Cold Press’d Is Now Serving Up Freshly Squeezed Juices At 921 Cortelyou Road, By Coney Island Avenue

By Emile Mulder

As soon as we stepped into Cold Press’d (921 Cortelyou Road, by Coney Island Avenue) Monday evening, we were greeted by a jovial man in a beet juice-smeared zombie shirt — the new eatery’s owner and neighbor Teddy Mui — and his friendly wife, Macie Luong.

“It’s just me working here for now,” Teddy laughed, explaining the beet juice that was hastily wiped on his shirt while making the drinks that neighbors have been lapping up.

Teddy, who has lived in the neighborhood for about 15 years and who just opened Cold Press’d last Friday, said he has already gotten an enthusiastic welcome to the neighborhood, with many neighbors coming in and telling him what they love — and what they’d like to see change.

Being a beet lover, I had to try their beet juice, which included apples, beets and ginger. It had a terrific balance between the spicy kick of the ginger and sweetness from the apples and beets — just enough sweetness to make it enjoyable, while remaining refreshing and healthy. For my wife, I suggested the watermelon mint, which I thought would appeal to her sweet tooth — and it did.

The owner also pointed to a not-so-successful drink — the unfortunately named “atomic veggie,” which had separated into three layers of green in the bottle. He said neighbors told him they weren’t so fond of the mix and that he would be switching recipes tomorrow.

Teddy explained that their policy is to sell bottled juices within two days of making them, at which point he drinks them or throws them away. The top four selling drinks will stay on the menu, and the rest are open for rotation or change — as is the case with the atomic veggie. Each of the juices will be about $8.

While the hours haven’t yet been set in stone, they’re planning on being open from about 6am-6pm daily, with the intent of drawing in commuters and gym-goers alike. And, speaking of gym-goers, the owner said he plans to soon offer protein drinks. The menu will likely be expanded even further and could include breakfast items and other quick and healthy items.

As he cleaned up the shop Monday night, Teddy noted how excited he is to open a shop in the neighborhood where he has lived for a decade and a half.

“I’ve watched this neighborhood grow so beautifully,” Teddy said, smiling.