Explore Montclair, Stay Warm
by Melissa Gandarinho
With the winter season upon us, and the first snow already fallen this month, winter shopping in Montclair can be absolutely freezing. Here are some recommended local spots offering warm drinks to cuddle up with and food to help keep warm and energized.
Paper Plane Coffee
Let’s start the list with one of Yelp’s TOP rated coffee shops in Montclair. This goes as the first on the list because of its simplicity and diversity. A Colombian coffee shop that you can get your simple and magnificent coffee with cream or black as the night sky. Don’t be afraid to try the Paper Plane’s popular Science Menu. Top recommendation: The Mayan Latte! This Paper Plane creation consists of cocoa, cinnamon, cayenne, brown sugar, espresso and steamed milk. Not a fan of dairy? Soy, almond, or oat milk are all available upon request!
The Tea Company Cafe
If you’re not a fan of coffee, and want a variety outside of your go-to tea options, look no further than The Tea Company Cafe. With a wide range of tea to explore, it’ll take months to try all the THE Tea Company has to offer. Experiment with different flavors of green, black, white, herbal, oolong, and rooibos. They offer the classics and bring a new twist to some flavor and herbs you would never think to combine. Top Holiday Recommendation: The Gingerbread! Made with rooibos tea, planed almond pieces, pistachios, orange peel, coriander, flavoring and pink peppercorns.
Good Plans Cafe
If you’re looking for coffee, tea, and food, look no further than Good Plans Cafe. Don’t let the plant based menu deter you from this hidden treasure. Try one of their magnificent specialty blends like the Chaga Mushroom Latte or the Pomegranate Blush Latte for a little adventure. While indoor dining is currently unavailable, try to warm up and fill up with their fantastic Coconut Ramen. This place has it all, including an extremely aesthetically pleasing storefront and decor.
Thought In Motion
An experience is what you’ll have when you introduce yourself to this literal gem. Thought In Motion introduces gems and crystals to your entire experience. Clear and help guide your chakras while drinking one of their crystal charged elixirs! With the holiday season and 2020 craziness, we could all use some alignment. With an extensive menu, you can get guidance on what to drink from the shop keepers, or explore what your third eye might gravitate towards. Their water is filtered through volcanic rocks for natural minerals, shungite and a mixture of quartz crystals.
Mattarello Bakery & Cafe
Nothing goes better with a nice warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa then a delightful dessert. It’ll be hard to choose which one to dip into your coffee with such a wide variety to choose from. Come in for classics like cannolis, tiramisu, lobster tail or cream puffs, but stay for the gluten free options!. Their coffee list reflects a traditional European coffee shop, and they have Italian Hot Chocolate for those looking for something extremely indulgent.
