665031 Thu Nov 05 15:34:56 -0800 2009 1 18 Manhattan 0 5159341 I was a little shocked today to see that my bill for a large espresso cortado and a plain croissant at Juan Valdez Cafe on 57th and Lexington came to $6.31. It used to be $4.74; they told me the prices had just gone up. I had thought that $5 a day for coffee and a pastry was already excessive, but the coffee is good. I may be forced back to Starbucks. Thu Nov 05 15:34:56 -0800 2009 19052 shane 1 5162701 That is really sad. Their cortados propelled me through 2 months of bar review classes in Times Sq. The only thing that motivated me to get through the first two hours was my coffee break. And the staff was infallibly friendly and gracious, even on the most trying days. I wonder if it's raised rents, commodity prices, or a gratuitous price increase? Fri Nov 06 21:29:47 -0800 2009 5159341 61343 firni