Central Perk Coffee Enjoyed Best With Friends

Good Taste

MBE partnered with Central Perk for this post, opinions are my own

New Artisan Coffee, Inspired by Friends TV Series

I am writing this review now, under the influence of Central Perk "Oh. My. Gawd!" Cold Brew Blend ground coffee. I received this to facilitate a coffee tasting for this review, along with two other varieties of the brand's newest java offerings including "Gunther!" Espresso whole beans and "Moo Point" ground decaf. 

Central Perk Coffee

Fans of the iconic TV series Friends from Warner Bros. which ran for 10 seasons from 1994-2004 are familiar with the show's fictional Central Perk coffee shop where New Yorkers Ross, Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Gunther and the rest of the gang like to hang out. Earlier this month the first-ever real life Central Perk coffeehouse opened its doors to the public in Boston; additional coffee shops are planned for around the country during 2023.

But don't worry coffee lovers, if you're outside of Boston: you are not missing out because Central Perk's artisan coffees are available right now nationwide for delivery in 10 oz bags (as well as in single serve pods in a box) to your doorstep for you to brew at home.  

In fact, after trying this trio of new coffees myself, which were all so good, I decided to include them among our top picks for MBE's 2023 Father's Day Gift Guide.

 

The Newest Central Perk Coffees

Joining existing Friends inspired varieties "How You Doin," "Pivot Blend," and "We Were on a Coffee Break," are three all-new Central Perk coffees -- each created with the expertise and know-how of NYC resident and famed Chef Tom Colicchio. The newest three are featured in this review.

"Oh.My.Gawd!" ground coffee may be billed by the brand as a medium roast with butterscotch and cocoa notes as a cold brew blend. Admittedly, I've tried this both iced and hot, and either way this coarse grind choice is my hands-down favorite of the new Central Perk coffees sent to me to experience. This is particularly good for summer which starts tomorrow, served as an ice blended style drink by adding milk and a tablespoon of chocolate milk powder to ice cubes and brewed coffee, then frothing it up in a blender before pouring into a tall glass.

"Gunther!" Espresso whole beans is a dark roast producing dark cocoa, sweet caramel, and smoky notes. Full-bodied, bold and rich tasting, this is a great choice for those of you who appreciate the strong taste when sipping a good espresso like I do. To make a delicious cup of espresso, simply grind the whole beans immediately before brewing, then use 1-2 tablespoons of ground coffee for each 6 oz cup of cold filtered water which should be properly heated to a piping hot 197-205 degrees for ideal extraction and best results.

"Moo Point" decaf coffee is an essential to have on hand, as an alternative to the caffeinated varieties, especially if you are entertaining for Sunday brunch, serving with dessert, or just about anytime you are offering your guests coffee. As a medium roast, with its delightful light hints of cocoa and subtle honey, savoring this brew I had a hard time telling that this coffee variety, as flavorful and good tasting as it was, was actually decaffeinated.

 

What is Artisan Coffee Anyway?

Artisan coffee, which has become extremely popular among discerning coffee drinkers, is defined as a high quality coffee that has been crafted with great attention to details by skilled individuals like Chef Colicchio. It is a term often used to describe coffee, typically sourced from specialty coffee farms growing an exceptional quality of beans, then prepared in small batches by small-scale coffee roasters.

About Central Perk Coffee

Central Perk responsibly sources coffee from 20 countries of origin -- including many of the best growing regions around the world. Products are available for ordering exclusively online, shipping in the US and internationally through CentralPerk.com. Coffee product packaging options including single serve pods, whole beans, and ground coffee for $16.99 each. There is also a coffee subscription program to receive products shipped to you regularly. Always fresh, free US shipping is provided with orders of $40+. As the company's mantra says, this coffee collection is "Enjoyed best with FRIENDS." Stay up to date on all the news and learn more by visiting CentralPerk.com, also by following them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Father’s Day Gift Guide for Geeky Dads

Gift Ideas

Geeky Gifts Inspired by my Beloved Dad

This year’s top picks list is inspired by my Dad, whom I miss every day but especially on Father’s Day. Hands down he was the prototype geek -- horn-rimmed eyeglasses, high waisted pants, white shirt and tie, he never left for work without a plastic pocket protector.

MBE partnered with the brands included, post contains affiliate links. However, as always I've chosen things I think you'll appreciate and all opinions are honest.

At the office my Dad worked as a signal processing specialist for the telephone company, while at home, Mom affectionately called him "Mr. Fix It" because there was nothing he couldn't repair. From repairing appliance breakdowns to servicing the family car, he easily solved each and every household malfunction. In fact, when I was a kid, I thought his main hobby was fixing stuff. 

Is your Dad hyperfocused or obsessed with a certain lifestyle filled with gadgets and practical tools? Then you are likely to find the perfect geek gift you're shopping for among this curated lineup of Father's Day gifting ideas.

 

Geekey Multi-Functional Tool, $22.99

This small house key-sized workhorse gadget is a geek’s mini paradise that rivals practically everything you'd find in a full-size tool box. Yes, this pocket contraption is capable of doing multiple tasks of most those full-sized tools and kitchen gadgets you see surrounding it in the picture above. Built to last the Geekey is made 420 Stainless Steel with 16+ tools and functions including: wire stripper, bowl, protractor, bit driver, ruler (standard and metric), pipe, screwdriver (2/3 slotted, 2/3 phillip), serrated edge, bottle opener and 1/4" open wrench, 3.2/3.3mm bike spoke key and wirebender, imperial/metric closed wrench (1/8", 3/16", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 7/16", M8, M6, M5, M4, M3.5, M2) and lots more, with a lanyard hole at the top to add to Dad's keychain. Best of all, if your father enjoys traveling, this is TSA-compliant as a carryon. Available on Amazon

Cooper and Kid Subscription Box, $65 

A father-child enrichment kit full of five really cool, educational, and engaging activities and projects to work on together, with a new box delivered to your doorstep every 3 months. Each themed DIY set is unique, comes with it's own mission, storyline, and theme. Five categories of fun are included with each shipment: a book, creative projects, themed dinner recipes, building projects, and a surprise you get to create using the shipping box to make something. Just the thing with families with one or more children ages 4-12. Free shipping, save 50% off your first box for a limited time only

The Central Perk Coffee Company, $16.99

Here's the ideal present for the Dad who appreciates really good artisanal coffee made with premium Arabica beans and can't start the day without his first cup at home. Available in 10 oz bags, I had the opportunity to try Central Perk's three new varieties, all inspired by the iconic Warner Bros. television series: Friends, "Oh. My. Gawd" Cold Brew Blend (Ground), "Gunther!" Espresso (Whole Beans), and "Moo Point" Decaf (Ground). Each of the coffees I sampled is more delicious than the other two, so if getting all three for Dad makes it easy to take advantage of their Free shipping with orders of $40+.

Banana Loca Banana Stuffing Gadget, $28.99

For the father who loves crazy but practical contraptions, how about the Banana Loca as seen on ABC's Shark Tank? With this quirky device Dad can make sweet treats for the family for dessert at your Father's Day BBQ, on family road trips or for kids' school lunch boxes. The bright yellow banana shaped device is crazy easy to use, too. First, trim off the tip of a fresh banana that's not too green and not too ripe opposite the stem end. Second, use the coring attachment to core out the center of the banana. Next switch to the other attachment, fill up with your choice of filling (peanut butter, Nutella, cream cheese, etc) and gently push to fill the banana. Includes a brush for easy cleaning. Available on Amazon

Just for Dad & Me, Father-Daughter Journal, $8.49/$18.99

There's nothing like the special bond between dads and daughters, right? This journal by Han-Son is a keepsake diary for today's fathers to share with their daughters. Featuring interactive prompts, it's the place for both fathers and daughters to fill in the blanks by handwriting in their unique thoughts. It's an opportunity for each to write down their thoughts on both the fun moments and the difficult serious conversations, in a kind and sensitive way. Published by Daddilife, a 150,00o+ strong modern dads community who's mission is to help bridge the generation gap with kids, this journal is available on Amazon in paper back and hard copy

 

Not-So-Common Cents: Facts About Money, $13.49 

If your dad is always saying money doesn't grow on trees, check out this fun and educational new 2023 book from National Geographic Kids. Though this book targets ages 8 to 11, you and your father will enjoy reading and learning from this book together. It's loaded with an abundance of fascinating facts and new things to learn about, most which might be new to one or both of you. One example is the history of money and how society went from bartering to using currency. You'll learn about the basics of investing, interest, and credit, as well as demystify the world of cryptocurrency and other "new" money. Not-So-Common Cents:  Super Duper Important Facts About Money You Can't Afford to Miss, by Sarah Wassner Flynn, is available in paper back on Amazon

Heat It Insect Bite Treatment for Insect Bites, $39.95

Bug bites and stings (and resulting itching and swelling) are synonymous with summer so this is a gadget your dad will want to have at the ready. It's easy to use with his iPhone or Android phone to treat insect bites on contact as soon as they happen whether he's out on the trail hiking, camping with the family, relaxing in the backyard or anywhere else where people may be exposed to mosquito and other bug bites. To use: Plug the Heat It device into your smartphone, the product's app (installed once ahead of time) then automatically opens then adjust the treatment settings before pressing start; a signal lets you know when the device's preheating is completed and then all you do is press Heat It onto the affected skin area for the brief time indicated.  Available in two versions for iPhone and Android (phones not included) at Amazon and REI

 

JLab Work Buds True Wireless Earbuds, $79.99 

This is the gift every working Dad needs: the new, recently introduced JLab Work Buds with Removable Boom Mic and Charging Dock. With these high quality earbuds in his ears whether he's on a work call or calling home to help the kids with their homework, he'll be able to hear and speak as clearly as possible, thanks to the noise-canceling mic boom to eliminate outside distractions such as outdoors or in a crowded room. What's more in the mic boom can be used with either the right or left earbud or can be completely removed to use his earbuds alone if he'd rather just listen to music or to that audio book he is listening too whenever he has a free moment. Available on Amazon

JLab JBuds Air Pro True Wireless Earbuds, $59.99 

Wireless Earbuds don't get any better than these for fathers who travel for work and who insist on high quality sound when wearing wireless ear buds. JBudsAir Pro True Wireless Earbuds, which come with a compact Portable Charging Case that fits in his pocket, deliver 9+ hours of listening on a single charge.  Cool features include the ability to connect to two devices simultaneously thanks to Bluetooth Multipoint, so Dad can use earbuds while he's on his smartphone and at his laptop, while on a flight, at the office, or at home. They're great for active fathers to wear when enjoying leisure time working out at the gym, cycling or running, and enjoying outdoor activities since these are sweat and dustproof. Available on Amazon

 

Keep Going First Aid GoKit, $39.99

This all-in-1 compact fully-loaded first aid kit will come in handy, whether Dad is going camping with his buddies, taking on trips with the family, or just to keeping in the car since someone is always getting a boo-boo when you have kids, it seems. The First Aid Go Kit from Keep Going (pictured here in the Signature case pattern; also available in 12 other fun designs) features a zippered bag that is so sleek and well-designed it fits easily into a diaper bag, carry-on plane luggage, backpack or car glove compartment. The GoKit includes 130 pieces of all the things one might need for minor mishaps ranging from different adhesive bandage types, sting relief pads, triple anti-biotic ointment, mini blunt scissors and tweezers, a disposable thermometer, and tick removers, there's even a bunch of stickers for the kids, a finger splint and nosebleed plugs and many more first aid essentials in this set. Save 10% when you use this link at checkout KeepGoing.com

Oldest Los Angeles: Exploring Historic Sites, $20.95 

This city-centric book is the trivia you ever wanted to know about LA of yesteryear. It's a title for geeky dads who are Los Angeles locals, but also appeals to out of towners with a fascination with the City of Angels. Authored by Mimi Slawoff, this 192 page book takes readers on a journey off the beaten path to "see" and learn about LA's historic sites, landmarks, and multi-generation family businesses, with an emphasis always on the oldest. Covers the Southland from Downtown LA, Greater LA, Hollywood, West LA, South Bay, San Gabriel Valley - Crescenta Valley, San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, and Santa Catalina Island. Available in paperback direct from the publisher Reedy Press, Amazon and select indie booksellers

LA Scavenger: Los Angeles' Hidden Treasures, $24

New for 2023 is a unique spiral bound book by Danny Jensen which would be a lot of fun for fathers who live in Southern California within driving distance of Los Angeles, as well as dads who have always wanted to visit LA who'd like to get a virtual taste of the city through reading this book full of location-inspired trivia. Broken down into 22 neighborhoods across sprawling Los Angeles,  from Olvera Street near Downtown to Santa Monica and Venice Beaches, readers will find black and white photos and a bit of information for each quirky LA location. With interesting wall murals, buildings, historical sites and interesting signage, there are new things to discover and learn about even for seasoned Los Angelenos who have lived here for decades. LA Scavenger, Paper Back Wire Bound, 192 pages, is available direct from the publisher Reedy Press, Amazon and at select independent bookstores

I hope you find the perfect gift to suit your father's unique personality here; in fact you may find some good gifts for Dad for other occasions here (like his next birthday), for yourself, or for other family members and friends. The main thing to not lose sight of: if you are blessed to have a father in your life, remember to call your Dad on Father's Day as well as stay in touch with him throughout the year.

DISCLOSURE:  We participate in Amazon and various other affiliate advertising networks which allow our site to earn compensation for including referral links within our posts at no extra cost to consumers making a purchase.

Mothers Day Multi Generation Gift Guide 2023

Mother's Day 

I received products and/or compensation for brands highlighted in this post, except as noted. However, I've chosen things I think you'll appreciate and all opinions are honest. Post includes affiliate links.

Gifts Celebrating Generations of Motherhood

Mother's Day in the U.S. this year falls on Sunday, May 14th. For 2023 the theme of Mommy Blog Expert's Mother's Day Gift Guide is "Generations: Gifts for Moms of Every Age." So, we've curated a wonderful collection of imaginative and thoughtful presents uniquely suited for giving to each mom generation: Moms, Grandmas, Great Grandmothers, and even Expectant Moms-To-Be. This also includes shopping inspo for daughters, sisters, and/or friends who are moms and the mother role models in your life.

 

Below you see pictured the most recent six generations (five of us mothers) of my maternal line. These females, including my grand daughter, daughter, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, are my inspiration for this year's collection of Mother's Day gift ideas. A special hats off to my own Daughter (my eldest triplet) on becoming a mommy, making me a first-time Grandmother and to my own Mother on the recent arrival of this, her fifth Great Grandchild.  

Whether you're likewise blessed with a mom or have a mother figure in your own life no matter what generation she belongs to, you'll likely find the perfect gift to give her that shows how much you love and appreciate her. 

Gifts for Mothers

PeachSkinSheets Classic Luxury Sheet Sets, $79 - $149.95 

Mom works hard and deserves a good night's sleep, right? This makes PeachSkin luxurious 1500 thread count level of softness sheet sets (including top sheet, fitted sheet, and pillow cases with European envelope closures) my top pick for comfort, quality and selection. There's truly so much to love about this brand's affordable and luxe velvet-like sheet sets, available in nine different sizes: Twin, XL Twin, Full, XL Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King and Split Head. 

What's more is that there are 24 PeachSkin sheet colors to choose from, including the Lavender Mist pictured here. If you'd like to actually feel the luxury of these sheets and/or not sure what color to order, the Atlanta, Georgia area company will send you complimentary fabric swatches to help you decide. An ideal gift for new and exhausted mothers but also for anyone who experiences night sweats. 

 

Lots of Love Bath Gift Set from Beloved Bath, $40

Being a mother is an endless 24/7 job, so give mom a beautiful self-care set so she can pamper herself and carve out some well-deserved time alone. She will love you for it. This sweet 3-piece set is wrapped in a bow and comes with a cotton candy scented pink heart-shaped "Love" bar of soap, a classic vanilla scented candle to set the mood while she bathes, and a jar of body butter to smooth on after a nice, long soak in the tub. Founded by two mompreneurs, all Beloved Bath candles and bath products are cruelty-free and phthalate-free, made with plant-based oils sourced from sustainable growers.

 

Gifts for Grandmothers 

Bouquet Box Fresh Flower Arrangement Kit, $99 - $169 

Here's a gift for Moms with a twist on sending the usual ready-made flower arrangement. The DIY professional florist-curated kit comes complete with everything needed to create a beautiful arrangement of fresh flowers at home. Available in a new design each month in three different sizes, each kit includes farm fresh blooms; reusable clear lucite vase with custom grid lid for easy flower arranging; a silk bag with custom professional florist tools including shears, stem stripper, and ruler; and photo instruction card with step-by-step how to flower arranging directions, plus industry tips and tricks from the pros. Though we haven't received one of these floral kits yet to personally experience the flower arranging process, you are encouraged to check this brand's offerings out.

LEGO Brick Botanicals Puzzle from Chronicle Books, $17.95

Grandmas who are LEGO, flower and/or puzzle fans will love this gift. With 1000 puzzle pieces to assemble, this will provide hours of enjoyment as well as challenge and sharpen her mind, spatial abilities, and fine motor skills. Also a great distraction between visits to her grandkids so she doesn't miss them too much. What a great way to send a different kind of flower arrangement to granny for Mother's Day that she can enjoy without having to worry about watering it. When completed this puzzle measures 25" x 20. Just think upon completion, if glued down onto a cardboard base, your grandmother can even continue enjoying this puzzle as a piece of wall art for years to come.

 

Gifts for Great Grandmothers 

Heirloom Video Book, $49 - $69

No wifi connection is required for the mom you gift this to, making it ideal for giving to family matriarchs who may not own a laptop or smartphone. After choosing a hard book cover (the Love book is one of 18 covers available), the company will ship the book to you which also includes a fully rechargeable battery. After this arrives visit the link provided on their site to personalize up to 20 minutes of family memory videos depending on which book you've ordered. 

When you mail or present this gift to mom for Mother's Day in-person, all she has to do is open the book's cover to enjoy watching the precious crisp and clear videos of loved ones via the 5" video screen and speaker. As a DIY gift for more tech-savvy moms, you might also consider shipping directly to the recipient so they can create (wifi connection required) their own video book.

Hug in a Box Plush Bear Gift from Boxfull, $44.95 - $74.95

Can't be with the mom in your life this Mother's Day? Send her love and affection with a Hug in a Box large plush teddy bear from Boxfull instead. When this gift arrives your gift recipient will get a bear hug as she opens the box and the bear's arms reach out to the side. Buy the Hug in a Box Bear as shown with a personalized card included, like I received, or select from one of the other Hug in a Box choices featuring the same adorable hugging bear along with other fun items. In addition to Mother's Day, you'll find great gift box ideas for all kinds of occasions throughout the year here, like birthdays, graduations, and more. 

Gifts for Expectant Moms 

Lil' Toasty Warmable Plush Animal from Keep Going First Aid, $19.99 

Soft and cozy for warm snuggles, the adorable plush Lil Toasty is a warmable plush animal filled with clay beads, dried French lavender, and polyester fiber. Fully microwaveable, it heats in 20 seconds to soothe and comfort little ones, as well as to help pregnant moms be more comfortable. 

Applied warm to the body, Lil' Toasty provides soothing heat therapy improving circulations and blood flow, as well as mini aches and pains such as sore muscles, sprains, neck and back pain. Place Lil' Toasty in a resealable bag and place in freezer, then use for cold therapy. Non-toxic, easy to surface clean with a damp cloth. Comes in four super cute designs, including Koala (pictured), Elephant, Sloth and Unicorn and packaged in a gift-ready see-through display box. A fun idea as a salve to warm or cool aches, pains, bug bites, and more for kids too.

LÍLLÉbaby All Season Baby Carrier, $99

The Complete 6-in-1 All Seasons Baby & Toddler Carrier 6-in-1 from LÍLLÉbaby is a wonderful gift idea for a pregnant mom, new mother, or mommy with more than one young child. Designed with a unique convertible seat that ergonomically supports little ones, this carrier is suitable for both newborns and toddlers from 6 to 45 lbs, expanding as a child grows. 

Features we love include the zip-down front panel which opens to expose breathable mesh when warm it's outside and zips up for cold protection similar to a windbreaker. Equally important, this expandable baby carrier is designed for comfortable wearing thanks to adjustable straps and ample padding at the shoulders and waist, contoured shoulder straps that smartly distribute a child's weight, and lumbar lower back support. Shown here in the Stone Gray style, this highly practical carrier is available in 12 different color styles, including solid colors and two-tone hue combinations and patterns.

Gifts for Daughter, Sister, Friend Moms 

MyBevi Premium Steel Vacuum Insulated 26 Oz Tumbler, $20 

What a great idea for carpool and active lifestyle moms. How about a customizable oversized tumbler with cover, drinking spout and a heavy duty attached lucite loop to hold your keys and juggle your busy, often hectic lifestyle? With high quality stainless steel interior and sized to fit in most car drink holders, it's perfect for keeping your morning coffee piping hot while driving the kids to school or watching your son or daughter on the field playing soccer or any other sport. Also a must to bring with you when you need to stay hydrated with ice cold water at the gym or while traveling on road trips this summer. Designed in the USA and easy to clean, this tumbler is available in 11 different colors including the candy pink style pictured.

Bomo Leather Journal, Platinum Fude Brush Pen from Pen Heaven, $32 and $30

From the British luxury gift emporium offering a full line of writing instruments and leather journals. An exquisitely designed leather floral journal made in Hungary and Italy, I just love this retro vintage paper hand-crafted Bomo Art Notebook Journal red roses style which was hand made by artisans using traditional book binding techniques. Give this blank book to a Mom who already loves to journal or to a mother who might like to start jotting down her personal thoughts each day. Pair it with the Platinum Fude Brush Cartridge Pen CF-2000 made in Japan which is beautifully embossed with gold Japanese characters and can also be engraved or fitted with a converter to use with bottled ink.

Wishing Every Mom

Happy Mother's Day!

DISCLOSURE: We participate in Amazon and various other affiliate advertising networks which allow our site to earn compensation for including referral links within our posts at no extra cost to consumers making a purchase. Other referral links (also at no additional cost to you) point directly to some brand websites too.