I stumbled out of bed our first morning in New York City determined to beat the jet lag and get off to a running start. Thanks to my handy dandy New York City iPhone guide, I knew that Birdbath – the neighborhood green bakery was only blocks away from our LES hotel. I headed off in search of tea and a Baker’s Muffin. Two wrong turns later and a few more blocks than I anticipated, I arrived. The storefront was modest and unassuming. A few people were standing in line, and I noticed that they had all brought coffee mugs with. I continued to watch as each and every one declined a small paper bag AND made a point to also decline the little pastry paper that often comes accompanies a baked good. My turn to order. I proudly handed over my thermos and ordered my muffin sans any supporting paraphernalia. But wait, I needed a receipt. A look of disdain crossed the face of the girl behind the counter. She tore a piece of scrap paper in half – jotted down the total amount – and stamped their logo on the back. ‘Here you go.’
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