Archive for May, 2025

Just Around the Corner: Mokamo Coffee House

Saturday, May 10th, 2025

Aidann Gia Bacolodan, Pace University

The quiet and calm interior of Mokamo cafe during work hours.

Contrary to popular belief, finding a late-night study spot in New York City is not a simple endeavor. I began studying for my final exams this week, a grueling process that requires caffeinated drinks, reliable outlets, and comfortable lighting. A few of my favorite on-campus locales are laptop-free after the workday ends, while others close as early as lunchtime. As I write this cafe review as a means to procrastinate from working on a final paper, I sit in Mokamo Coffee House for the third time in the span of ten days. The knowledgeable, kind staff welcome me without fail every visit. Each friend I bring is incredibly impressed with the eatery’s specialty crepes. I pour over my notes, rewrite my essays, and drink imported coffee for hours, until the coffee house closes. By then, my work is complete and I can walk home on a full stomach. Mokamo is a Yemeni and Turkish cafe, just around the corner from New York University, making it a hub for undergraduates during finals week and a gathering spot just before graduation.

The pristine glass display, encasing an abundance of pastries and small dishes, is quite unlike any other. I read the small signs placed in front of the various plates: beef puff pastry, chicken puff pastry, spinach quiche, chicken quiche, smoked turkey bread, cheese danish, sweet caramel cake, biscoff cheesecake, and pistachio cheesecake. Paolo, one of my busiest friends, agreed to spend the afternoon tasting a few of the assorted items, so long as we could do work after. 

We sifted through the crème-colored board behind the register, which presented an extensive list of beverages and eats. A few to name were the fettuccine crepe, strawberry crepe, pumpkin latte, mocha latte, salted caramel latte, lotus latte, lavender matcha latte, salted caramel latte, and the sabaya, known as a traditional yemeni pastry. Many of these I have never encountered at a cafe, highlighting just how unique and special the establishment was.

The beautiful latte art for the hot mocha is unlike any I had seen before.

After much deliberation, we drank a hot mocha latte and an iced pistachio latte to energize us for a cram-session. As someone who normally strays from having anything pistachio flavored, I enjoyed the chilled latte with its subtle nutty flavor and notes of salty goodness. The vibrant-green latte stood in a tall crystal glass, imitating the facade of an iced matcha. Within ten minutes, my drink was reduced to nothing and only a sage-green froth remained.

“The mocha had a sweet chocolate taste, not heavily bitter or dark. There was a cool latte-art design, probably the most unique presentation of a latte I’ve had,” Paolo said. “I would recommend it to those who enjoy a hot chocolate, but need a pick-me-up to get through their work. It was definitely thicker than most lattes.”

To follow, our hearts were set on the New York cheesecake, honeycomb bread, and chicken quiche. The creamy slice was just as cheesecakes should be. A dollop of cream sat atop a thin layer of cherry-red icing, with a simple blueberry for decorative measure. Each smooth bite melted as I indulged in the richness of the dessert. The honey bomb bread was a new delight, best described as a balanced mix of savory and sweet. The drizzled honey glaze and sprinkled sesame seeds enhance the texture of the bulb-shaped dough and the light-cream filling. The Adeni chai pairs perfectly with both of the platters.

”I ordered the chicken quiche and it was so good, probably my favorite! It filled me up with its flaky crust, the soft and piping hot center, and the golden brown exterior,” Paolo reviewed.

The honeycomb bread, New York style cheesecake, and iced pistacho latte arranged for an afternoon study session.

One dish that piqued my interest was the Dubai chocolate crepe, inspired by viral, crunchy pistachio delicacy from social media. I confidently declare this dish to be my favorite dessert in all of New York City, as it brings together the velvety texture of a classic crepe and the bold sweetness of the internet-famous chocolate in a singular bite. 

“I can’t stress this enough for others to listen to me, but customers cannot leave without trying this. The Dubai crepe is absolutely wild,” Paolo echoed my remarks. He happily finished the generously-sized plate as we began to pour over our notes and revise for the last week of school.

The fan-favorite Dubai chocolate, toasted chicken quiche, and Adeni chai in a pot.

Each decadent dish and delicious drink of the afternoon were highly satisfying and memorable picks. Since our initial visit, Paolo and I often spend late-night study sessions at Mokamo Coffeehouse. The convenient closing hours allow students to linger within the well-lit and laid-back environment far after the sun sets. For patrons curious to try a new cafe, Mokamo is an underrated establishment situated blocks away from New York University. Their unique desserts are worth the walk, particularly the Dubai chocolate crepe. The coffeehouse has partnered with the Campus Clipper to offer students a discount when they present our coupon and their valid student ID.

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Just Around the Corner: Stuytown Marketplace

Sunday, May 4th, 2025

Aidann Gia Bacolodan, Pace University

A New York City college student is not a New York City college student until they find their favorite corner, typically known for its deli-marketplace. I found my personal choice of a bodega recently, alongside my friend Emmely.

As we entered the air-conditioned deli in the early summer heat, a joyful team greeted us, while juicing a variety of brightly-colored beverages. We knew we had to order a few, considering how sticky and humid the weather was. I selected the deep magenta “morning sunshine” smoothie, while Emmely opted for a large, fresh carrot juice.

“The fresh juice even tasted healthy! I really love that the staff make it right in front of you with a real juicer, that’s an experience I rarely see anymore,” Emmely thought. “It was not too sweet. You know it’s a quality, fresh, unprocessed beverage.”

Our sandwiches were the main entrees, though there were a plethora of other foods to order from. Paninis and subs caught our eye the most, resulting in an “originally philly” and a “captain america” spread for our lunch. The toasted loaves of bread, cheesy centers, and fresh lettuce beds were a perfect mix of textures. With golden brown shells, fluffy breading, and tender meats, our entrees were a delicious way to end our day of classes and meetings. I wholly appreciated the addition of a sliced dill pickle and side of crispy potato chips to our orders.

My original Philly cheesesteak sliced in two.

“Again, their food is really good. They fill that sandwich up with meat, for real!” Emmely said. “So much protein in a single meal, but you can customize it if you want to change it up.”

Based on the recommendations we received, Emmely ordered the apple pie bowl and I indulged in the sunshine bowl. Her colorful apple pie bowl was filled to the brim with their classic ice-cold açaí mix, an entire sliced banana, and abundance of apple slices, and a heaping spoonful of oats. My beautifully presented bowl was composed of pineapple chunks, fresh blueberries, chia seeds, and a thinly sliced banana. I quickly consumed this treat before it could melt, feeling healthy and satisfied afterwards. These dishes could be eaten as a breakfast or a dessert, as they are filling, sweet, and fruity. She also had a moist, warmed, red-velvet muffin for her afternoon finale.

Emmely happily showing off her red-velvet muffin.

“For the Açai bowl, it’s so good! Especially if you love fresh granny apple slices and caramel. Not too sweet either, but very sugar-packed,” my friend commented. “I appreciated the velvety muffin. It really was good, it had a cream cheese filling which was smooth. The perfect pairing for the thick red velvet batter.”

Our two colorful, nutrient-rich açaí bowls.

“The place was really nice and chill and the owner was so accommodating. The menu was huge, so there’s definitely something for every taste and mood, whether it’s a quick snack or a whole meal. Very quick, and efficient too, for on the go shopping!” Emmely reviewed.

For students looking for their favorite deli in their area, I would recommend trying Stuytown Marketplace, considering they have a wide selection of meals, beverages, and snacks.


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Just Around the Corner: Love Mama

Thursday, May 1st, 2025

Aidann Gia Bacolodan, Pace University

Living in the heart of New York City—the complex, diverse borough of Manhattan—offers opportunities to taste a plethora of flavors from cultures spanning the globe. I often feel that I indulge in foods of the same regions: American, Mediterranean, and Italian. Although I do love these favorable staples, my palate craves more spice and tastes reminiscent of home. Marlie, a close friend and peer of mine, and I spent our lunch exploring the wild and unique platters at an Asian-fusion locale. Just around the corner from the New York University campus sits Love Mama, an establishment I now claim as one of my top five favorites spots in the city. I find this hidden gem to be the most memorable and delicious out of the affordable, casual, sit-down spots. Other comparable food vendors lean on the expensive side, or their dishes simply match their low prices, but Love Mama is inexplicably inexpensive for their quality level of food.

To start, the friendly staff placed several pieces of roti planta, which were crispy fluffy roti dough and lentil dipping sauce. I found this appetizer as airy, crispy on the outside, and truly healing. I needed that roti more than I knew. I devoured each bite, especially because of the complimentary dipping sauce, memorable from its vibrant yellow color and sweet after taste.

The most heavenly piece of roti I have ever consumed, and its light dipping sauce.

A classic plate of colorful pad thai served us well, showcasing an abundance of greens, onions, and protein. I happily noted the pad thai’s sweet radish, egg, chopped chives, bits of beats, roasted peanuts, fresh lime juice, and paprika. 

The charcoal-grilled Malaysian chicken satay shish-kebab was marinated in cumin, smoky seasoning, and a peanut sauce. This platter was incredibly savory, which paired well with the northern Thai-style papaya salad. The side dish constituted of freshly pounded papaya, sliced carrot, roasted peanuts, diced tomatoes, and a fresh lime dressing.

”The papaya salad was refreshing, it was the perfect crisp palate cleanser between the heavier dishes,” Marlie noted as we consumed our filling spread. “Across the board the meat was very well seasoned and cooked.”

To the left are the chicken kebabs, paired with the papaya salad seen on the right

A red curry was presented shortly after our previous platters, characterized by its freshly pounded red chili paste, egg plant, bell pepper, long beans, and fresh basil leaves. Typically, I don’t order curry. I find its flavor to be catered towards other food connoisseurs, as it’s an acquired taste. In this case, it was a kitchen order sent to change my mind on the dish entirely. I didn’t know I could enjoy a curry the way I had. The mixed soup was warm, flavorful, and necessary for recovering from the tumultuous week.

”The Thai red curry? It was so good. So good.I recommend eating it with the roti, which was top notch,” Marlie raved. “You can taste the differences in spices in the different types of cuisine, but they all blend very well together.”

The midst of Marlie and my stuffing-our-face afternoon.

A mango sticky rice finalized our afternoon, emboldened by its lovely sweetness and sesame topping. It was a simple desert: a juicy, sliced mango set atop a bed of rice soaked in a sugary concoction. The elegant presentation only enhanced my experience at Love Mama.

“As for the mango sticky rice, it was very good! Even though I was bloated and completely full, I still had room for the sticky rice which was the perfect end to lunch. It balanced out the intense flavors, so the unique, pungent flavors didn’t linger afterwards,” Marlie commented on the desert.

“I found the service  to be excellent and the dishes altogether worked nicely,” Marlie concluded her thoughts. “These dishes were versatile, you could mix and match them but they still harmonize!”

I would come to Love Mama on a weekly basis, if my schedule at Pace University permitted. My two main takeaways of the day were the unforgettable, piping hot, roti starter and the beautiful bowl of red curry with white rice. I fully intend on taking my parents to try this blend of Asian cultures in a singular spot. For those in search of a well priced authentic Asian-fusion experience, look no further than Love Mama. For New York City students, bring a valid university or college ID for a worthwhile discount!

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