by Michael Zullo

The Manhattan Espresso Cafe, opened in September 1993 by its owner Brad Bonnewell, a former Lintas Worldwide advertising agency account executive whose office resided in the Turtle Bay neighborhood at One Dag Hammarskjold Plaza.

After researching the famous grand cafes and cuisine in Torino, Milano, Rome, Naples and Florence, Brad completed training with the renowned Italian espresso brand Illy Caffè S.P.A. based in Trieste, Italy.

Over the past 26 years the Manhattan Espresso cafe has attracted a steady stream of Turtle Bay neighbors, office workers and international tourists staying in nearby hotels. The cafe is located on a charming tree-lined block at 49th Street between Lexington and 3rd Avenues. It has a replica of the original bench from NYC’s 1964 World’s Fair outside the cafe.

Manhattan Espresso Cafe serves traditional cafe drinks and coffees (in porcelain and paper cups), fresh bakery items including scones, muffins, croissants, pastries as well as bistro sandwiches (for example: Italian Prosciutto, Fresh Mozzarella, and Arugula on Focaccia Bread), along with soups and crepes for lunch. Afternoon treats include fresh baked cookies, brownies, and homemade Italian biscotti.

Manhattan Espresso Cafe offers Turtle Bay Members free coffee after 3:00 pm with the purchase of a pastry or sandwich.

Location: 146 East 49th Street (between 3rd and Lexington Aves.)

Phone: 212-832-3010

website: manhattanespressocafe.com

Hours: Monday – Friday: 7 am to 7 pm. Saturday – Sunday 8 am to 1 pm.