06: What We Ate in NY
your guide to a food-filled weekend in the city
Hello! Welcome back to another week of Ceremonial. This week’s newsletter looks a little different than usual. Instead of a guide to cooking, I have for you a guide to eating (all around NYC). Starting with where we went & finishing with what I’d eat next time, you won’t be lacking for options. Of course I’m no expert and surely I’m missing some beloved places you only catch as a local but overall I think you can trust me on this one. Let’s jump on in!
La Cabra
What: Cafe/Bakery Where: East Village
What I ordered: Butter Croissant, the Sweet Bun (filled with custard & rhubarb jam), the Orange Marmalade Danish, & an Iced Americano
My favorite parts: the design of the space down was so intentional - from the menu, to the customer flow, to the bar communication, to how they served everything
Notes: please get the butter croissant
Thai Diner
What: Thai food Where: Nolita
What I ordered: Mr. Flowers Martini, Thai Disco Fries, Phat See Eiw with chicken, Pea Shoots Fai Dang, & a side of Jasmine Rice
My favorite parts: the environment felt really lively, my drink was so special (think jasmine martini), the chicken thigh served atop the Phat See Eiw was so crispy & moist at the same time (we were all so impressed by that part)
Notes: you might have a long wait for a table so you’ll want to go early to put your name on the list & go for a walk (lots of drinks & shopping around)
Los Tacos No. 1
What: Tacos Where: Noho
What I ordered: Carne Asada Taco & Adobada Taco
My favorite parts: the quick counter service, the price point was so great for NY, a perfect spot for lunch
Notes: I am often disappointed by tacos but I LOVED this taco…I think that’s all that needs to be said
Kings Co Imperial
What: Chinese Food Where: Lower East Side
What we ordered: Mai Thais all around, Scallion Pancakes, Pork Soup Dumplings, Wok Seared Long Dumplings, Dan Dan Mian Noodles, & Fried Chicken Fried Rice
My favorite parts: the Dim Sum (Scallion Pancakes, Soup Dumplings, Wok Seared Dumplings) & of course the strong Mai Thais
Notes: the more Dim Sum the better, also they take reservations
From Lucie
What: Bakery Where: East Village
What I ordered: Pear Raspberry Cake with Maple Buttercream & Raspberry Jam
My favorite parts: the environment was so cute & fun, everyone who worked there made us feel special
Notes: the girlie at the register said I should try the flourless chocolate cake because it’s the best but I didn’t & I regret it so please go try it for me
Gem Wine
What: Natural Wine & Small Plates Where: Lower East Side
What we ordered: Red & Orange Natural Wines
My favorite parts: when you walk in, it feels like you were invited to your friend’s apartment for natural wine but your friend is from southern France and has fresh bread and beautifully roasted chicken waiting for you
Notes: it’s very small so a line quickly formed outside but we got there when they opened & were able to get seats for 4, also we only got wine here but next time I would definitely go back for dinner
Win Son Bakery
What: Taiwanese inspired bakery/cafe Where: Brooklyn (near Williamsburg)
What I ordered: Scallion Pancake, Pork Fan Tuan, Rou Bao
My favorite parts: the Pork Fan Tuan was the favorite all around - crispy pork & egg wrapped up in a rice roll dipped in chili oil & at a good price!!!
Notes: great for lunch, lots of options at a good price point
Honorable Mentions:
Sey: everyone’s favorite coffee in Brooklyn, Figo: gelato from lil Italy that I can’t fuhgeddaboud, that classic New York slice from Joe’s, a bagel that wasn’t very good, & a chopped cheese from the bodega
On the list for next time:
Kiki’s on the Lower East Side (Greek food)
The Four Horsemen in Williamsburg (small-plates, Michelin starred)
Una Pizza Napoletana in The East Village (leavened Neapolitan-style pizza)
A big thanks to everyone who made this list (and thus our amazing weekend) possible, you know who you are. As always, thank you for reading & I hope you eat something good today.
Amelia