Day 12: A Weekend in New York
Ahh, the best food city in the U.S., and maybe even the world. New York City. Best known for (but never limited to) pizza and bagels, you can find great food at any corner. And quite literally, a world of opportunity. Walk one block and you are blessed with a barrage of food trucks, a bodega or two, and mix or match 3–4 different types of cuisines. Indian? Polish? Mexican? Have a taste. If you can think of it, you can probably find it. Well, I just so happened to spend a weekend in the glorious city, and I thought I’d share some of the pickings. This is by no means a food guide (although I am working on building out that skill), but more of a meandering depiction of what I happened to consume.
Here are three establishments that knocked my socks off (this time, metaphorically).
Let me preface this with the fact I was insanely hangry before eating this. I tend to think that tastebuds deceive us when we are reaching the last bit of nutrients in our body. But, I don’t want to do Bagelsmith injustice.
It was a strangely warm and sunny winter day, and I was walking for nearly an hour and a half around Williamsburg (somehow reached 8 miles?!). I was hungry to the point I forgot I needed sustenance. I went around the same block nearly 3 times before I realized I was going in circles. Then I saw it. A long line outside what looked to be a deli. Upon further notice, it was a bagel shop. Of course, I immediately beelined for it and reserved my place in line (still outside at this point). A mere whiff of the inside, and I was already salivating. Thankfully, I was at the front of the line in 5 minutes flat. That’s when I saw it. Tofu cream cheese. I knew I was in the right place.
Hear me out, I have always been a fan of regular cream cheese. But I adore tofu so freaking much (unpopular opinion- I’m well aware). My order? Pumpernickel bagel (toasted) with veggie-tofu cream cheese. The whole thing was less than 5 bucks, and amazing. I inhaled the whole thing on the corner of the block and was both satisfied, gratified, and quickly taken to what I think was bagel heaven. Needless to say, it was the best bagel I’ve had to date (haven’t had too many NY bagels- so don’t come for me). It may have been influenced by my inability to pack snacks, but who’s to say either way. If you’re ever in the area, give it a go and try it out for yourself. 10/10 would recommend.
Who doesn’t love sushi? I love everything about sushi except the hefty price tag usually associated with it. I don’t know how a sushi joint of this caliber in Manhattan can be so affordable, but it is. 6 rolls, drinks, and an appetizer came out to under 100 dollars. That’s a date night I’d go on again, and again, and again. The ambiance, the impeccable service, and the proper Japanese toilet only take it next level. Needless to say, I already want to go back. I’d highly recommend the fatty tuna rolls and seaweed salad. But, anything you order is going to be a hit. Next time I am in town, I will certainly take a seat at their table.
This is a classic NY Jewish deli experience. And, I cannot get this place out of my head. The first thing that comes to mind is the man heading the house. I knew this place was going to be good when he made room for us in the packed restaurant by smushing two tables together and immediately asking how many coffees we wanted. And, if you don’t want latkes (are you mad?) he’ll most likely plop them down on your table. The latkes are hands down, no questions asked the best I’ve had in my life. You need to experience them once in your life. Oh, and their moniker is smoked fish. Whoever Barney Greengrass is, he’s the sturgeon king. Despite the price, you need to try the sturgeon. It’s melt in your mouth delicious and packed with umami.
Don’t come to Barney Greengrass unless you’re hungry. Just about every meal is accompanied by a bagel (but I’m not complaining), and the portions are surely enough to share. I’d recommend coming early…the line as we left was down the block. Bring your Benjamins, it’s an old-school, cash-only establishment. In addition to the bagels, they’re also stocked with glorious, old-world style bread. And, a fully stocked deli. I cannot explain how amazing this place is- if you’re in Manhattan you need to go. The only thing I regret is not buying bread to go.
4. Bonus- COFFEE
I regret to inform you I have absolutely no idea the name of this coffee shop. But, they put me on to a new type of coffee I’d never had before- nitro cold brew mixed with sparkling water. It feels as though it was made for me. The only thing I can pull out of my memory is that the theme of the place was like a chic junkyard. Oh, and it’s in Williamsburg.
Well, even as I said this is not a food guide, I suppose it might be. I truly enjoy this style of writing, and I hope you enjoyed the journey. Needless to say, expect more to come.
👋 Next time,
Lil
