The Big Apple. Where I fell in love with cafes.
What gave me the kicks wasn’t caffeine, but the experience of being able to turn back the clock while the rest of the world rush by. I had the luxury of time as a student, that’s why. The 20-minute walk downtown from my dorm became my solace as I snuck into hole-in-the-wall stores to be pleasantly surprised.
So here’s the low-down on Little Italy beyond cannoli and spaghetti. Buon appetito!
Get the day crackin’ at Egg Shop
To all egg-heads, heaven has arrived! Featuring egg-centric dishes curated from the team’s 100 inventive egg-centric recipes, leave the place with only the egg-citement for more. The poached should be runny, the scramble should be moist and the hard-boiled should be solid. This is one place that treats eggs right, for the pursuit of egg-cellence defines its very existence.
Location: 151 Elizabeth Street (2nd outlet in Williamsburg)
Opening hours: 8am – 4pm daily
Take forty winks at Two Hands
Soak up some Aussie vibes as you sink your teeth into simple, nutritious and tasty delights. Maintain your purity with a smashed avo-toast, or reveal your inner rebel with a bacon-sandwiched egg roll. Pair that with a cuppa and let your imagination run wild amidst the coastal-inspired walls. This is as close as you can get to a beachfront within the concrete jungle.
Location: 164 Mott Street (other outlets in Tribeca and Williamsburg)
Opening hours: 8am-5pm daily
Celebrate nature at Greecologies
Fro-yo step aside – it’s time for grass-fed Greek yogurt to take centre stage! Choose the thicker strained or the traditional unstrained, name your toppings, and await for all the goodness to be served in a shallow earthen pot. Then strut your way down the long bright alley and grace a seat in the rustic backyard. Space is no issue for this place, until its secret is let out. So shhh… I said nothing.
Location: 379 Broome Street
Opening hours: 8am-8pm (Mon-Fri), 9am-8pm (Sat-Sun)
Grab and go at Maman
Une quiche, s’il vous plait! It will only take you a minute or less to score some fluffy eggs baked in flaky crust. With locally-sourced ingredients taking a spin on the menu everyday, you never really know what you might find. Venture a little deeper into this humble abode to find yourself immersed in greenery encircling wooden benches and a mini stairway. Feel at home, like when you’re at mum’s.
Location: 239 Centre Street (other outlets in Tribeca, Nomad, Meatpacking, Greenpoint and Hudson)
Opening hours: 7am-6pm (Mon-Fri), 8am-6pm (Sat-Sun)
Relish the good times at Eileen’s Special Cheesecake
Originally located between the towers at the World Trade Center, this kiosk used to feed hoards of executives who needed a sugar rush. 9/11 changed it all and the kiosk now serves famished college kids and yuppies. Prepare to be disarrayed the moment you enter, for you will be greeted by rows of mini pastries embellished with bright-coloured preserves. Ask for recommendations if in doubt and you will leave satisfied.
Location: 17 Cleveland Place
Opening hours: 9am-9pm (Mon-Fri), 11am-8pm (Sat-Sun)
HomenHawker Travels 