Jaunt in the East Village
Although I've only ever lived in Brooklyn during my time based in NYC, there are pockets of Manhattan for which I've developed an acute fondness. The EV to me is something akin to a denim jacket you stumbled across in a Crossroads that you may not wear with regularity YET every time you do put it on, you're reminded of what made you take it home in the first place.
I spent a fair amount of time in the Village when I was attempting to pivot careers. I worked at a well-curated small wine shop called Convive, which is located between 12th and 13th Streets on Avenue A. It was a refuge for me--financially and emotionally--during a difficult time in my life. I was stressed, socially isolated, and felt uncertain about my career prospects. Through that job, I met some kind coworkers who also appreciated good wine. More importantly, however, it also introduced me to the wonders of the Village. Before and after work, I'd go to new restaurants and takeout places, like Zaragoza Mexican Deli & Grocery (side note: Z always said that their food tasted like microwaved Mexican food, but I thought it was cheap and rather delicious for the price) and Rowdy Rooster. I would occasionally meet Z after work and we'd enjoy some latkes with sour cream at B&H Dairy or go to Little Poland.
The East Village, despite its current gentrified, neutered state relative to its erstwhile grungy heyday, has remnants of its original character. That is, of course, if you're able to see beyond the crowds of 18-22 year-old NYU standing in lines going around the block for whatever is currently viral on Tik-Tok. I try, with minimal success, to refrain from casting judgment.
I met a friend yesterday at Carnitas Ramirez for lunch. Of course, I intentionally got to the Village an hour early to give myself time to explore. It was ~10-12 degrees Fahrenheit, so I had to maintain a brisk walking pace to keep warm and refrain from loitering outside.
I stopped inside Setsugekka East Village, which is a Japanese Tea House that specializes in matcha. I prefer traditional matcha preparation methods, e.g., a low ratio of water to tea, no sweeteners, no milk. Setsugekka did not disappoint. I saddled up to a small chair at their tea bar and ordered the Hoshinotsuyu matcha, premium style. They also offered tea cookies, so I of course, could not refuse a well-made shortbread-like Japanese cookie with strawberry filling. I read Isaac Asimov's The Foundation Series while I sipped my tea.
My next stop was at a place I've been to before called the Book Club Bar. I personally think that any place that sells coffee, wine, and books is the closest that mere mortals can get to paradise. I read a bit from the latest Penguin Portable Feminist Reader. My friend messaged me that she'd arrived at our lunch spot, so I scampered across the street to meet her.
Carnitas Ramirez is the Manhattan outpost of Taqueria Ramirez, which is located in Greenpoint. Aside: Greenpoint is such a pain to get to from Bay Ridge that I just never find myself there, which is a shame because they have a great food scene, including fantastic Polish and Mexican food. Carnitas Ramirez specializes in nose-to-tail cooking, which uses all the parts of the animal. I saw cuts of pig that I'd never seen in a restaurant. I was ravenous, so I quickly ordered three tacos de maciza (pork butt), barriga (pork belly), and lengua (tongue) with guacamole on the side.
We finished at Carnitas Ramirez and I suggested a walk through the Village, which led us to McSorley's Old Alehouse. We had a couple rounds of light and dark. Remember: it's cash only!