Now, maybe my review is biased because I do know the owners, but I think I'm pretty objective and so I'll proceed.
Gladwyne-based Green Bean is not the obvious choice for the navigationally challenged (that means, those of you who, like me, can't get into the driver's seat of a car without getting lost). But it's still pretty frickin' cool.
The first thing I noticed when walking in was how green it was. Really, it's green. You know, the calming sage color that people sometimes put in their dining rooms or bedrooms. Except this time, it's a coffee shop. Green Bean is a small space, but it's clean and cute and the giant sized espresso machine is so shiny that I was tempted to put on my lipstick in the reflection.
Pretty, isn't it?
Oh right, the coffee's good too. Owners Tammin Kim and Brian Storey were smart enough to employ the delicious talents of the folks over at Chestnut Hill Coffee Co. and the locally roasted beans are, quite simply, delicious. (But honestly, most people in Philly probably already know this.) This coffee ain't weak, bitter, or any other terrible thing. It's rich and tasty and warms you up, or cools you down if you really want it iced.
As of today, their second day open, the store had a simple menu and reasonable prices. No, you cannot order your obnoxious Starbucks favorite (you know, the giant-sized-zero-fat-Mary-Kate-and-Ashley-Olsen-style monstrosity that you create out of coffee, fourteen cups of skim milk, and fake chocolate). But remember when you also didn't pay $6 for a single drink? Yeah, me either, so imagine my pleasant surprise when I saw that I could drink a latte for less money than it takes me to get most places on SEPTA.
Tammin took the reigns on my latte, saddling up to the Victoria Arduino Adonis machine and producing a beautiful little concoction of espresso and milk. I sat at one of the tables and sipped as I watched people shuffle in and out of the space.
Not to jinx it, but business seemed pretty sweet. And why not? Because in addition to coffee and homemade baked goods (don't let the owners claim the glory for these delights, I have it on good authority that a helpful family member can be accredited with the creation of the sweet treats) -- Grean Bean is offering Capogiro. And oh boy, if that is not the creamiest, smoothest, most heavenly gelato you've ever tasted, then I'd like to know what is.
Did I mention this is a first-time entrepreneurial venture for the lovely young lads who created it? Having seen the two work in the kitchen together, I'm pretty sure it'll be a great partnership. And I hear they're going to have more food soon. This makes me happy. What fat kid doesn't want some food with their coffee? A skinny one. And I hate skinny people . . .
They might be a little hard to get into contact with, as they don't have a website or phone (yet!), but I'll go ahead and give you the address and you had better plug it into your GPS if you want to end up somewhere other than on the river or in West Philly.
Green Bean Coffee
358 Righters Mill Rd
Gladwyne, PA
Oh, right, the verdict? Approved.
[editor's note: I regret to inform you that I was not prepared with a camera at the store today. Perhaps when KK gets up there, she can take some pictures. For now I'll steal a picture of that beautiful espresso machine from one of the owners. Yeah, I took it without permission, sorrrrry!]
