For an almost surreal experience - drop by Eleni's at Chelsea Market, opposite of the Chelsea Wine Vault. The walls are shining white. The logo is bright cerise. And the glass cubes are filled with cup cakes of all colors. It is like Alice in Wonderland or maybe a saga not yet told. There is also candy by the weight [lösgodis] - just as in Sweden..!
Yesterday I recommended ice cream and today yoghurt. But The Yoghurt Place II is in another part of Manhattan so no competition. Greek delicious yoghurt in all shapes. Love the cup with a small portion of yoghurt and lots of fig jam. For the sceptical one - read some true praise and surrender. Besides I was very happy to take a pic. Rare moment inside a shop. And so beautiful cookies.
If you feel like having an ice cream - take a stroll over to Alphabet Scoop. Not only home made and absolutely delicious ice cream - but also an amazing project for young kids to have employment. The shop is run by the Father's Heart to reduce violence and gang involvement. And the kids are really supernice - so stay for a chat.
As everyone else I deeply love all the different cultures in this city. Most of all I love to go to Korea China and Russia - all in one day. Just a few blocks from the Brighton Beach subway there is a delicatessen with Turkish and Russian food. And candy. I was so happy when I found this Russian fudge. Absolutely delicious.
Acqua Santa is a cosy Williamsburg spot. Good pizza and pasta - don't hesitate to try the beet gnocchi. Most of all I like the interior and atmosphere - very homie. Staff is nice and friendly and the owner quite something. Go see! E per favore - parli in italiano con lui. Winebar will open soon.
Another perfect spot on Ave B is Back Forty. Not only do they have delicious food and supernice staff - which is kinda mandatory to make it to strolling - they are also green. Or at least as green as one can be in the middle of New York. Most of the food is bought at the Farmer's Market on Union Square only a few blocks away. And still affordable prices. Also note that the owner owns Savoy in SoHo.
Barmarché is a SoHo oasis I found last fall. Yesterday I took a friend for a salad before clubbing. Oh my gosh. The service is brilliant. Brilliant. Food is great and prices affordable. And a classy interior.
Another one of my favorites is the Shiki Kitchen. Japanese sushi with a Brazilian twist such as added banana or mango. If one likes fruit-in-food - like me - this is the place to go. Absolutely delicious. Not to mention the sprinkled tempura crackers on top. Keep an eye on the beer tho - Sapporo tastes great but half a liter is a bit much for one plate of Monday sushi. Last but not least - the ceiling is filled with highly creative paper art made by the the very cool chef.
My best recommendation ever is to have a plan b. Anywhere you go - make sure to have another place nearby. For instance. If you would ever try out Café Habana - because you have heard so much good about it - and by chance the wait is over an hour, the waitress is really rude and someone places a dirty dishcloth by your not-finished drink seconds before you are asked to leave. Just cross the street to fabulous BarBossa instead. As simple as that.
Some ten years ago I lived in Beijing to study Chinese. Most of my friends were korean and we always had the most delicious korean food just outside of campus. In Sweden there are barely no korean restaurants at all - so here i New York I just eat as much and often as I can. There are quite a few nice spots in my hood but Snacky in Williamsburg makes it to strolling because of its nice prices late hours and red hot walls. And friendly staff of course.
A friend of mine took me to his hours-spent favourite bookstore Housing Works Bookstore Cafe. And instantly I understood why. Spacious with quite a few tables wifi and a café. Superfriendly staff. Prices are fab as the books are either used or advance uncorrected proofs. And best of all - a whole shelf with brand new interesting literature on society and international politics. Along the balcony - serving as the second floor - there is another kind of selection. Gotta love this wedding book by Martha Stewart tho.
Yesterday me and some friends had a late dinner at The Smith. A spacious cheap nice and friendly restaurant with beautiful photos on the walls. And very tasty burgers. Actually I learnt that the brunch always come with free drinks on Sundays and a burger and a beer cost some very cheap dollars - maybe 12 or 16 - in Sunday evenings. So for sure - this is a place for regular visits.
Rai Rai Ken is a tiny Japanese bar well worth the visit. Eating by the bar just by the kitchen adds to the exotic Japanese interior. Fourteen seats only. Tasty and cheap. And in my favourite neighborhood.
Sometimes I am amazed by the smallest things. Like the combination of efficiency and friendliness. The huge crowd outside Café Gitane made me hesitate today - when this suprisingly calm girl noted me for the list - gave me the exact time for return - and smiled. I took a stroll along Mott street and came back a little late. Again - she smiles and shows me the notebook with my name and a big question mark. Oh I had the perfect spot for you and you were gone. Indeed. Maybe a bit loud but tasty and friendly. French-Maroccan. And affordable.
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