Coffee Diaries | Maman
It happened on Google Maps.
Some of the most serendipitous (and sometimes sketchy) discoveries unfold on the satellites and street views of Google Maps. To see the world in a little 1080 px x 1920 px frame.
All thanks to a little Google Map search of Princeton, I found Maman. The moment of discovery itself had a feeling akin to what Harry Potter must have felt when he found Peter Pettigrew skittering about the Marauder’s Map. Maman in Princeton? Here? Now? Really?
Let me take you back. It was 2016. Six years ago. I had first laid eyes on Maman in a very unlikely way…by walking past it in Soho. First of all, I am never in Soho. I was actually on an altogether different Coffee Diaries mission, to Happy Bones, which is located a few footsteps away. I was immediately drawn in by its curbside appeal. Metal bistro seating, a sumptuous arch of greenery festooning the storefront, and of course, the clientele. A quick look on Instagram quickly confirmed this place to be favorite haunt of artists, chic citygoers, fashionistas, and college kids with a flair for the finer things in life.
Ever since then, I had put Maman on my list, but I had honestly resigned to going to Maman “another time.”
That was six years ago. SIX!
So, this past weekend, I went to Maman, not in Soho, but in Princeton. It was a coffee six years in the making. What I quickly realized was that Maman is an eatery, not just a coffeehouse. It was about 3pm, a busy time as any, with people gathering over bowls of soup, pastries, salads, and tartines. I opted for a simple latte and croissant, my usual staples. While it was not a feast, Maman’s cafe is certainly a feast for the eyes. Corners are bedecked with vining greenery that stretches up to the ceiling, giving French garden feels no matter where you sit. It’s quite impressive in how secluded it makes your table feel, considering that the Princeton location is quite large with an open floor plan. Sprigs of (faux?) jasmine adorn each tabletop, and perhaps the best part of Maman is getting to use the beautiful signature French blue plates, cups, and antique silverware that is the essence of Maman’s “look.”
So, if you’ve made it to this part of the post, congrats! You can probably tell that my Coffee Diaries posts are often not about the coffee at all, but the experience and ambience. I can’t wait to take more of my loved ones to Maman at their many locations (that I now properly know about!)
Ciao, xo