Cool Beanz

I'll tell you about my little trip to Cool Beans today. You approach Cool Beanz off State Road 25A. This store is located in one of the ugliest shopping centers in St. James. Many businesses have made an attempt here, but few have succeeded. Even the local Chinese restaurant here has changed hands a few times since I remember. In this ugly shopping center sits this cute little store, which looks like an oasis in the desert. Too bad it has to be surrounded by parked cars and unsightly stores. You can almost imagine this store in the village on a bohemian street. You can pretend that you don't live in the boring suburbs, but in an artsy community of Chelsea or the West Village where conversation is intelligent. You can pretend you don't see the lineup of SUVs parked in the lot. You enter the store and can transform yourself by enjoying the decor that doesn't match, the clock set in on the table, the attempt at a colorful, original decor. I enjoyed my little visit here. Besides all this, the coffee was good and the cake and cookies looked tasty. I had a brownie which was fresh and only cost $1.00. You can stay as long as you want and there is entertainment on certain days. I hope this little business can survive. It cannot fall victim to large companies such as Starbucks. Do you want Starbucks on every corner? Ask yourself that question. We need to keep Cool Beanz here. Just the name alone is a pleasure to hear instead of a new Starbucks.