the fat radish
Part Two of my #exploring post covers unfamiliar territory: while many of these locations have been on my radar for some time, each stop in this list was my first. Since that first is likely the first of many, let’s call these “the new regulars”.
The Fat Radish Tuesday morning was all about exploring the Lower East Side, a part of NYC I’ve never been to due to extreme laziness on my part. (One December we almost made it but it was cold, and snowing (!), and I abandoned the plan before we even crossed The Bowery. Note to lazy Jane: it wasn’t that far!) The Fat Radish was full of charm, just like I’d imagined it, and the staff was incredibly indulgent of my enthusiasm for taking photos. My timing was off for a meal, but I think next time I’ll plan ahead because the brunch menu looks perfect. n.b. brunch appears to be cash only (The Fat Radish / 17 Orchard Street / @thefatradish)
top hat
Top Hat The retail arm of Sweet Bella, which happens to be one of my favorite Stationery Show vendors, Top Hat is an exquisitely curated shop, filled with the best international stationery as well as an assortment of found objects collected during owner Nina Allen’s travels. Brands include Delfonics, Hay, and Antica Cartotecnica, as well as the cutest staplers around, from Ellepi. Also, I don’t know how I missed these fun keychains: I want the giraffe! Finally, a quick shout-out to Evan: it was so nice to meet you! (Top Hat / 245 Broome Street / @tophatnyc)
c w pencil
C W Pencil Enterprise If the crowded conditions during my visit are any indication, I’d say that Caroline Weaver has a hit on her hands with her darling shop devoted to pencils (and complementary writing accoutrements). The small but cheery space cleverly displays a wide variety of pencils for your perusal. If you time your visit well, you can pop downstairs for a fried chicken and champagne dinner at Sarah Simmons’ new restaurant, Birds & Bubbles. (C W Pencil Enterprise / 100a Forsyth Street / @cwpencilenterprise)
freeman’s
Freeman’s No doubt, you’ve seen an iteration of this photo before, as this shot of Freeman’s alley is de rigueur on Instagram. Sufficiently intrigued, I took a quick scan of their online menu and decide to go for lunch on my last day in the city. Nestled in a corner table, I enjoyed a glass of champagne (decadent, but fun!) and a spicy turkey sandwich with sides of fries and people watching. (Freeman’s Restaurant / End of Freeman Alley – off of Rivington b/w The Bowery and Chrystie / @freemansalley)
a b biagi
A B Biagi Post-lunch, I stopped for a mini gelato at Brazilian cafe/gelateria A B Biagi. It was my Best Decision of the Trip. When I couldn’t decide between stracciatella and strawberry sorbet, the staff sweetly informed me to get both! and I did. And it was delicious. (A B Biagi / 235 Elizabeth Street / @abbiagi)
miansai tea bar
Miansai Tea Bar Despite my well-documented reluctance to become a “proper” drinker of tea, I do have a weakness for a well-designed space, and Miansai, known for its minimalist, made-in-America watches and jewelry, has a fetching tea shop up front. And since it’s the US, there is the possibility for iced tea, which changes everything in my book. (Miansai / 33 Crosby Street / @miansai)
haven’s kitchen
Haven’s Kitchen I have been obsessed with Haven’s Kitchen since it opened in 2012. The space, which has which has a cafe as well as space for cooking classes and events, is designed right up my alley. (Seeing owner Ali Cayne’s house featured in Domino magazine further cemented my devotion.) My procrastination in visiting came to an end on this trip. As the weather was perfect for a walk (very London-like), and I was itching for morning errands due to jet lag, I headed over for breakfast on Monday en route to the show. No surprise, I LOVED it: the space is clean and bright, yet feels cozy, with a gigantic (and gorgeous) flower arrangement on the front table which beckoned me inside. I ordered a rhubarb muffin and a café au lait, and had a leisurely flip through some of the cookbooks and magazines while I savored my breakfast. It was the perfect start to a Monday. (Haven’s Kitchen / 109 W. 17th Street / @havenskitchen)
all photos by jane potrykus
note: “@” addresses denote instagram handles