By Ivan Pereira
Korean immigrant Gi Lee, a self-proclaimed coffee nut, said too many cafes and coffeehouses in Queens are too similar.
“People are very conscious of what they eat or drink,” the Fresh Meadows resident said. “They don’t want the same type of mocha or cake.”
Lee has attempted to challenge the status quo by opening Breadbasket, at 213-07 Northern Blvd. in Bayside, in July. The 43-year-old focused his attention on the ingredients used to make coffee.
Lee said he only uses organic milk, cream and beans in his recipes. All of the cups use beans from Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea Inc., which imports the beans from various parts of the world, including Panama, Tanzania, Honduras and El Salvador.
“They really care about the best coffee beans,” Lee said. “I like their concept.”
The coffee company also gave Lee training sessions on how to be the perfect barista. At its training lab in Manhattan, Lee said he learned everything from making the fastest espresso to mixing the best hot chocolate.
As the name indicates, Breadbasket is not just about the beverages. The store also sells a wide variety of baked goods, such as croissants and muffins, from the Bouchon bakery in Manhattan.
Lee decided to have the bakery ship its food to his shop because he said it was a good match for the coffee he serves.
“People eat too many cakes and they care about their weight,” he said. “Maybe we can offer people more bread.”
Lee said he chose Bayside because it also fit with his vision of the coffeehouse. The area is popular among families, teens and young adults who are looking for a good time out without traveling far from the borough, according to the owner.
“In Bayside, you can really come in and relax,” he said.
As a former architect, Lee used his design skills to enhance the friendly mood of his shop. Track lighting, brick walls and subdued colors give visitors a friendly atmosphere to hang with their friends over a hot cup of java.
Lee said Breadbasket has already attracted many hungry customers since opening and they keep returning to try new drinks and menu choices. He said he welcomes more customers and wants to hear from them on how he can help improve his menu.
“I feel people really care about the ingredients. I’m going to help them with that,” he said.
Reach reporter Ivan Pereira by e-mail at ipereira@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 146.
