No kidding.

Bainbridge, I apologize for not expressing myself more clearly. I was talking about *my* personal view of "older people" when I was younger. The phrase means something different to different people, sometimes depending on how old they are.

I know I am "older people" to anyone under 25 at this point, so I was trying to figure out where I fit in. If everybody was over 50 perhaps they'd resent a young whippersnapper like me intruding on their space. At the same time, I feel out of place in a coffee shop full of hipsters (I have never BEEN a hipster, for that matter) so I was happy to know there was a place for us "older people" to go. Especially one I like as much as Bean Exchange.

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Monica

Do you realize that places open and just find their own marketplace? If this isn't for you, great, more room for me! All I know is that every time I walk by, and it is a lot since I live on Kater, there are always a variety of people sitting in or outside of it. The tables were full ALL WEEKEND, so someone is enjoying it. If it isn't for you, at last count, there were 542 other coffeehouses within a stone's throw of here.

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0x-fkSYDtUY

"Censorship is free advertising by the government"--Federico Fellini

"Do you mind if I smoke while you eat?"

AGEISM, like sexism and racism is illegal and abhorrent. You may go wherever you wish, patronise any place without concern as to whether you may or may not "fit in". This is your city and neighbourhood. You live here, and by extension, you are an integral part of it. Who cares what anyone else thinks, especially hipsters, cool, trendy, yuppies, etc?

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Yours aye,
The MacNapier

Oh, I know. Clearly I'm doing a really bad job today of inserting a tone of facetiousness into my writing. What I meant by "fit in" was "fit into Bainbridge's age groupings", and it was a half-serious (because I really was curious about what "older people" meant -- I had charming visions of 80-year-old Italians actually) half-joking (because I remember what I used to think of the over-30 crowd, which has now somehow become MY crowd) question.

Regardless of what I or anyone else thinks of the clientele or may have thought of the clientele if they were 15 years younger, the decision to patronize the place is absolutely up to the individual.

FWIW, my original interpretation of Bainbridge's controversial comment was that it was an observation of who seems to be attracted to the Bean Exchange, and that perhaps it's not a crowd or decor that appeals to him (Bainbridge is a he, right? If not, I apologize again.). Which is fine. But since I'm a huge fan of the place, I wanted to offer an alternate, more positive impression so that the place gets plenty of business and stays open for years to come.

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Monica

HospitalityGirl...get over yourself. I do realize that places open and find their own marketplace. (I am actually in advertising, I know this concept well. However, there is such a thing as a "target market.") For the life of me I can't understand why everyone is jumping down my throat here! Did I ever say the Bean Exchange was a bad coffee shop and that people should not to go there? NO!! All I was trying to say is that it clearly (to me, at least) has a niche - just like all bars and restaurants have their niches. It is a mature, adult-oriented, clean, light coffee shop. THAT'S ALL. Did I say these were negative aspects? NO! I just personally like the vibe of Chapter House and Red Hook a little more. I do think the Bean Exchange, aesthetically, is a gorgeous space. If you like it so much HospitalityGirl, please, for the love of god, GO THERE AND HAVE A GREAT TIME. Live it up. Nobody's stopping you. But the way you're preaching, you sound as if you have a personal investment in it or something.

If any of you received the briefing Matt gave to the immediate neighbors prior to construction, you will notice that he's definitely reached his goal of a neighborhood meeting place, and I'm really happy for him. He worked long and hard to make this happen.

For what it's worth, I DO go there. I just don't see myself hanging out for hours on end. Where the hell did I imply I had "nowhere else to go"?

Oh, MonicaB, I am a girl. No, I wasn't offended

One of the more handsome newcomers is Bean Exchange at Seventh and Bainbridge Streets (650 Bainbridge St., 215-592-1960). Bean Exchange has some history behind it; owner Matt Armstrong, a 15-year Bella Vistan, was a bond trader who used coffee (the commodity) as a hedge. Armstrong roasts his own in small batches. The old-time decor is a nod to Philly's history as a major colonial port. It's open at 6:30 a.m. and posts closing at 10 p.m., though last weekend's warmth kept it open later.

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/colum...on_Square.html

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0x-fkSYDtUY

"Censorship is free advertising by the government"--Federico Fellini

"Do you mind if I smoke while you eat?"

I just read a wonderful essay that folds in The Bean Exchange ... well worth the read - how i agree with his points...

http://www.phillyskyline.com/

it currently is the 2nd most recent item posted...

Human Genome: S
by Nathaniel Popkin
May 2, 2007

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REFLECTIONS OF A ROCK LOBSTER