Outpost: Hidden in Plain Sight
Posted on 25. Jan, 2010 by Michelle Herrera Mulligan in Hill Top Reviews
Joshua Beckman reading at Outpost as part of the SUPERMACHINE Reading Series and poetry journal (www.supermachinepoetry.com). Photo by Christopher Franko
Nestled in between a church and an empty lot on a deserted stretch of Fulton Avenue, The Outpost seems like a happy accident. If you walk in looking for coffee on a busy Sunday morning, you may think you stumbled into a 24-hour club instead of a café. You’ll see a glass chandelier sparkling over the entrance, if you haven’t already been distracted by the bold, large canvassed portraits of punky kids in poppy colors. The Madonna remixes blaring overhead may further throw you. But what you see next will be sure to keep you there: delicacies placed on the old-fashioned counter conjure classic comforts: breaded salmon cakes, served with a Cajun remoulade, regularly run out, as the people crowding the counter rush to get their order in. Then, there are sandwiches: Curried chicken salad with cranberries and walnuts; brie and green apple, even the mozzarella and tomato tastes deliciously fresh. They are all made to order and served on a toasty baguette. Another plus: Everything costs under $10, a bonus for the ever-fancifying neighborhood.
The audience at a poetry reading series by SUPERMACHINE. Photo by Christopher Franko
For dessert, devote a calorie-splurge to the moist and rich cinnamon and sugar French donut, much fluffier and richer than its American counterpart. Co-owner Gary Kon makes them himself. If that doesn’t sound decadent enough, treat yourself to sweet potato butter pound cake made by nearby baker Shakoor’s. Local favorite Michael Allen also provides many sweet delights.
Then, of course, there’s the joe: brewed by Massachusetts small roaster Dean’s Beans, it’s organic and fair trade, and has a nutty, creamy flavor that makes it worth the trip. If you still haven’t had enough sugar, The Lafayette delivers two shots of espresso with white and milk chocolate. (Skip The Grand, though; two shots of espresso, amaretto, and white chocolate go a little too far.)
If you’re actually in the mood for a higher energy scene, don’t miss one of Outpost’s theme nights and special events. You can find poetry readings, short film exhibitions, and other well-attended affairs ($1 Pabst Blue Ribbon beers on Mondays, a DJ booth and sangria parties in the gorgeous back yard in the summertime guarantee a regular flow of Pratt students.) With drinks behind the bar at all times and cozy antique seats, co-owners Gary Kon and Colin McKinnon achieve their goal of creating a European-style social place “where people could comfortably hang morning or evening.”
Graham Foust reading at Outpost. Photo by Christopher Franko
At the end of the day, while Outpost probably won’t become your go-to place to finish a project or get in some solid study time, the mellow yet fun vibe is perfect for a first date, a meet-up with friends, or a place to kill time. If you do find yourself at the counter, take the opportunity to try the grasshopper ginger lemonade (ginger, green apple, and lemonade), which is refreshing year-round. Take advantage of the free wifi to check your email while you wait.
Open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 10:30 PM, Weekends: 9 AM to 10:30 PM. 1014 Fulton Avenue, between Downing and Irving Place. outpostlounge.com
