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Chobani Cafe in SoHo is transforming into a heartwarming holiday wonderland to spread cheer and give back to the community. The cafe is offering a special holiday menu, a cookie decorating workshop, a community-focused gift guide and a chance to experience a comforting Turkish tradition that's close to the heart of Chobani's founder Hamdi Ulukaya.
Each weekend in December, from 2pm to 5pm, New Yorkers will get to warm up and fill their bellies with delicious chestnuts when visiting the special roasted chestnut cart outside of Chobani Cafe. Staffers will hand out the freshly roasted nuts for free with any cafe purchase.
The cart is inspired by Ulukaya's memories of childhood, when chestnut vendors marked the start of the holiday season. The comforting smell and taste of the warm food will bring a little comfort and old world charm to 152 Prince Street, that's for sure.
The cart is just one part of the cafe's December makeover. Two special holiday drinks will be available for a limited time during the season: the high protein peppermint mocha smoothie and Salep, a hot beverage made with milk, rose water, cinnamon and pistachios, that brings a traditional taste of Turkey to this side of the Atlantic.
These special beverages won't just taste good, they'll also make you feel good. All proceeds from the sales of the drinks will benefit the Lower Eastside Girls Club, a local organization that offers free year-round programs in science, the arts, leadership, wellness and entrepreneurship to middle and high school girls.
What's more, as a special treat to Girls Club members, the cafe will host a cookie-decorating workshop on December 16, taught by NYC chef and artist Jen Monroe.
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And if you're still finishing up your holiday shopping, get this: the cafe is debuting its first ever gift back guide. Available online or in the cafe, it will help you find local small businesses, makers who support social causes and ideas for giving your time rather than buying something new.