I've never felt as cool as I do when I hang out at Tryst in Adams Morgan. Something about being amongst a midday throng of unemployed hipsters shouts out "cool urban chic" louder than any bohemian ensemble ever could.
Yes, friends. I know what you're thinking, so let's not tiptoe around the subject. I find myself here, at Tryst, celebrating the first week of my unemployment. Perhaps this burgeoning sense of coolness is really just one of camaraderie. It turns out that not even I, the Pumpernickel, am immune to the effects of an economy on the down, and, *shudder*, layoffs. But fear not, faithful readers. I have high hopes, legitimate prospects and a renewed drive to pursue my passion. And by drive, I mean a fire under my ass.
But I'm confident that these things always happen for a reason, and that perhaps what seems like the beginning of a chaotic time in my life is actually one of reinvigoration and discovery.
But back to Tryst for a moment-- there never was a better place to be unemployed. Here, I can drown my sorrows in a massive mug of swirled mocha and find comfort in a hearty slab of quiche oozing with Swiss cheese. And the best part? Neither breaks the bank, a fact well appreciated by my newly empty pockets.
The frizzy haired redhead next to me is poring over books (a student-- she's not in the same boat as me, damn her) and has just been handed a steaming bowl of roasted tomato bisque. I'm finding myself jealous, both of her disconnectedness from the working world and of the savory sweet scent wafting across the table. The bisque is served with the thin cross section of a bagel, toasted to make an elegant cracker fit be dunked into such a soup. Big Red just spilled a bit of it on her white tee shirt, and I cringe to see any of it wasted.
Meanwhile, my friend and I begin a conversation about Israel and the Middle East. My parents are headed there in a few days and their impending trip is rousing memories of my own experiences across the Atlantic. Big Red picks up her phone and flits between accented Hebrew and perfect English. My friend and I make eye contact and smile. Spilled soup or not, I've warmed to her. She's obviously heard our conversation and wanted to make her Jewishness known. Such are the unspoken bonds between Jews.
The only drawback to spending an afternoon at Tryst? As I sit here, soaking up their free wifi, I'm garnering nasty looks from the waitstaff. I ordered my quiche about three hours ago and have yet to order anything else. I feel bad, and consider buying an iced tea to keep them at bay. Then I remember my empty pockets and reconsider.
I have a feeling I'll find myself here often in the coming days. And should you find yourself unemployed, I do hope you stop on by.
Tryst Coffeehouse
2459 18th Street NW . Washington, DC 20009
202-232-5500
3 comments:
As one who has frequented Tryst for years, I can state that the nasty looks from the service staff are like a garnish to whatever you've ordered and no matter how long you sit.
That being said, ordering something else is not a bad thing if you can afford to do so. Should you find yourself in need of coffee, free wifi, and unhassled job searching/reading/flitting I highly recommend the many Caribou Coffee places in the area.
My friend found a mouse under her couch there this weekend - and beware, they shut off their wifi on the weekends! But other than that Tryst is amazing. I love when I get off work for holidays I don't celebrate - Tryst is always a midday destination.
Good luck with the job hunt. <3
I've been to Tryst on my search to find a third place
It's not that bad but I wouldn't use it for lounging- I like to go to a Panera... or Wegmans...
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