stands at bus stops. The black eyeliner enhances his brown eyes and Sanghyuk thinks that all Hongbin is missing is a pretty nude shade lipstick. Though lipsticks do nothing except spread inconveniently when being kissed. Or so he has been told.

He hasn’t kissed Hongbin since the summer where he was fourteen but the urge never really goes away.

“I think I should go get a refill,” Hongbin says when Jaehwan walks over. Sanghyuk shrugs and Hongbin makes a beeline for the punch the same time Jaehwan appears by the island counter. Jaehwan is only here to chaperone his younger brother who is throwing the party, Sanghyuk gathers from the bits of conversation filtering through. The music is too loud for indoor voices to be heard. Hongbin is here just because Wonshik wanted to get drunk. Sanghyuk doesn’t need to eavesdrop to know that.

He taps out when the conversation progresses. He finds Wonshik who is truly wasted and is glad someone out of the three in this friend group is getting what they want out of the night. Sanghyuk wonders if it is a fair standard of evaluation if he started the night without knowing what he wanted. He looks towards Hongbin who is laughing at a weird face Jaehwan is making and adds a thought about unrealistic wants and needs.

It’s stupid. Hongbin is nineteen but is as unreachable as someone who would be twenty five. Hongbin is too pretty for him. Too smart, too pretty and too witty. They have too much history. And now Hongbin is kissing Jaehwan and is definitely not in love with Sanghyuk the way Sanghyuk is in love with him.

Wonshik pouts at Sanghyuk and leans forward till his head rests on Sanghyuk’s shoulder. Wonshik is only an inch taller. In a year or two, Sanghyuk is confident he will outgrow the other man. “I wish they wouldn’t suck faces in public” Wonshik grimaces when he follows Sanghyuk’s line of vision. Sanghyuk looks away and tugs his jacket closer. Maybe it is too short for him after all since it cannot afford the comfort of sleeve paws the way sweaters can. Maybe he should get a new jacket. Or maybe Sanghyuk should have just stayed at home.

Wonshik has a ride home and waves Sanghyuk off when he leaves the party. He makes his way to the bus stop at the end of the block and sits down. The party music is a hum in the background and the cold air is sobering. Sanghyuk weighs his options. He can go home and read for the rest of the night or walk to the arcade five blocks away and blow the rest of his pocket money and see if he can earn enough tickets to buy himself the badly stitched teddy bears they sell.

Hongbin likes those teddy bears. He’ll lie and say no if you ask him and spout bullshit about how they just represent the principle of winning that he loves so much. But he is a sucker for cute things and Sanghyuk knows from the way his eyes lit up when Sanghyuk won a brown teddy bear and threw it at him last summer. He has a small version threaded into the metal ring that acts as a keychain.

Sanghyuk thinks that he should stop thinking.

One year. Just a year, he tells himself. Then he’ll be off to university and he will meet other people and he might even discover that he doesn’t actually like dimples or brown eyes or rough hands so much. One more year and he won’t be haunted by the unrequited feelings that seem to grow stronger instead of fading against all laws of the universe and logic.

Sanghyuk treks back home and thinks he should worry about saving up for a second hand car or actually passing that stupid driver’s test. He finds his earphones tangled with the fabric of the inner pocket of his jacket once he reaches home and he laughs at the bad luck of his timing.

Hongbin doesn’t realise that he has gotten used to the loneliness that comes from Sanghyuk’s absence.

He calls during the first year of university. Hongbin thinks Sanghyuk’s voice on the phone sounds very different from the way it sounds in real life. It sounds deeper and grave in ways Hongbin doesn’t remember. Sanghyuk has always been wise beyond his years. Maybe he thrives in the real world with the same grown up concerns that Hongbin does not like grappling with.

Then Sanghyuk gets an email id because it is useful and sends emails instead of calling. The letters are short and really Hongbin is shit at keeping in touch because he doesn’t have anyone else who tries. Wonshik has always been in the same town and Sanghyuk has always been around to the point that Hongbin took his presence for granted. He never thought Sanghyuk would ever go away like his brother did.

The emails come once a week and then once a month and finally on holidays and only contain generic good wishes.

Until Wonshik shows up at his door with Sanghyuk in tow,carrying a small duffle bag filled with clothes and essentials. It’s just for a week while Wonshik’s studio gets renovated, he assures him. Sanghyuk only needs a couch to crash on for a week and he can move back in with Wonshik for the rest of winter till he has to go back to university for his final semester. Hongbin didn’t even know that Sanghyuk was in town and he used to know every secret once upon a time. He doesn’t know why he isn’t staying with his family and he doesn’t know if he can ask.

“You can stay as long as you need,” Hongbin says, offering to make coffee for everyone. Wonshik denies the offer. He needs to leave first and look over the renovation work on his studio.

Sanghyuk looks nothing like Hongbin remembers him. He is taller than Wonshik by a few inches and his voice is deeper. His shoulders are broad and the large overshirts he wears only accentuate them. He took to working out when they still talked on the phone. He must definitely be more muscular too. Gone is the lanky teenager in his father;s old leather jacket that Hongbin remembers. Instead Sanghyuk is an adult who looks more mature than he should for the young age of twenty one.

“I didn’t think you read Hemingway” Sanghyuk says, picking up a copy of Farewell To Arms that’s lying on the coffee table.

“It isn’t my book. Taekwoon tends to leave behind whatever he is reading at the moment” Hongbin tells him. Taekwoon does that a lot. Forgetting things at Hongbin’s place and coming back for them weeks later when he is finally free enough to spend the night. It’s a peaceful arrangement for their unlabelled relationship. If he can even call it a relationship.

“Are you sure Taekwoon doesn’t mind me staying over?” Sanghyuk asks.

“Taekwoon doesn’t live here. Not fully anyways. And if anything, he would be happy to meet another bookworm” Hongbin shrugs.

“He’ll be disappointed. It’s been a while since I didn’t read a book to write a critique or a report on it” Sanghyuk says ruefully.

He flips through the pages till he finds the section he was looking for and folds up his legs to read comfortably. Sanghyuk spends the next two days voraciously reading through the books Taekwoon has left behind. He doesn’t talk more than necessary. It snows on the third morning that Sanghyuk stays over and they exchange remarks about the weather. Hongbin opens up a bottle of wine on Christmas eve and Sanghyuk accompanies him wordlessly.

He prefers white wine, Hongbin supposes when Sanghyuk downs the entire contents of his glass and grimaces at the after taste. He has grown to tolerate the taste of mushrooms and no longer separates them out of the microwaveable pasta meal that Hongbin makes. He prefers typing on his laptop to writing in notebooks, he gathers when he sees Sanghyuk tapping away on the kitchen table with a mug full of coffee next to him. It’s the ‘World’s Best Mom’ mug that Taekwoon left behind that Hongbin finds supremely ugly but it matches Sanghyuk’s presence. Unconnected but a lone puzzle piece that sits as the centerpiece in the void of Hongbin’s life.

Sanghyuk doesn’t smoke, Hongbin finds when they are lying on Hongbin’s bed in his bedroom and Sanghyuk denies the offer. Never took a liking to it, Sanghyuk confesses. Hongbin listens to a vinyl that Wonshik gifted him two years ago for his birthday and Sanghyuk says nothing about the 80s music. He thumbs through the earmarked pages of a collection of poems by T S Elliot.

“Taekwoon must really like classics” Sanghyuk deduces. There are very few books on the coffee table but Sanghyuk is intimately acquainted with them in ways Hongbin isn’t.

“He’s a sucker for them. Also likes Murakami the way you did in high school” Hongbin answers. He doesn’t get the appeal for reading. He doesn’t have the talent of losing himself in the written word that Taekwoon and Sanghyuk do. He doesn’t even know if he should envy them for the easily available method of escaping the dreary world around them.

“He has good taste” Sanghyuk compliments him.

“It’s a shame that you couldn’t meet him on this visit. He’s off celebrating Christmas with his family.”

“There will be many days in the future,” Sanghyuk says lazily. The way he turns the other way and avoids looking at Hongbin tells him that the other days will not come any time soon. Hongbin thinks of the emails in his inbox that he merely glances over and never knows how to reply to and doesn’t blame Sanghyuk.

If only he didn’t have to leave tomorrow. If only he could stay.

When Hongbin puts his arm around Sanghyuk’s waist and closes his eyes, he pretends he has the right to ask him to stay and that Sanghyuk won’t be gone the morning after. He’ll only be a few streets down the road in Wonshik’s studio till spring comes and he might even visit if he stops being a coward that only regrets and never acts.

His waist is broader than Taekwoon’s and Hongbin keeps that comparison in mind for days after when Taekwoon finally comes to visit and Hongbin hugs him to kiss him. Everything is back to normal now that Sanghyuk is gone once again but the world feels displaced out of orbit by the knowledge of what Hongbin is missing.

“I met Sanghyuk” Wonshik says, running his hands through his hair. He adjusts his chair for the fifteenth time since the conversation has started, much to the displeasure of the lady at the table over, trying to read the newspaper in peace.

“That… is sudden” Hongbin says, swirling the creamer into his coffee. Hongbin has known that Wonshik was seeing someone for a while now but doesn’t know who till the confession. Now there is a name that Hongbin hasn’t heard in years. A person he couldn’t live without once but has not talked to in four years. Is he allowed to miss him after never keeping in touch?

“He’s back for good this time” Wonshik tells him. “He’s going to teach at our old middle school. He’s weirded out by the idea of being colleagues with his old teachers. Did you know Mrs Kim is still teaching math after all these years? I thought she was over sixty when we were kids.”

Wonshik rambles on and Hongbin pays him no thought. Sanghyuk’s name brings up memories and feelings that it shouldn’t. Hongbin wonders if he has gotten any taller or if his voice is still deeper than he remembers and if he signs off emails with regards.

“We should have dinner together sometime,” Hongbin says when Wonshik finally stops.

“I’ll text him. You can’t bail like you did last time though” Wonshik warns. Hongbin flinches at the warning and offers an apologetic smile. Wonshik frowns at him. “It’s been a while since the three of us got time to hang out. It has literally been years since we properly spent time together.”

“Well, I’m not the one that shifted towns and lost touch, am I?” Hongbin says out loud without meaning to.

Wonshik’s expression softens and he shifts again awkwardly. Hongbin and Sanghyuk’s estrangement as they grew older when Wonshik once thought they were in love with each other as teenagers is a development he never addresses because he knows it wasn’t his place to. Realistically speaking, he can’t be friends with both people and skirt around the issue forever. A decade is a miracle on that count.

“I’m sorry. I just… Will you text Sanghyuk and set dinner up?” Hongbin apologizes. His pleasant facade is back and Wonshik knows he will never see his true feelings about the issue again. The bitterness is real in a way most of Hongbin’s actions aren’t. And it gives him hope to salvage this friendship. Wonshik doesn’t fancy losing friends as he grows older when he only has so many to begin with.

“It’s okay to say you missed him, you know? I missed him too” Wonshik says without the expectations of acknowledgement or responses. Hongbin hums in the way people do when lying about agreeing with something a child says. Wonshik knows Hongbin is complicated and he doesn’t expect him to resolve his feelings any time soon.

“I wonder if he likes moving back to town after living in a big city all these years” Hongbin deflects. He hasn’t acknowledged his feelings in the four years since he last saw Sanghyuk and he isn’t about to start now. Any moments of weakness like the one earlier will not be repeated again.

It takes two bottles of soju only for Hongbin to mess up. Wonshik drags the two of them to a tent bar that sells a variety of rice cakes along with cheap soju and beer and Hongbin agrees despite the lack of fried chicken. It’s a Friday night and the three of them drink the night away and laugh at Sanghyuk’s stories from his earlier teaching days. Stories that range from innocent but hilarious spelling mistakes in answer papers to outrageous pranks that Sanghyuk personally admires but must punish as a teacher.

A laughing and happy Sanghyuk is better than the sad young man who spent a week on Hongbin’s couch, not talking to him about the troubles weighing on his mind. Happiness suits him in ways melancholy never did. Hongbin thinks his skin shines and his eyes twinkle and Sanghyuk must know this because he catches Hongbin looking at him and looks at him with such pity in his eyes. Sanghyuk pities him and Hongbin feels pathetic about feeling happy that he feels something.

And so Hongbin leans on his arm all the way home even after they drop Wonshik off at his apartment. He leans on his arm and holds onto it like a drowning sailor holding onto a lifebuoy so they don’t drown. And he tells Sanghyuk about how his hair is soft and shiny and his nose is a tiny button and he cannot help but lean up and graze his lips against it. Sanghyuk laughs and calls him drunk but lets him bask in his warmth because Sanghyuk is his puzzle piece that fits with his odd edges, even if he will never say those words out loud.

Sanghyuk is surprisingly strong because he hauls Hongbin up to his feet and all the way to his apartment. Hongbin kisses him on his cheeks and thanks him for taking him home while laughing about… about something. He doesn’t know what it is that triggers his giggling fit but something does and Hongbin exclaims at Sanghyuk who is ready to drop him on his butt in front of his door if he doesn’t get his keys out soon. He exclaims at him and kisses him on his lips when he has his attention and this is why alcohol is terrible for you really. All of this is a regret in waiting for the morning after.

Sanghyuk stumbles on his way down the stairs in a way that makes it look like he never learnt how to walk. His cheeks are warm where Hongbin kissed him and his lips tingle in the way they do after eating something extremely spicy. He leans against the pole of the lamp post and sighs when the tingling doesn’t go away. He thinks of how he will hide this from Hakyeon.

It’s so easy to say nothing but a part of him vehemently protests about deceiving Hakyeon when Sanghyuk knows his residual feelings for Hongbin still linger. He should love his boyfriend more than the old flame who kissed him in the hallway. He shouldn’t have to remind himself that he loves Hakyeon and not Hongbin. Hakyeon is the one waiting for the text that says he got home safely and didn’t drink too much and he really shouldn’t let Wonshik drag him out on school nights. Not Hongbin, who Sanghyuk just dropped home, drunk out of his mind and still as complicated at thirty as he was at thirteen.

Sanghyuk really hates Hongbin more on nights like these.

“I don’t know what to do” he confesses to Hakyeon weeks after they break up. His feelings for Hongbin have always been a vine that grips his heart. He knows he cannot be rid of them without significant pain and hurt and so like a coward, he lets it fester because he knows he can ignore them forever. The roots dig into the walls of his heart and make him bleed and he bleeds because he is the biggest coward to exist on this planet.

“You do what your heart tells you is the right thing” is all Hakyeon says. He’s disappointed and it’s more than Sanghyuk deserves after everything Sanghyuk has just told Hakyeon. Hakyeon who is all gentle smiles and understanding and who Sanghyuk is grateful to even if it must end this way.

“Loving Hongbin is dangerous. He hurts you and nothing comes out of it and then he hurts you some more” Sanghyuk tells Hakyeon. Hongbin hasn’t called or texted after that night. Sanghyuk hasn’t either but its only because he knows Hongbin hates confronting his own feelings. He breaks hearts before his own can be broken and Sanghyuk thinks limbo of not knowing is better than definite pain.

“I don’t think you have it in you to stop,” Hakyeon says. His words would hurt if Sanghyuk didn’t feel tormented enough already. He sighs because he has no words and Hakyeon shifts the topic to other things that don’t matter in the moment and keeps the chatter up till it is no longer awkward to end the phone call.

When the call ends, Sanghyuk brings up his messaging app and stares at Hongbin’s number and watches the bubbles appear and disappear in the messages window. As always, no texts follow and Sanghyuk leaves his phone on the nightstand because he should know better than to have hope.

Sanghyuk wonders bitterly if he has loved Hongbin or if he has regretted him longer.

#vixx fanfiction #vixx hongbin #vixx hyuk #hyukbin #angst #dysfunctional relationship

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hyuckie-bby · 5 years ago

Text

Cup of Coffee ~ Chapter 1|N.JM

Hello! I am back! Sorry about not updating, but I was extremely busy with school ;-; Luckily, I have another 2 weeks off, therefore I will continuing to update more frequently! I hope everyone stays safe!! And thank you all for reading, I hope you enjoy <3

Chapter 1| Preview

Jaemin x Reader - Mostly Fluff, Traces of Angst

A coffee shop is not just about a “cup of coffee”; rather it is a symbol of a thorough experience.

It’s a journey a customer takes from the moment he or she lays eyes on a cafe storefront for the very first time to when they approach it, enter the place, order their coffee and have it over and over for the hundredth time.

Word Count: 1.3K

The morning sunlight sweeps through my curtains, and my arm drapes over my eyes to shield them from the blinding rays entering through my window. I am not enamoured with the thought of exiting the comfort of my warm blankets, yet nonetheless, I force my half-asleep body into a sitting position against my assortment of pillows. I take a deep breath, filling my lungs with fresh air, watching the world around me come into focus.

I shift around in my comfortable fortress of blankets some more, feeling tempted to fall back asleep for another ten minutes. The urge to feed my stomach is stronger, motivating me to unceremoniously lift my sheets and exit my room, tiredly combing my fingers through my unkempt hair.

I walk into my kitchen, observing my roommate, Lisa, who is quietly sipping her morning cup of java. I inhale the lingering smell of roasted coffee beans while looking for a clean mug.

Even when half-asleep, Lisa looked drop-dead gorgeous. Her tall elegant frame was hunched over the island counters in the centre of the room. Her hair was messy, but straight, and jet black. If I stood close enough to her, I would be able to smell the vanilla notes in her shampoo from her shiny hair that was washed yesterday evening. She was still lounging around in her pyjamas, an oversized plain white t-shirt which just slightly exposed her collarbones, and which bunched up around her pair of grey plaid shorts. The area around her nose was littered with soft, faint freckles and her large captivating copper-coloured eyes stared back at me.

"Hey," Lisa muttered, her voice still laced with sleep. She continues, "You forgot to buy groceries yesterday". I strolled over to the fridge and glanced inside. She was right. There was nothing there except a couple condiment bottles and the leftovers of Chinese take-out out noodles that I had purchased earlier this week. This wasn’t even my first full month of the semester at my University and I still managed to eat like I've been starved for days, every day. What can I say? I looove food.

I still felt bad for not buying the groceries even though it was my week to do so. "Sorry, I'll go out and buy some later today," I replied. Suddenly, the tiredness disappeared from her eyes and she stared me down with a shit-eating grin on her face. "It's okay. Besides, as revenge, I already drank the rest of the coffee".

"What? Are you kidding?” Spoiler Alert! She wasn’t.

I groaned so loud that I was sure the neighbours could hear me through the paper-thin walls of our apartment. Furiously, I glanced at the time that was being displayed on the empty coffee machine.

7:15 am

My first class, unfortunately, started at 8:30. As a biotechnology major at university that I attend, I so luckily had organic chemistry at the beginning of the day. (obviously sarcasm) I wish that I could sleep through my class and simply watch the lectures online, but sadly, this course was one of the many that I am taking this semester that does attendance regularly. Consuming my daily intake of coffee was a necessity every morning to keep me awake. Therefore, it was decided that I would have to pay a visit to one of the nearby cafes on campus.

Cafes in all their glory, are the worst. They are crowded places that have the longest lines, sell overpriced drinks and the food is less than desirable. I don't know many pastry desserts and club sandwiches that improve by sitting around all day in a glass container, under artificial lights. But alas, I trudge over in the direction of my room and search for an outfit to wear under my pile of clothes in my closet.

ʕ •ᴥ•ʔ•ᴥ•ʔ•ᴥ•ʔ•ᴥ•ʔ•ᴥ•ʔ

Moments before I exit the shared apartment, Lisa comes running up to the door, and clumsily searches for a pair of shoes to slip on. My roommate looks stunning, like always, as she adorns a pale blue t-shirt with lace trim accents, neatly tucked into a light beige mini skirt. I can also see the subtle red lip tint that she applied onto her plump lips.

"I'm going with you, I promised to get breakfast for Mark," she informs me while haphazardly, slipping on her favourite pair of gold sandals. I snicker as I hear the name of Lisa's crush slipping through her lips. She developed feelings for Mark Lee, our mutual friend who shares a class with Lisa later in the day. I nod my head, signaling to her that I understood her words, and opened the door, while she adjusted the delicate gold coin pendant that hung around her neck.

I'm counting my steps, letting my feet hit the pavement, Lisa trailing slowly behind. Her soothing voice and the honking of cars along the busy streets is the only thing I let myself hear. Soon enough, I look up and see the unfamiliar sight before my eyes.

The cafe in the blazing sunlight looks more comfortable than I had remembered. I rarely pass by this particular street anyways, as I prefer to take the shortcut that I discovered while once getting lost on my way to the campus. I somehow always leave the house 5 minutes later than I am supposed to, no matter how early I wake up, and therefore, had to find a solution to solve my tardiness.

Outside the cafe, there is a menu standing on the ground, outlining the daily special. Obliging to Lisa's calls, I step through the large glass doors. The building's concept itself plays on the warmth of natural earthy textures with modern classic colours, giving the café a contemporary and down-to-earth look and feel. This modern and earthy look is achieved through the use of contrasting neutral and bright colour palettes, natural textures, and premium lighting fixtures with rustic accents. There are large windows that allow the sunlight's rays to seep through and cast a glow upon the counters. There are also lively, green plants, and lovely hanging succulents scattered throughout the room.

"Hey, have you decided what to order yet? You're going to be late for your class if you keep staring like that." Lisa's voice snaps me out of my dazed trance. Truthfully, I have not yet decided what expensive drink I would like to indulge in, being too busy secretly admiring my surroundings and the decoration of the coffee shop. I would never tell Lisa or myself this, my stubbornness making an appearance, and is set on passionately disliking cafes in all their glory. "What are you getting Lisa?" I ask her, addressing the girl who stood beside me by her name.

"A caramel macchiato with extra whipped cream and a watermelon lemonade for Mark", she replies, in a sing-song voice, excited that I seem curious for once about her order. I was planning to buy the same drink but soon realized what a big mistake that was, as I was not interested in consuming a sickly sweet liquid. I also wouldn't have thought that a cafe would sell watermelon-flavoured drinks, but I guess you learn something new every day.

"That's cool", I respond, "And I'm sure that Mark would like that", ending the conservation as Lisa walks confidently up to the counter to place her order. It was also no secret between any of Mark's friends that he loved watermelon. I'm sure that even the campus knew about his slight obsession since he only takes shots of watermelon-flavoured liquor if they have a bottle of it at frat parties. We always make sure to buy one if the events were being hosted at his shared apartment.

Feeling awkward standing alone next to the entrance door, I mustered all the courage that I had in me at 8 am, and following Lisa's actions, I walked up to the unoccupied counter.

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booksbeats · 3 years ago

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All About Coffeehouse

A coffeehouse, coffee shop, or café is a business that primarily offers coffee, such as espresso, latte, and cappuccino. Cold drinks, such as iced coffee, iced tea, and other non-caffeinated beverages, may be served at certain coffeehouses.

A coffeehouse may also provide light snacks, sandwiches, muffins, fruit, or pastries. Owner-operated small companies to major multinational organizations run coffeehouses. Some coffeehouse businesses operate on a franchise basis, with multiple locations in various countries throughout the world.

While the term "café" can refer to a coffeehouse, it also refers to a diner, British café (also known as a "caff"), "greasy spoon" (a tiny and affordable restaurant), transit café, teahouse, or tea room, or any informal eating and drinking establishment.

A coffeehouse has some similarities to a bar or restaurant, but it is not the same as a cafeteria. An espresso bar is a type of coffeehouse that serves espresso and espresso-based beverages.

Coffeehouses, from a cultural aspect, primarily function as social interaction centers: a coffeehouse offers clients a space to socialize, speak, read, write, entertain one another, or pass the time, whether independently or in small groups.

Since the popularity of Wi-Fi, coffeehouses with this capacity have also become venues where customers may use their laptops and tablet computers to connect to the Internet. For its frequent customers, a coffeehouse might function as an informal club.

Cafés are the common name for coffee businesses in modern Australia. Since the post-World War II influx of Italian immigrants brought the first espresso coffee machines to Australia in the 1950s, there has been a steady increase in café culture, notably in Melbourne, until a boom in locally-owned cafés occurred in the 1990s.

Along with the increase in the number of cafés, there has also been an increase in demand for locally (or on-site) roasted specialty coffee, notably in Sydney and Melbourne. The "flat white," a local favorite, is still a popular coffee drink.

Cafés with an outside area (patio, pavement, or sidewalk café) with seating, tables, and parasols are common. Cafés provide a more open public area than many of the old pubs they have replaced, which were more male-dominated and focused on alcohol use.

The Internet café or Hotspot revived one of the café's initial purposes, as a location for information exchange and conversation, in the 1990s. The proliferation of modern-style cafés in both urban and rural locations coincided with the increased usage of mobile computers. When compared to the conventional pubs or old-fashioned eateries that they replaced, computers and Internet connection in a contemporary-styled facility serve to create a young, modern atmosphere.

In Australia, there are so many cafes that offer the best coffee in town. Specifically, in Noosa Queensland, you can find many cafes and coffee shops that offer different varieties of coffee and expresso that you will surely love.

The Espresso Bar

The espresso bar is a type of coffeehouse that specialized in espresso-based coffee beverages. In different incarnations, the espresso bar has expanded around the world.

The espresso bar is usually centered around a long counter with a high-yield espresso machine (usually bean to cup machines, automatic or semiautomatic pump-type machines, although a manually operated lever-and-piston system is occasionally used) and a display case containing pastries and occasionally savory items such as sandwiches.

Some premium espresso cafes even provide alcoholic beverages like grappa and sambuca. Nonetheless, traditional pastries are not usually purely Italianate, with scones, muffins, croissants, and even doughnuts being regular additions.

Want to learn more about Coffeehouse or Cafes? Click here!

#coffee cafe coffeeshops

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republikcoffeebar · 3 years ago

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Best Keurig Coffee Makers

The Best Keurig Coffee Makers 2021: Reviews and Consumer Reports, How to Choose, FAQs, and How to Buy

Keurig coffee machines are the best choice for anyone looking for a fast, easy, and efficient brew. This company is a pioneer in the coffee capsule industry, thanks to its K-Cups. They offer a wide range of options that will suit everyone. You'll find the perfect Keurig coffee machine to suit your kitchen counter and needs.

If you are looking for a single-cup coffee maker, but are concerned about the impact on the environment of single-use plastic cups, the top Keurig coffee machines can accommodate the My K-Cup reusable coffee filter. It is necessary to purchase it separately but it will save you money over the long-term and allow you to use freshest coffee grounds.

The Keurig KClassic Coffee Maker is our favorite choice for best Keurig coffee machines. The appliance has a 48-ounce water reservoir. It can also brew multiple K-cup pod sizes. This allows you to be more flexible in brewing your coffee. It has a simple interface that offers great value for money. Easy button controls and an auto-off feature make this coffee machine easy to use.

Let's not waste any time, and let us help you choose the best Keurig coffee machine for you!

Best Keurig Coffee Machine

1. KEURIG KCLASSIC - A TIMELESS FAVORITE

A classic is the best! This iconic Keurig coffeemaker, also known as K55 is a great choice if you don't have a lot to do but still want a few customization options. You can choose to match your kitchen's style or make your coffee maker stand out.

This Keurig coffeemaker, an upgraded version of its popular K50, is a testament to how Keurig likes to mix tradition and innovation to meet their customers' needs.

The Keurig K-Classic compact and practical model will fit easily on any countertop. The K-Classic doesn't have the fancy display or customizable features of more expensive models. It caters to a different kind of coffee lover: people who drink coffee the same way but still want to experiment with different brew sizes.

You can enjoy up to a week's worth of coffee from the removable 48oz container. The automatic descale function makes cleaning easy.

This coffee maker is perfect for you, whether you like your coffee at home or commute. The removable drip tray can accommodate most travel cups.

2. KEURIG K15 – BEST BUDGET-FRIENDLY MODEL

Do you want to sacrifice some features for a more affordable coffee machine? Perhaps you don't drink coffee every day, and worry about how a large reservoir of water could lead to stagnant water. You might find the simple, but reliable Keurig K15 your answer!

The Keurig K15 coffee brewer is a simple machine that does what it was designed to do: brew coffee. No fancy features, no ridiculous price tags. Only your favorite brew, in three sizes (6-8 or 10oz).

It doesn't have any large reservoirs to help maximize countertop space. You can simply fill your mug with water and then chuck it into your coffee maker. This will ensure you use only fresh water.

Even though it doesn't have any fancy features, the KeurigK15 can still make your life easier. It allows you to fit all kinds of mugs and travel cups, and automatically switches off after 90 seconds.

3. KEURIG KELITE - THE MOST STYLISH AND BEST KEURIG

The K-Elite is the perfect choice if you consider your morning coffee more than a necessity. It's a premium coffee machine that will enhance your coffee experience with its advanced technology and customizable features.

The Keurig KElite is the perfect coffee maker for those who want to pamper themselves and adjust every aspect of their single-serve coffee experience. This coffee maker offers 5 brew sizes (4 and 12oz as well as the three usual ones) and even has a Strong Brew option to cater for those I-need-a-tougher-caffeine-kick kinds of mornings. We were most surprised to discover a brew temperature adjustment option. This is a rare feature in Keurig machines and all one-cup machines. It allows you to adjust the brewing temperature from 187 to 192 degrees F. You'll also find the setting that will give you the best results if you live in high altitudes.

You can also use the K-Elite to heat hot water whenever you want, so you can have your tea anytime you like.

It reduces noise due to Quiet Brew Technology. If you'd like to have your coffee as soon as possible, you can program K-Elite so it wakes up right before you do. This will ensure that your coffee is hot when you get out of bed.

The Keurig K-Elite's 75oz capacity makes it ideal for large households. It is also available in three premium brushed finishes: Silver, Gold, or Slate. This will make your kitchen look stylish and elegant.

4. KEURIG KSELECT - THE MOST ACTIVE

If you are looking for a coffee maker that has fewer features than the basic models, but don't want to spend a lot of money, this coffee maker is the perfect compromise. The K-Select offers the best of both the worlds. It combines practicality and customizability without increasing the price.

You can brew four different sizes of Keurig K-Select cups, choose the Strong Brew feature when you need it, or adjust it to get the best results for those who live at high altitudes.

Quiet Brew Technology means it won't wake the whole household every morning when it turns on. This is always a plus.

Another handy feature is in its design: compact, practical and available in various colorful finishes, the K-Select has a fingerprint-resistant front, which means that you won't have to deal with annoying smudges.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

Which is the best KeurIG to buy?

The best Keurig is the one that suits your coffee preferences and routine the best. The K-Elite is the best choice. We also believe that the K-Classic, a practical Keurig coffee maker, is the best. It keeps things simple at an affordable price and allows you to choose from a variety of cup sizes.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE ABOUT COFFEE PODS & K-CUPS?

K-Cups and coffee pods are often mistakenly referred to as one another, but they are two completely different products. Coffee pods, which are made from paper and come in a flat or round shape, are biodegradable filters that can be composted. K-Cups is a brand name of plastic coffee capsules. They are not compatible with Keurig coffee machines. Nespresso capsules cannot be used in a Keurig machine.

KEURIG USES A REUSABLE FILTER

The reusable My K-Cup coffee filter is now compatible all Keurig coffee machines. These filters are very affordable and can be used to reduce the waste generated by single-use K-Cups. You will also save money over the long-term and have a better cup of coffee.

ESPRESSO - CAN YOU MAKE ESPRESSO WITH a KEURIG?

Keurig coffee makers can't make espresso because they can't achieve the required pressure of 9 bars to make this type of coffee. A Shot option is available on some Keurig models such as the K-Cafe. This allows for a concentrated shot of black tea. The best espresso machines will give you the real deal.

Source: https://www.republikcoffeebar.com/best-keurig-coffee-makers/

More Info: https://500px.com/p/best-keurig-coffee-makers

https://angel.co/u/best-keurig-coffee-makers

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transparentrefrigerator · 3 months ago

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Keep your food warm and appetizing with this premium hot display counter, perfect for restaurants, cafes, or catering services. The unit offers spacious compartments with adjustable temperature controls to ensure your hot dishes stay at the ideal serving temperature. It's in great condition, clean, and fully functional. Whether you're displaying hot snacks, ready-to-eat meals, or baked goods, this counter provides an attractive, professional presentation. Ready for immediate sale – a fantastic addition to your business!

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neolite-blog1 · 4 years ago

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Traditional Neon Signs

Neon signage is like sweet candy treats for the eyes. This amazing hand crafted medium has captivated, excited, motioned and promoted everything from cafes, coffee shops, cinemas, car dealerships to the seedy underbellies and back streets of Sydney’s nightlife. Developed by Claude Neon in 1923 this beautiful creation took hold, quickly becoming a fixture in outdoor advertising.

Neon’s wide range of beautiful colours range from light soft pastels to deep bold colours that roam the colour spectrum and can evoke a huge range of feelings to excite and entice the heart of your audience.

One of the best ways to be seen Day or Night is using traditional neon signage. Neon glass signage has the warmth and character that can’t be achieved with LED or Faux Neon products.

Our custom-made traditional neon signs are world class, our inhouse team of glass neon benders will make you a 1 of a kind illuminated masterpiece. These types of neon light signs are the perfect solution to advertise your business effectively making your store front a beacon to your customer base & the passing crowds, in a busy street or shopping centre.

Neon adds more visibility in & outdoors

No matter the location of your business, shopfront or showroom a neon sign can attract attention from street level or several floors up, no matter the situation a neon sign can attract the attention of busy shoppers, pedestrians and passing traffic.

Indoor Neon - Even with such a vast array of options outdoor, neon has a huge range of uses indoor. If it’s a quirky slogan mounted on a green wall, a reception sign, mood lighting, an neon artwork, illustration or announcing different departments, sales counters or directing people around a busy workspace, these traditional neon signs will effortless bring customers through your door. A neon sign placed in window or shopfront is also a great way to attract attention.

Business Neon Sign Types - As the leading and largest neon maker in Sydney, New South Wales & Australia, Neolite has a huge variety of neon signage options available. Speaking to one of our designers you can develop the perfect sign for your business shopfront or showroom. We have a many premade & off the shelf options available but most of our traditional neon is custom made. Some examples of our off the shelf units can be found on our website neolite.com.au Our most popular neon signs are the Open Neon, Burgers, Beers, Now Open, and many other generic illuminated signs, which are cost effective solutions to attract attention, notify your customers of your hours, or available products & services. If you can’t find what you’re looking for order a custom neon instead.

Illuminated Neon Window Signs - Neon Window Signs come with a clear acrylic tray or box for extra durability and are usually made from 4.5mm premium acrylic to make the ultra-bright neon appear to be floating. The clear acrylic tray makes the neon visible from both sides, with a box arrangement it means less maintenance & cleaning. They can be mounted either with stainless steel cable and dress fixtures, chain, or screwed directly to a wall or window frame. They can also be mounted from a bracket or suspended outside so they can be seen by customers in both directions.

LED Flex/Faux Neon Window Sign – A more modern type of sign is the LED Neon window sign, made with a colourful flexible silicon rope. These sign are great for short term applications, events anything under 20,000 hours. They are vibrant and bright but have a limited colour range of 12 solid state colours. They come in RGB also which is Bluetooth controlled or can be programmed at extra cost. LED Flex needs to be mounted to an acrylic backing panel. Great for events and promotional uses.

Neon Logo Sign – Brand recognition is the key to customer loyalty. Whether your brand is already a household name — or aspires to someday be one — these neon signs convey professionalism, consistency, and longevity. The way to endear yourself to your growing customer base is to introduce yourself, and there’s no better way to do that then with a glowing logo that gives them confidence in their choice of where to do business.

Traditional Neon Lighting – Decorative neon, architectural or art deco. Traditional neon dates to the 1920’s. It was the first choice for architects and designers when they wanted to ad ambient lighting, highlight or illuminate features that couldn’t be illuminated using incandescent bulbs. Neon tubing and lighting can be fine tuning to match the most precise colour point with over 170 neon colour variants available you can find the right colour and tone for you interior project, neon artwork, sculpture, signage, illustration, or graphics package. Neolite is the first choice when it comes to neon.

For almost 100 years traditional neon has been the first choice for outdoor signage and advertising

Basic Neon Signs – The basic neon sign has a thin aluminium frame to support the neon, the neon is usually single stroke basic text with a small electronic transformer mounted to the rear of the unit. These signs are usually hung in windows, about entry ways, and can be used as a directional or wayfinding signage system or to notify your customers of amenities or highlight services that you offer. They are highly durable, and the simplicity of makes them the first choice for bars, and public spaces.

Restaurant Illuminated Neon Sign – The way to your patron’s hearts are not only through their stomachs, but their senses. A custom designed, visually pleasing neon sign for your restaurant will not only welcome night-time diners — but it will also look great during the day. Our neon restaurant signage can be produced in any combination of shapes, sizes and colours that will make your arriving customers hungry for more. Its makes the perfect backdrop for all

Neon Marquee Signage - The sight of a glittering marquee heralds the excitement of a Broadway show, an exciting new film, the glitz and glamour of a night out and the displays’ trademark appearances defines the look of many major cities famed theatre & entertainment districts. This bright, eye-catching neon signage hangs over the historic theatres that have been lighting up Sydney and capital cites for more than a century. Partnered with Wagner Lettering and illuminated lightboxes, flashing lighting this marquee signs are impossible to ignore. Our inhouse design team can assist you bring something truly spectacular to life.

Pylon Neon Signs - These steel powerhouses are the inviting gateway to your business providing bright and powerful exposure for all passing traffic. Neon is the ultimate enhancement of Pylon signage creating a bright and bold first impression. With a superior presence & strategically located and designed a neon pylon sign will increase the visibility of you brand and maximise the recognition of passing trade.

Neon Repair Services – Since 1948 we have been servicing, repairing, and replacing neon all over Sydney and New South Wales. In addition to being Australia largest supplier of spare parts, transformers, cable, boots and technical advice to the majority of neon benders nationally. With a full time on the road service crew of qualified electricians & our neon bending studio located 15 mins drive from Sydney’s CBD. We are the first choice for all neon repairs and maintenance for any neon sign, no matter how big or small.

Top Neon Designers - At Neolite, our staff of highly skilled industrial designers possesses the necessary creativity, along with an eye for consistent quality that can put together the perfect sign just for you. We will work with you on completely original designs, faithful reproductions of your own graphics or combinations of the two. Not only can we craft original signs from scratch, we can also flawlessly incorporate existing logos and artwork into a new project, to provide consistent branding for your business or organisation. Our team can provide full construction drawings for your neon, with all the relevant technical data and details to provide to architects, council, designers, or builders.

Superior Neon Parts and Construction - We only use premium Italian & English glass tube, premium grade tried and tested electrodes, waterproofed connections, premium transformers & electrical parts, and the highest quality, thickest gauge of insulated wiring possible for every project in order to ensure both the safety and dependability of your valuable neon signage. Our neon signs come with a variety of bespoke and custom finishes and they can be manufactured to the most stringent requirements. All our neon signs are also guaranteed.

Neon Sign Maintenance from Someone You Can Trust

Not only can we design, fabricate, assemble, deliver, and install your beautiful new sign — we can also help maintain it for the length of its service life. While our signs last for years without fading, a bulb or small electrical component sometimes needs replacing. When your sign face does eventually need a touch up or a replacement, you can count on Neolite to be there and repair your sign without all the headaches of dealing with a third party.

At Neolite, we favour a long term business relationship over a quick sale. During a repair, we always try to salvage as many of the older working parts as possible, in order to ensure your sign can get back to work, and your storefront can continue to look attractive and inviting for customers, as quickly — and with as little hassle or cost — as possible. We made our name and reputation through more than three decades of delivering effective and reliable sign solutions to thousands of satisfied loyal clients throughout Sydney, New South Wales & across Australia.

About Neolite

Neolite has been making signage since 1948 & is proudly based in 3 locations across Sydney. We have clients all over Sydney, New South Wales, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Darwin & Canberra.

We can ship or setup new signage in most locations around Australia, and we’re one of the few Sydney sign manufacturers that also has industrial designers on staff for clients that need them.

We’re not only famous for our quality neon signs and beautiful original designs, but for our quick turnaround and free estimates as well. We make it easy to get a quote with our online form.

Call or Use the Button at the Top Now For a Free Quote

If you’d like to learn more about any type of light box sign or sign that can be seen at night, give us a call today at (02) 9313 5266. We’re happy to discuss all of our sign options with you, their prices, advantages, and more. We’re also available for neon sign maintenance and repair if your sign has seen better days. Call us today to learn more.

Visit Here: - Neo light

Neon products Australia

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tulsiironworks · 5 months ago

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Tea Counter Manufacturer

Welcome to Tulsi Iron Works

Your Trusted Partner in Quality Kitchen Equipment and Display Counters in Ahmedabad, Gujarat

At Tulsi Iron Works, we pride ourselves on being a leading manufacturer of high-quality display counters and kitchen equipment tailored to meet the needs of restaurants, hotels, and cloud kitchens across Ahmedabad and Gujarat. With decades of experience, we offer innovative and durable solutions that ensure the best performance and aesthetics for your business.

Cake Display Counter Manufacturer

Our Products

Tea Counters:

Tea Counter Manufacturer: Our tea counters are tailored for both small tea stalls and large cafes, providing functional and attractive setups for serving tea and other beverages.

Display Counter Manufacturer in Ahmedabad

Why Choose Tulsi Iron Works?

Quality Craftsmanship: Our products are crafted with precision and care, ensuring durability and top-notch performance.

Customization: We understand that each business has unique needs. Our team works closely with you to design and manufacture equipment that perfectly fits your requirements.

Innovation: We stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in kitchen equipment manufacturing, ensuring our products are modern and efficient.

Customer Service: We believe in building long-term relationships with our clients. Our dedicated customer service team is always ready to assist you with any queries or concerns.

Restaurant Kitchen Equipment Manufacturer

Visit Tulsi Iron Works today and discover how we can help elevate your business with our premium kitchen equipment and display counters.

Hotel Kitchen Equipment Manufacturer in Ahmedabad

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Catering Kitchen Equipment Manufacturer

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#Tea Counter Manufacturer

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bestplacesus · 4 years ago

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The 38 Essential Chicago Restaurants

Superdawg’s founders, Maurie and Flaurie Berman, stand guard over this venerable Chicago drive-in as customers can spot those giant hot dog statues bearing their likenesses from miles away at the intersection of Devon, Nagle, and Milwaukee. Superdawg is a throwback dining experience where customers park their cars and talk to staff through crackling drive-in speakers and carhops bring out trays of food. Superdawg isn’t a traditional Chicago-style dog, but it is a tradition. It uses a proprietary thick all-beef sausage that comes with mustard, pickled green tomato, and chopped Spanish onions. This is all cradled in a box of crinkle fries.

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4710 N Ravenswood Ave Chicago, IL 60640

What is quite possibly the first Michelin-starred brewpub lies on the North Side of Chicago. Gourmet dishes emerge from the kitchen during tasting menus, while brunch services and the bar menu provide a taste to diners on a tight budget. Creative beer selections are brewed on-site, which, combined with a beautiful Victorian-inspired space, make Band of Bohemia a one-of-a-kind operation in the entire country. The menu has plenty of veggie options, including a carrot that’s magical.

A spacious dining room with well-lit orange walls and red upholstered chairs. Tables and the floor are made of dark wood.

Band of Bohemia may be the first Michelin-starred brewpub. Marc Much/Eater Chicago

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3800 N Pulaski Rd Chicago, IL 60641

With two smokers to prep meaty St. Louis-style ribs, tender brisket, apple-and-oak-smoked pulled pork and more, this ‘cue joint in the Northwest Side neighborhood of Irving Park stands up to any within a thousand miles. Outside of Carolina or Texas, it’s hard to find better barbecue than the casual counter-service Smoque.

A brown wooden fence separates a low, dark-looking building from the sidewalk. Red awning hangs off the building.

This Irving Park barbecue spot serves some of the most sought-after meats in the city. Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

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The 13 Essential Lunch Restaurants in Chicago 20 Outstanding BYOB Restaurants in Chicago

3361 N Elston Ave Chicago, IL 60618

It may not serve your momma’s fried chicken — with bones, skin, et al — but Honey Butter Fried Chicken makes swaths of Chicagoans feel like kids again when they dip their birds in that addictive honey butter. Since expanding from supper club to Avondale brick-and-mortar in fall 2013, lines form during peak lunch and dinner hours but move quickly at the cozy counter-service space. Don’t forget the house-made iced teas, alcoholic drinks, and specials sometimes created by noteworthy guest chefs.

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A small tray contains two pieces of fried chicken, a bowl of mac and cheese, and a bowl of salad. Lines at Honey Butter can be long but usually move quickly. Honey Butter Fried Chicken [Official Photo]

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3025 W Diversey Ave Chicago, IL 60647

This tiny cafe along Diversey, an emerging street for restaurants in Logan Square, packs big flavors. Cellar Door Provisions serves pastries, a popular quiche, and lamb meatballs in the mornings and the afternoons. Ownership wanted to bring something different to Chicago’s culinary scene by baking delicious breads and developing strong relationships with local farmers and vendors to bring top-notch ingredients to their kitchen. They serve dinner on Wednesdays through Saturdays only and reservations are recommended.

Several light-skinned hands cut into plates of food on a light wooden table. Cellar Door Provisions has acclaimed baked goods and more. Cellar Door Provisions [Official Photo]

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Eater Chicago

2800 W Logan Blvd Chicago, IL 60647

Few chefs share the talent and drive that Diana Dávila exhibits while showcasing a dazzling display of small Mexican dishes in Logan Square. Dávila isn’t shy about risks; she isn’t pandering to the typical American diner. The bustling full-service spot offers albondigas and dishes like peanut butter and tongue push boundaries, yet there’s also a delectable steak burrito on the menu for those in the mood.

A red clay pot holds chopped meat in a sauce with a bright red vegetable on top. Mi Tocaya’s regional Mexican fare Mi Tocaya [Official Photo]

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Chicago’s 2020 Michelin Bib Gourmand List, Mapped Chicago’s 16 Essential Mexican Restaurants

2537 N Kedzie Ave Chicago, IL 60647

Before Logan Square had a multitude of acclaimed creative restaurants and farm-to-table was a buzz-phrase, there was Lula Café. More than a decade on, it’s easy to see why people flock for its creative dinner menu, line-inducing Sunday brunch and Monday night farm dinners. Dishes change seasonally and sometimes daily, with stars that include standout local produce and meats prepared in unexpected ways. What diners can expect is a wait at brunch and dinner, but weekday breakfasts are quiet and cozy.

A storefront inside a brick building from the street. White curtains are visible through a large window and a sign overhead reads “Lula Cafe.” Lula Cafe set the stage for Longan Square’s restaurant revolution. Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

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2429 N Lincoln Ave Chicago, IL 60614

Chicago hadn’t seen this level of Middle Eastern food before acclaimed chef Zach Engel moved from New Orleans to open this smash hit in Lincoln Park. Engel, who won a James Beard Award for Rising Star Chef during his time in the Big Easy, elevates hummus, pita, and more to unforeseen heights at this Israeli excelsior, where reservations have been difficult to secure since its opening in April 2019. Diners sit at the long kitchen counter to watch Engel and team top pools of silky hummus with trumpet mushrooms, fried chicken skin and collard greens, and pull perfect pillows of wood-fired pitas from the coal-burning oven. The salatim — an array of Israeli accoutrements served with pita — coal-fired entrees, and Middle Eastern spins on classic cocktails are also stars here.

Slices of tender beef brisket sit atop a silky pool of hummus and herbs on a white plate. Galit’s brisket hummus

Sandy Noto/Galit [Official Photo]

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Where to Order Takeout Food in Chicago During the COVID-19 Pandemic 18 Chicago Restaurants and Bars With Excellent Booze-Free Beverages

2507 W Armitage Ave Chicago, IL 60647

Chicago’s sushi reputation is not as esteemed as cities along the coastlines, but a number of new restaurants are changing that perception. At the top of the list is Otto Phan’s omakase experience — the Japanese concept of chef’s choice — in a nondescript space in Logan Square. Phan’s intimate eight-seat counter provides an up-close look at his bold personality and distinctive style, which is highlighted by larger-than-normal rice grains seasoned with aged red vinegar and premium quality ingredients imported from overseas. The luxurious offerings include fried tilefish crowned with creme fraiche and Osetra caviar, and fatty toro seared on charcoal. The $220 price tag for 18-plus bites — plus extra for beverages — makes it a special destination. A $100 deposit is required to secure a reservation.

A piece of nigiri with a slice of raw, red fish on a bed of white rice. Kyōten serves exquisite sushi on its omakase menu.

Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

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1747 N Damen Ave Chicago, IL 60647

While the savory food and the drinks are very good, the sweets and the hot chocolates are predictably not to be missed from an owner with a James Beard award for best pastry chef (Mindy Segal). Crowds flock to this Chicago icon for brunch and peak-hour dinner services, so lunch service is a great bet for minimal waits at the Bucktown superstar. A wooden table holds eight cups of various sizes holding hot chocolate drinks. Mindy’s namesake hot chocolates and more Mindy’s Hot Chocolate [Official Photo]

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1723 N Halsted St Chicago, IL 60614

Grant Achatz and Nick Kokonas’s three-Michelin-starred avant garde fine dining institution is quite simply one of the world’s best restaurants. Food obsessives make pilgrimages from around the globe to the 10-year-old Lincoln Park restaurant to experience Achatz’s emotional, interactive, and expensive tasting menus, which play out in a recently renovated backdrop that now features three distinct dining options. It clocked in at No. 37 on the most recent World’s 50 Best List in 2019 and was among Eater National’s best restaurants in America. Dishes change often on the tasting menus, but the edible balloon and tabletop dessert are among those that put it on the world stage. A long staircase runs along the left side of the room going up. Three tables sit in a spare, white room with white chairs and grey carpet. Alinea was named the 37th best restaurant in the world in 2019. Matthew Gilson

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7500 W North Ave Elmwood Park, IL 60707

The best example of Chicago’s iconic Italian beef sandwiches exists outside of the city at the two suburban locations of Johnnie’s Beef. The space is a throwback as the original fast-food spot opened in 1961 in Elmwood Park and a second has since opened in Arlington Heights. The menu is simple: beefs, charcoal-grilled Italian sausages, and hot dogs. Pepper-and-egg sandwiches are also available daily; they’re mostly aimed at Catholic customers during Lent Fridays needing a “meat-free” option. Johnnie’s also serves stellar lemon Italian ice. The thin-cut beef is moist and perfectly seasoned with hints of oregano. The hot peppers deliver plenty of heat but don’t overwhelm the meat. Don’t sleep on the beef-sausage sandwich. While the city has plenty of beef options, Johnnie’s is worth the drive to the ‘burbs.

A long Johnnie’s Beef stand seen from the outside beside a tree and park bench. Outside Johnnie’s Beef Rachel/Flickr

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1028 N Rush St Chicago, IL 60611

Chicago’s steakhouse tradition can be best experienced at Gibsons, the swanky Gold Coast institution that Eater readers voted the best steakhouse in America’s meatiest city. Celebrity sightings are frequent in the dining room and in the photos on the walls, while white-jacketed servers provide exquisite meat displays at a quintessential Chicago restaurant experience. A brick building with a green roof attachment and a neon sign that reads “Gibsons.” Eater readers voted Gibsons the best steakhouse in Chicago. Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

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141 W Erie St Chicago, IL 60654

Chicago’s food scene got a jolt of fresh air when former Avec and Nico Osteria chef de cuisine Erling Wu-Bower opened this breezy California-inspired restaurant in River North in conjunction with his One Off Hospitality mentors Paul Kahan and Donnie Madia. Bower and team churn out a casual menu of light fare utilizing precise execution and exquisite ingredients, spanning a myriad of light cuisines from warm weather locales such as Middle Eastern-inspired large-format duck, pitas that utilize ahi tuna and beef tartare, dumplings and pizzas. Reservations are recommended, although tables are easier to find during lunch and brunch services at the 2018 Eater Chicago Restaurant of the Year.

A white space with tall ceilings and windows, light wood floors, and sleek monochromatic tables and chairs.

Inside Pacific Standard Time Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

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445 N Clark St Chicago, IL 60654

Rick Bayless’s Mexican haven in River North, including Xoco on the corner, is a Chicago institution spawning spinoffs around the globe of south of the border fare from street food to high end. At Frontera Grill, his original restaurant, folks flock from around the globe to wait in line (there’s only limited reservations) for casual, festive, groundbreaking regional Mexican fare. At Topolobampo, connected through a side doorway, Bayless’ team serves gorgeous, mind-blowing Michelin-starred tasting menus.

The exterior of a restaurant from the street with large windows. An awning overhead reads “Frontera Grill.”

Diners from around the world line up for Frontera Grill. Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

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837 W Fulton Market Chicago, IL 60607

The template for one of the country’s top chefs and restaurant groups (Paul Kahan’s One Off Hospitality), their temple to pork, fish, charcuterie and beer is stronger than ever, as evidenced by spinoffs across the street and at O’Hare International Airport, and a spot on Eater National’s best restaurants in America list. Don’t mistake the boisterous atmosphere with long beer hall-esque communal tables for pedestrian food or no waits, as it remains one of Chicago’s toughest tables, even for the standout brunch.

A clean, simple space with tall windows, hanging round lamps, and tall, angular wooden furniture. The Publican remains one of Chicago’s toughest tables. Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

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661 W Walnut St Chicago, IL 60661

2016 saw a slew of great restaurant openings but Noah Sandoval’s West Loop stunner perhaps shined the brightest. He, along with his wife Cara, are leading the way for a new generation of fine dining that’s coupling refined, upscale dishes on its tasting menu, from its caviar starter staple to a Japanese A5 wagyu, all in a laid-back experience. Critics and diners alike have been impressed, with the Michelin Guide awarding the restaurant two stars in its first year. A dining room with exposed brick walls and wooden floors and ceilings. A number of tables dot the room topped with white tablecloths.

Oriole’s West Loop dining room Nick Murway/Eater Chicago

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820 W Lake St Chicago, IL 60607

Boka Restaurant Group isn’t short on heavy hitters but its majestic modern Japanese restaurant is arguably the crown jewel of the company. Spread across three floors, Momotaro blends traditional Japanese ingredients and flavors with contemporary technique for a breathtaking experience. The menu is divided between sushi and robata bites and includes luxuries such as A5 wagyu steak and pristine fatty tuna. For a more casual meal and drinks, the lower-level izakaya offers similarly remarkable options like chicken karaage, uni spaghetti, and ramen.

An overhead photo of the restaurant’s three-floor design with muted colors and light wood. Momotaro’s majestic design is a three-floor ode to mid-twentieth century Japanese business culture.

Marc Much/Eater Chicago

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736 W Randolph St Chicago, IL 60661

Chicagoans have few choices for upscale Indian food downtown. Rooh’s 2019 arrival is noteworthy not only because it fills that void, but it also gives the West Loop one of the most unique restaurants in the city. Patrons will be more than impressed with familiar classics such as butter chicken, but jackfruit kofta, gunpowder scallops, and achari monkfish give diners a sliver of modern Indian cooking. All this inside a comfortable space worthy of Randolph Restaurant Row. Look for fun, spiced cocktails to round out the experience. Reservations are recommended for the spinoff of the San Francisco restaurant that opened in 2017.

A colorful plate of modern, creative Indian food. Rooh serves dazzling Indian plates. Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

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1020 W Madison St Chicago, IL 60607

The first restaurant from former Top Chef and Spiaggia chef Sarah Grueneberg has quickly cemented itself as one of Chicago’s top Italian destinations and its tough-to-get reservations are a prime example. The pastas are the stars at the West Loop hotspot, such as cannelloni saltimbocca with merguez lamb sausage, manchego cheese, peas, harissa, and balsamico, many of which are made on a small demonstration stage of sorts behind the bar. Also try non-pasta dishes such as the skate wing schnitzel and ‘nduja arancini, as well as a standout wine list. A simple, sleek bar with backed stools and a rack for pasta. Monteverde’s bar is where cooks make the pasta. Marc Much/Eater Chicago

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29. Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen

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1141 S Jefferson St Chicago, IL 60607

The torchbearer for a dying breed of Jewish delis and diners in Chicago, Manny’s has endured for more than a half-century in the South Loop thanks to massive and delicious pastrami sandwiches, an array of hot homestyle dishes on steam tables, and family service cultivated over generations in a cafeteria-style setting plastered with decades-old newspaper clippings and letters from Chicago luminaries. The space also now houses a new deli expansion for bagels, sweets, coffee, and food to go.

Two men in white aprons and paper hats hand dishes to customers from behind a deli counter. The scene at Manny’s Marc Much/Eater Chicago

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1800 S Carpenter St Chicago, IL 60608

HaiSous is a remarkable comeback story for the husband-and-wife team of Thai and Danielle Dang in Pilsen. Thai Dang showcases his heritage Vietnamese flavors through a number of techniques, including claypot cooking, on a menu that’s as ambitious as it’s unpretentious with dishes like grilled wild boar with lemongrass. The neighboring cafe is great for a banh mi or an iced coffee sourced with beans from Dang’s family in Vietnam. The duo worked at acclaimed West Loop restaurant Embeya, but at HaiSous they’re free to express themselves more honestly to create a dining experience worthy of a celebration, or just a wonderful weeknight meal, or even a coffee and a sandwich.

A small metal pan holds a colorful monkfish dish topped with green dill, pickled shallots, and fresno.

Turmeric-laced monkfish with dill, pickled shallots and fresno served with rice noodles topped with scallion confit and roasted peanuts at HaiSous. Mistey Nguyen

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1239 W 18th St Chicago, IL 60608

Star chef Stephen Gillanders, after searching for years to open a new restaurant, discovered room in Pilsen to open S.K.Y. It’s fine dining with good value and without pretension — the menu features flavors from Japan (crispy swordfish katsu), Korea (crackling beef short rib), and the Mediterranean in both affordable tasting menus and a la carte options. The weekend dim sum-style brunch’s lobster dumplings may be the city’s best. Reservations are recommended. Four delicate dumplings sit inside a white bowl.

S.K.Y.’s Maine lobster dumplings Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

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1725 W 18th St Chicago, IL 60608

Chicago’s Mexican community and food enthusiasts worldwide flock to this longtime family-owned counter-service institution in Pilsen that celebrates all parts of the pig with its legendary south-of-the-border care. Order carnitas by the pound at the front counter and settle into a table — if one is available — to craft individual tacos with an array of porky goodness and house-made salsas, tortillas, and beans; or have tacos, soup, and cactus salad made. Prepare for lines and waits during peak weekend hours.

A platter of meat, a bowl of salsa, a paper container of chicharron, and a red Jarritos soda sit on a green tablecloth.

A carnitas platter with the fixings at Carnitas Uruapan. Carnitas Uruapan [Official Photo]

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4852 S Pulaski Rd Chicago, IL 60632

Head to the Southwest Side for goat tacos that are consistently lauded as some of the best in the entire country. In addition, diner make the pilgrimage for other standout dishes such as consomme at this small father-and-son standout. It’s counter-service or take-out-only, and get there early, as it often closes by early evening at the latest. A server ladles juices over a plate of goat meat. A large birrieria plate at Birrieria Zaragoza. Birrieria Zaragoza [Official Photo]

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1462 E 53rd St Chicago, IL 60615

Chicago has long had a history of top-notch African American-owned restaurants that focus on regional Southern cooking, but the city may not have had a restaurant like Virtue before. Chef-owner Erick Williams combines the skill and precision honed through years of fine-dining experience with soulful, family Southern recipes in dishes including cauliflower with cashew dukkah and root cellar vegetables, and heavenly beef short ribs with creamed spinach and crushed potatoes. The restaurant has quickly become a dining beacon in Hyde Park and one of America’s Best New Restaurants, so reservations are recommended for dinner but there’s also a large bar room and a lively brunch. A colorful cauliflower dish sits inside a grey bowl on a light wood table. Virtue’s cauliflower with cashew dukkah, root cellar vegetables, and rice Nick Fochtman/Eater

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8433 S Pulaski Rd Chicago, IL 60652

When it comes to pizza, Chicago’s reputation around the country often centers on deep dish. But thin-crust tavern-style pizza — another pizza style that’s unique to Chicago — is actually much more prevalent and popular with locals, and few if any do it better than South Side institution Vito & Nick’s Pizzeria. Thin, crunchy dough is baked with char on top and cut into small squares with very little crust on the outside. In business for nearly a century and making pizzas for more than 60 years, Vito & Nick’s is an always-bustling, family-friendly pizza destination that’s a must-visit for any food enthusiast, so be prepared for a wait for a table or just take a pie to go.

A square-cut thin crust pizza. Vito & Nick’s iconic tavern-style pizza Vito & Nick’s [Official Photo]

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#compare cost of living between citiess

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wanderingdyo · 7 years ago

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Elyxion Global Package Premium: My Thoughts + Tips

I participated in three days of EXO Elyxion in Seoul Global Package Premium [November 24, 25, 26].

Here are some thoughts and tips I had for the Seoul package. Keep in mind your experience can differ, especially in other countries:

Premium doesn’t necessarily have the best seating. Since tickets are given randomly, you may be “unlucky” and get seats in the same section. Since the arena was so huge, I felt that the Premium seats were too close and had too narrow of a view. I had tickets in A3, A4, and B4, which are off to the sides. Elyxion also had lots of performances in the extended stage and even used that mini stage. That being said, getting tickets to an EXO concert AT ALL is a blessing lol. But for the steep package price, it’s not necessary to get all Premium tickets. There were Premium C area tickets, but I think there were fewer in number than A + B sections.

Since the Ground was all seated, it was harder to see the choreo or what was going on in the other stages. At Gocheok Sky Dome, if you can get seats in the seated 100s, Ts, Ds, and even 200s, you could probably get a great overall view of all the dances and performances. I personally had a hard time seeing “Sweet Lies” choreo especially with all the smoke and the added effects on the VCR.

Arrive with minimal stuff in your luggage, because you will probably have way too much stuff by the end. Bring the max. 2 bags + carry on! The global package gives concert goodies + you will probably buy concert merch + goods at SUM.

(Just a tiny fraction of the extra stuff I amassed during the trip)

If you have official photo cards you’ve been wanting to trade, bring it to the COEX SUM Cafe and display it! There are usually people wanting to trade.

The tour guides seemed to specialize in Chinese + Japanese. There weren’t as many English-speaking people, so the guides also didn’t speak English well. Keep this in mind as you may have trouble communicating if you don’t speak any other languages.

Go EARLIER than any of the times the guides or schedules tell you. The times are precise and the bus may leave without you. So be sure to go earlier than all the call times!

Try to sleep/nap whenever you can, because it’s all exhausting. If you come from further away, you’ll also have to deal with the jet lag, so prepare for it as much as possible. The package tour started at around 7:15 AM, which means you’ll be up earlier to wash up. There is sometimes a short 1-2 hour break after lunch and the bus leaving for the concert. That’s a good time to change clothes, charge your phone, and get your stuff ready to bring to the concert.

Bring your EXO lightstick, backup batteries, phone, backup phone charger, charger cord, water, slogans/goods, etc. There were some smart Japanese fans with binoculars as well- I’ll have to remember that for next time!

Go to the bathroom before the bus leaves for the concert AND before the concert starts. Even though it’s within Seoul, the traffic heading to Gocheok was INSANE. It took over 2 hours on a rainy day when it would take maybe 30 minutes without any traffic. The lines for the bathroom before the concert are also long, so give yourself enough time!

They didn’t do bag check, but leave your DSLR at home… they had a no photo policy even for cell phones. Depending on the staff, some waved the fans down if they were taking cell phones, while others actually stopped to delete pictures off the phone (including ones of the arena before the concert started…hul). If someone was caught with one of the nicer cameras, they were escorted out and had to check the camera at the outdoor tent. Pictures were probably deleted as well.

The Global Package doesn’t offer dinner, so bring along snacks. They also sell snacks at Gocheok for around 5,000 KRW (or $5 USD). They had Korean chicken, ddukbokki, hot dogs, etc. There is a post-concert snack with some water, half a meh-tasting bagel (bagels suck in Korea), Elyxion macaron, madeleine, etc.

Practice your fanchants! Combined, the whole theater was extremely loud, with the upper levels echoing a second behind, but I was surprised by how quiet it was near me. Probably because it was more international fans around and we were all seated, it wasn’t as loud as I’ve experienced before. The EXO concerts at Newark had less coordinated fanchants, but it was much louder individual screaming wise haha.

My hotel was the Intercontinental Coex Hotel, which was the home ground for picking tickets, etc. It was also a close walk to the SUM Artium, which was convenient. DO NOT drink from the stocked mini-fridge unless you don’t care about money. Just go outside to a convenience store and fill the fridge with whatever you want. There was free water, but make sure the bottles are labeled complimentary before you drink it (NOT the Evian). The tea and coffee outside on the counter was also complimentary. Towels + shower toiletries are stocked so you can leave those at home if you want. Just bring your fave facial cleanser + moisturizer, etc.

(Stocked mini-fridge: don't drink! Put your own drinks inside from outside)

Global Package also doesn’t give breakfast, so bring along snacks to your package tour.

The movie I got to see was “From Happiness” Special Edition. It was really cute! I wish they showed the concert movies too though. The seating is also random for this, you pick your ticket along with the concert tickets. I saw some people in the front tried to change their seats, but the staff made them go back, so they seem strict about it.

The lunch at SUM Market was just okay. Nothing spectacular- just bulgogi + banchan, so I skipped the second lunch to spend extra time at Coex.

Keep track of the SUM accounts on Instagram for any special deals on goods. While I was there they had some special events like Spend $20 and get a photocard. The line outside SUM Artium was INSANELY long (spanning different floors and out the door), but if you had the Global Package neck tag on, they let you skip the whole line to enter and buy.

By the end of the concert + package, I had to somehow fit this into my luggage:

That’s all I can think of for now! I'm still looking through pics + videos from the concerts. What I like better about seeing EXO in North America concerts is that I can take pics freely and actually see them closer. But seeing them in Korea was also a unique and exciting experience!

#exo #elyxion #global package #sm travel #elyxion in seoul

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vividlyinlovewithotome · 7 years ago

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Shall We Date? Modern Cinderella: Nicolas Whitewood

He’s not just a great chef but also a great man.

Don’t forget the others~

Simon Hopper Zack Wright Rudolf Oak Robert Moore Patrick Hughes Pablo Sanchez Chris Armstrong

Chapter 1

(9 scenes)

5/9

Avatar Checkpoint: Premium: Nicolas’s Body: 5 Crystal

6/9 I’ll carry them myself. Why?

7/9

Midnight Checkpoint: (Needs 100 Midnight Points) ~Get required points within 1 hours will receive a Dresser as a reward

9/9 I couldn’t possibly do it. Don’t joke around.

Chapter 2

(10 scenes)

1/10 Of course not! It’s not like that.

7/10 You were here the whole time. There’s a secret door somewhere.

8/10

Midnight Checkpoint: (Needs 3000 Midnight Points) ~Get required points within 4 hours will receive a Special Photo as a reward

Chapter 3

(11 scenes)

4/11 Why do you think that? If you say so.

6/11 I can’t think of anything. It’ll work out somehow.

10/11

Avatar Checkpoint: Premium: Colorful Dress: 50 Crystal + Special Photo Normal: Confetti Balloon: 35 Crystals/ 8800 Token

Chapter 4

(8 scenes)

2/8 Make flyers and hand them out. Keep recommending the pastries to customers.

6/8

Midnight Checkpoint: (Needs 6600 Midnight Points) ~Get required points within 24 hours will receive a Special Photo as a reward

Have you always liked cooking? Who taught you to cook?

Chapter 5

(9 scenes)

2/9 Why are you here? Are you waiting for someone?

7/9 You’re disgusted, aren’t you? Don’t worry about it.

8/9

Avatar Checkpoint: Premium: Loose Messy Bun: 60 Crystal + Special Photo Normal: Floral Platform Shoes: 35 Crystals/ 8800 Token

Chapter 6

(7 scenes)

2/7 Did Aidan tell you? Nevermind.

5/7

Midnight Checkpoint: (Needs 12400 Midnight Points) ~Get required points within 24 hours will receive a Special Photo as a reward

7/7 I can’t think of a way to do that. I’ll march into the company.

Chapter 7

(9 scenes)

2/9 The flashy contest. The smaller contest.

4/9

Avatar Checkpoint: Premium: Chic Cafe Uniform: 80 Crystal + Special Photo Normal: Stacked House Plants: 45 Crystals/ 12300 Token

9/9 Don’t look so worried! Cheer for me!

Chapter 8

(8 scenes)

5/8 Wait to see what mood he’s in. Go right to the point.

6/8

Midnight Checkpoint: (Needs 20800 Midnight Points) ~Get required points within 24 hours will receive a Special Photo as a reward

8/8 Tell me how it goes. I won’t ask how it went.

Chapter 9

(7 scenes)

5/7 I don’t know. I might be forced to.

6/7 I don’t need it. I’ll drink it later.

7/7

Avatar Checkpoint: Premium: Food Truck: 100 Crystal + Special Photo Normal: Antique Room: 80 Crystals/ 20700 Token

Chapter 10

(8 scenes)

3/8 Raise my voice. Push him away.

6/8

Midnight Checkpoint: (Needs 34200 Midnight Points) ~Get required points within 24 hours will receive a Special Photo as a reward

Stop him. Don’t say anything.

Rebirth Ending ~If able to reached the crowned heart Story Ticket x 5, Crystal x 25, Power Recovery Item x 100, Plain Teal Suits (Nicolas) x 1, Teal Dress Shoes (Nicolas) x 1 Bowler Hat with Bow (Nicolas) x 1

Evolution Ending ~If able to reached the heart Story Ticket x 5, Crystal x 10, Power Recovery Item x 50, Long Wavy Hair (Nicolas) x 1, Ruffled Blue Pinstripe Dress (Nicolas) x 1, Pre-tied Bow Hair Pin (Nicolas) x 1, Pearl Bracelet with Stars (Nicolas) x 1

Metamorphosis Ending ~Default ending Story Ticket x 5, Power Recovery Item x 10, Sweet Display Counter(Nicolas) x 1

#NTT Solmare Corp.#Shall We Date? Modern Cinderella #nicolas whitewood #walkthrough #otome #otome game

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everlarkbirthdaygifts · 8 years ago

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Happy Birthday page-28!

Happy Birthday @page-28! We hope you had a great day celebrating:) To help make your day is even better, @historywriter2007 has written you a lovely Everlark story :)

Rating: T

Katniss pulled her car along the curb in front of the newly renovated building and huffed as she put it in park. She was still fuming over the fact she had to come out here and review a coffee shop. A real coffee shop, not some place that sold coffee along with exquisite food, no a coffee shop. Katniss was a food critic, a damn good one, not a coffee critic; but her editor told her she owed one of the owners a favor so now Katniss was the one spending her afternoon at The Cornucopia Coffee Shop instead of trying to work on her pitch to Travel Panem.

Katniss took a deep breath and tried to collect herself before going in. She may be pissed about her assignment, but she was a professional and was going to act as such. The coffee shop was in an up and coming area of the Capital, many of the buildings were older and being renovated. The Cornucopia sat on a corner lot and appeared to have at least one apartment above it with the windows wide open. She pulled the doors open and walked in, the second she entered she noticed this was different than other coffee shops she’d been in. Unlike the ritzy chain shops with their dark wood and overpriced drinks this shop was bright, warm and inviting. There was no other way to put it in Katniss’ mind, the place felt like home. The wood floors and counters were light in color and the walls were all a warm beige besides the back wall which was a sunset orange.

Ed Sheeran played from a small speaker behind the bar so she knew someone was here but she couldn’t find them right away. She wondered to the counter and looked behind it to find a male with a very nice looking ass half in the display case.

“Excuse me.” She started, causing the man in the case to jump and hit his head with a loud bang followed by a whispered “shit.” He pushed his way out rubbing his hand along the back of his head, tousling his curly blonde hair in the process. When he straightened Katniss couldn’t help but to stare, he was around her age, medium height, well built, with bright blue eyes with a strong jaw and movie star looks.

She quickly regained her composure. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. I’m Katniss Everdeen with The Capital Times, I am supposed to be meeting a Peeta Mellark here.”

The man gave her a nervous smile and extended the hand that was not holding his head, “I’m Peeta, it’s nice to meet you. When they said they were going to send someone to review the place I didn’t think I would get someone as well known as you.”

“I was told Effie owed you a favor so here I am,” Katniss replied.

Peeta let out a huff. “No, she owes Haymitch a favor and then some. He’s a silent partner, believe me if you ever met him you wouldn’t want him near your food, but he does make a mean Whiskey Sour. He is the owner of the Arena Bar a few blocks over, my guess is he figured if he got them drunk the night before they would need coffee the next morning. I’m sorry they dragged you into this, I am sure this is beneath you.”

Although he was saying exactly what she was thinking moments ago she felt a pull to him, there was something about him that felt familiar and comfortable, she found she wanted to help him. “It’s not beneath me, just not what I’m used to. I’m willing to go ahead with the review if you are.”

Peeta smiled for real this time showing off his perfect white teeth and dimples, “Sure, so how do you want to go about this?”

“Why don’t you get a few of your house specialties together and we’ll go from there.”

Peeta nodded and started to gather some dishes, “Why don’t you take a look around while I get everything together.”

Katniss smiled at him then walked away from the bar to let him work. She found herself wandering towards the back where a picture hung that seemed very familiar to her. It was a meadow in the spring, filled with dandelions. Katniss was immediately enchanted by the painting, she felt like she could smell the green grass, it was just like she was back in District 12 where she grew up. Peeta’s heavy tread came up behind her, she spoke without turning around. “Who did this painting?”

He was placing the tray down at the table next to her as he answered. “I did. It’s of the meadow outside District 12. I went there a few times while visiting my grandparents.”

Katniss turned to look at him, but he was now the one lost in the painting. “I’m from 12, I’m surprised we never crossed paths before.”

“We were never there very long, my mother hated going to 12. I would sneak away for a bit to see the meadow if I got the chance, I always loved how peaceful it seemed, especially compared to the hustle of the Capital.”

“I loved it too, I would go there a lot after my father died. It was the only place I felt I could let go of everything for awhile.” Katniss was afraid of where the conversation would go after she uttered those words and she changed the subject. “So what did you bring me.”

The two sat at the small table next to them, “I have a cafe mocha, a latte, and a hot chocolate. Also, I brought a sample of the food items I am thinking of carrying when I open, a chocolate croissant and some cheesebuns.”

Katniss noticed he had a cup as well, “And what are you drinking?”

He paused to answer before taking his first sip. “Tea, just cream, no sugar.”

Katniss chose the cheesebun first and couldn’t stop the sound she made as she tasted the treat. It was savory, with just the right amount of herbs and cheese to make her taste buds explode with pleasure. When she opened her eyes and looked at Peeta, his mouth hung open and his cheeks had a slight blush, one which she was sure her’s now matched. He swallowed thickly before talking. “I’m guessing you like them.”

Katniss simply looked at him and nodded, no food ever made her moan in pleasure before, she then took a sip of the hot chocolate, which gave her a similar reaction. It was smooth, but thick at the same time. Not to mention the way the savory from the cheesebun and the sweetness of the hot chocolate met in her mouth; it was as if she was tasting heaven. If she had known coffee shops had this kind of flavor she would’ve added more to her circuit.

“Oh my God Peeta, this is amazing. Where did you get the recipes?”

“I made them up myself. It took some time, but I finally got them where I wanted them.”

As Katniss continued to try the drinks and food she asked Peeta more about the shop. He told her about how his grandparents had a bakery in 12, but he didn’t open a bakery due to the overhead. She, in turn, told him stories from her childhood, how she got out of 12 and that her sister was now studying medicine in District 4. Katniss also told Peeta about her idea for a new show where she would go around Panem trying restaurants and educating people about the forgotten history of each district. He was the first person who told her to go for it without finding a thousand reasons it would fail.

The conversation went on for hours, but neither noticed, they had stopped talking about the shop, it felt more like they were old friends catching up on lost time. Finally, Katniss realized it was getting dark outside. “I should get going so I can write the article, by the way, are there apartments upstairs? I know those are going for a premium in this area, I could mention it in the article if you’d like.”

“I’m the only one who lives up there. I bought the whole building and thought it would be better to only have my apartment up there. That way I could ensure I didn’t have a noisy neighbor keeping me up. Do you want to see it?” The words left Peeta’s mouth before he could stop them and the blush that took over his face made Katniss’ heartbeat speed up. She wanted to see the apartment, along with spending more time with its occupant, but she needed to keep things professional.

“No, that’s okay. I should get going. The article will be out in about a week, right before your grand opening.” Katniss spoke while trying to gather her notepad and other items, she needed to get out of there before she did something stupid like lick the bit of chocolate she just noticed in the corner of Peeta’s mouth. She couldn’t help the attraction she felt for him and it scared her.

If Peeta was thrown off he didn't let on, instead he gathered the now empty cups and plates and walked her to the door. “Well if you ever want a tour I would be happy to give you one.”

He gave her a shy smile that made everything in her melt, time to go. Katniss nodded and walked out the door shouting a thank you over her shoulder.

___

One week later Katniss found her way back to The Cornucopia with an advanced copy of the review she wrote. She never brought advance copies, but she couldn’t get Peeta out of her head. For once she decided to take a chance, plus her friend Joanna told her it’s time to do something with her life besides work. What’s the worst that could happen?

The door was open and Peeta was straightening up behind the bar, this time Imagine Dragons played over the speakers in the shop. Everything was ready for the grand opening which would be in two days. He looked up from the pile of plates and gave Katniss a big smile she couldn’t help matching. “Fancy seeing you here.”

Katniss answered while handing over the lifestyle section of the paper. “Well, I thought you would like to see what I wrote about the shop.”

Peeta took the paper and read the review while Katniss bit her bottom lip, she hadn’t been this nervous about a review since she wrote her first one for Effie.

Finally, he looked up. “You really think this is the best coffee shop you’ve ever been in?”

“I never write anything I don’t mean. I’m a horrible liar.” Katniss acknowledged.

“Thank you, this means a lot coming from the top restaurant critic in the Capital. Speaking of, where would you recommend someone go on a first date?”

Katniss felt a pit open up in her stomach, of course he would have a date. Peeta was far too attractive and nice to be single for long. She hoped her voice wouldn’t betray her as she spoke. “I would suggest The Ocean, as long as your date likes seafood that is.”

“Well Katniss, do you like seafood?” Peeta questioned.

Katniss stared at him with confusion, “Yes, why?”

Peeta chuckled and ran his thumb over her furrowed brows, “I would like to ask you out on a date. Now that the review is published we could go out right. Of course that’s only if you want to.”

Katniss released her breath, “I would like that very much, and maybe after I could get that tour of the new apartment upstairs.”

Peeta moved a hair from her face to behind her ear, “I’m sure that could be arranged.”

#everlark #everlark fanfiction #everlarkbirthdaydrabbles #everlarkbirthdaygifts #fan fic #by historywriter2007

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