I have gathered that, like many things, New Yorkers dig coffee and are also very polarized about who brews the best cup. For every coffee snob out there, there are just as many people swearing by the 99-cent instant-ready from the corner bodega. As a new coffee devotee, I decided to accept the self-imposed challenge to find the city's best cup.

December is one of those crazy months. It's incredibly quick and incredibly slow at the same time... I don't know how that works, but it does. Here's what I've been getting into!

Go... where? When you think of "new" Brooklyn-- cool and hip and fun-- Gowanus might not be the first place that comes to mind. It might not even be the fourth or the fifth-- but that's OK, because like an aged wine, Gowanus has ripened from an industry-heavy area to a haven of arts and artisans, vibes and value. There is SO much more to do there than you might imagine, and a lot of great kept secrets. Adventure on a Saturday? Here is a plan that will woo you over to Gowanus, too.

It took me a little while to figure out where to get my Om on... every studio has a different vibe, and let's be honest, there are so many out there. On the checklist? Not uptight. Cool community feel. Great teachers. And actually being able to get into a class. [Yes, these seem simple, but I'd rather go to a chill place than get some very un-zen stare downs from my yoginis if I'm a minute late]. Here are four great studios that fit the bill: