Bibble & Sip Alpaca Cafe
An Interview with Gary Chan
Bibble & Sip, located in Midtown West, is my new neighborhood favorite for it’s friendly atmosphere, delectable pastries and adorable alpaca themed decor. Having changed jobs and moved uptown, I was in search of a new local coffee joint for my caffeine fix. Stumbling upon Bibble & Sip and it’s adorable alpaca themed decor reminded me instantly of Kaffe 1668, my old workplace favorite!
Bibble & Sip blends both amazing coffee (they do matcha lattes!) and cute pastries (check out their adorable earl grey pots de creme and matcha cream puffs). They’re always experimenting with the dessert menu (almond and jasmine poached pear turnovers, cinnamon bourbon salted caramel kouign amanns, etc) and rolling out new flavors and interesting drinks (passionfruit infused teas, lavender lattes).
I had the chance to chat briefly with the owner Gary, and get a little insight into how he created such a unique theme and space! Read on below for the interview
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2) We love your baked treats! Do you have a background in baking? We noticed many of the items have a tea theme – Can you share how you created the menu and what are some of your signature treats? I know it may sound cliche to say this, but running a bakery has always been my dream career. My family wasn’t most fond of the idea when I first brought it up, so I went with my alternative choice of design. But over the years they realize I wasn’t happy going their ideal 9-5 route, so they supported me through my continuing education in culinary training. My menu is a good result of my background. I’ve applied parts of my cultural influences, my design mindset, personal likings, and lots of feedback from all my loved ones.
3) We love that you’re located in midtown, as it’s one of the few amazing cafes to go to during the work week. What made you decide to open a location here and how did you design the space?
4) Can you tell us about your signature matcha jasmine lattes? What do you think is the most important part of making good coffee? Just like how the alpaca came into my life, the scent of jasmine sort of made its way in the same way. I sat next to a jasmine plant one time at the botanical garden some years ago and couldn’t forget the satisfaction. How can something natural smell so good? So I ended up wanting to put it in everything! Of course, it doesn’t go with everything. But it paired with matcha really well! The most important part of making good coffee…in my opinion, is making it to suit the specific customer’s preference. Beans are roasted and selected, it’s the “control” of the formula. But how hot, paired with which milk selection, those are the variations of the formula that makes a good result.5) What’s the best part of working at Bibble & Sip! What do you like to do in your free time? The best part is seeing regular customers return day after day.
Thanks Gary for the interview! Stop by Bibble & Sip next time you’re in town – they’re right across from the Wicked Theatre.
Follow Sher She Goes on
This place looks super cute! And it’s amazing that Gary got to follow his dreams. And across the Gerswhin, that’s super close (take me sometime!)
Author
yes lets go!!
ooh i’m always looking for matcha latte places in the city. thanks for sharing!
xx. Stacy
That matcha tea looks amazing! I’m visiting NYC in October to meet up with some friends, and I’ll definitely try to make a stop here. Beautiful pictures!!
Aww this cafe is run by my friend’s friend’s boyfriend! Haha. But love visiting, their alpaca theme is adorable! Lovely interview :)
Author
oh wow, small world Erica! it’s a great cafe, i love their baked goods as well :)
great post and photo, I love it!
We must visit soon