The city that never sleeps. Big Apple. World capital. New York has many nicknames and, above all, offers even more exciting places and cultures. I’ve visited some of them between the skyscrapers in southern Manhattan and the corners of the quieter, but no less exciting, Brooklyn. My favorite places for Lower Manhattan are now in this blogpost. Tips for Williamsburg, Greenpoint and Bushwick will follow in the next article.
In the district of Nolita (short for North of Little Italy) are a variety of boutiques, bars and cafes. One of them is Two Hands. In 2014 it was opened by two Australians in a bright, high-ceilinged shop. Since then, on the border with China Town, there is much that makes the breakfast heart beat louder. In a typically Australian-relaxed atmosphere you can have avocado toast with poached egg or granola, for example. Served with fresh juice or a flat white. For the coffee, the beans are sourced from the New York micro-roaster Café Integral – a recommendation that I introduce to you below.
The two owners Giles Russell (picture above left) and Henry Roberts (picture below) already knew each other from Sydney, the birthplace of both. However, they did not had the finally idea for Two Hands until they met again in New York. From then they took two years to make the best out oft the idea and turn the café into reality.
With the same dedication to fresh food and a nice atmosphere, Giles and Henry meanwhile also run a restaurant in Tribeca. In contrast to the café, this one is also open for dinner.
Two Hands
164 Mott St
New York, NY 10013
Not only since I am a founder of a small publishing house, my heart beats a bit higher with special bookstores. A very nice example of this type is McNally Jackson. The store at Prince St (also in the Nolita district) offers a large selection of independent magazines and books on two floors – mainly from the fields of design, art, culture and travel. But novels and other genres are also represented. If you want to stay longer, you can make yourself comfortable in the adjoining café area of the bookshop.
McNally Jackson Independent Booksellers and Cafe
52 Prince St
New York, NY 10012
Another tip for coffee lovers between you is Café Integral. Owner Cesar Martin Vega was born in Nicaragua and has a strong family background with coffee: his family has coffee plantations in the north of the Central American country for decades. For his roasting he has therefore committed to only use Nicaraguan beans.
Café Integral at Elizabeth St turns the roasted beans into espresso specialties such as flat white and cappuccino, as well as cold drinks such as Nitro Cold Brew – cold-extracted coffee enriched with nitrogen. Also very popular here: Matcha Fizz, a homemade creation of Matcha tea, honey, lime and soda.
Café Integral
149 Elizabeth St
New York, NY 10012
Tacos or burritos? That’s the question at Luchadores near the Wall Street in Financial District. Or would you prefer quesadillas? No matter what you decide on – the food will be freshly prepared. The Mexican food spot with its small terrace is part of the category uncomplicated. At the same time, it could also be part of a film set (including excellent catering) and maybe that’s what makes it so interesting.
Luchadores
87 South St
New York, NY 1003
These were my favorite recommendations for Lower Manhattan. The next article we cross the East River to Brooklyn.
