The Fancy Kook

you're on first avenue in the upper east side, somewhere between the boutiques and the quiet blocks that don't get written about much. the fancy kook sits at 1433 first ave., and if you're solo, this is a good spot to know about. the specialty coffee is the obvious draw, but the tea program is worth your attention too, which isn't something you can say about most places. the menu accommodates vegan and vegetarian eating without making it the whole personality. no fuss about it. the neighborhood doesn't have an overwhelming density of serious coffee spots, so finding one with actual standards here matters more than it would in, say, the west village. come for a quiet afternoon, and order the tea.