We're all still mourning the demise of Broken Cup, the cafe that was down on First Avenue and E. 22nd Street, with the great home-brewed coffee, pastries, Scrabble games, used books -- and the famous artwork up on the wall made up of lots of broken porcelain and found objects.
The rent got too high for the owners and they moved out. After that, there was nowhere to sit down and read and just have some good coffee along First Avenue in the neighborhood, except Starbucks, which often is so crowded you can't get a seat (and not everybody likes that burnt-tasting brew there anyway) -- and of course Moe's, always welcome, especially as they shout "Welcome to Moes!" every time you come in and make you feel at home. You can order something inexpensive and sit there for awhile, but you'll be tempted into one of the heart-attack options if you linger too long.
Photo (C) By Hals
So I was thrilled to discover on one of my meanderings around the neighborhood that a new little cafe has opened, Cafe Green, which is organic and healthy -- yet a little more innovative than the plethora of yoghurt-and-fruit smoothie joints that have invaded our area in the last few years.
It's at 377 First Avenue between 22nd and 23rd Street, and the friendly owner, who was sitting outside on a park bench when we strolled by, said there was "NO FRYING!" of any of his dishes, quite an accomplishment in a world of fast-food drenched in animal by-product Fry-Max, of course...He's starting a backyard seating area soon -- you'll have to try it.
I was on my way somewhere else, so I didn't get a chance to try the fascinating multi-colored macaroons or fresh, tasty looking sandwiches like "Fresh goat cheese, Korean pearl, raisins, pine nuts, green leaf lettuce, and honey sauce" for only $5.50 -- but I will definitely be back, and you will go there, too, as they have lots of interesting dishes like egg salad sandwich with sprouts -- and it is all gluten free and salt free and said to be made of local products. (Ok, ok, Moe's don't worry, I will be back soon!)
Cafe Green says their mission is to save our health as well as the planet, and I hope they last, as what they're doing is saving the neighborhood's ability *just to sit down and have a coffee and chat* as well. It can be tough surviving with a new restaurant -- I'm recalling, sadly the cafe Europa with the two guys from Afghanistan by way of Amsterdam who brought us Belgian French fries and exotic spicey dips and thick soups for only $2.00 -- the price was right but the rent couldn't get covered...
If you are still only thinking about exercising and taking out that health club membership, order in from Cafe Green by calling 
212-677-0666
after checking out the menu online.
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