Today I would like to share my NYC hobby, which is exploring restaurants. I always go to new places and discover flavors and smells from different parts of the world.
One of my favorite restaurants is Veselka in Ukrainian Village. It’s a place on the corner of 9th Street and 2nd Avenue. It has a glass exterior with blue and yellow flag in the window. On the entrance door, it says ‘Budmo’ which in English means ‘Cheers!’.
Photo 1: Entrance to Veselka
Veselka is a popular spot and when it’s busy I go to a restaurant next door – Ukrainian East Village Restaurant. The signature dish in Ukrainian cuisine is borscht. It is a beet soup traditionally served with a slice of bread and sour cream on the side.
Photo 2: Borscht at Ukrainian East Village Restaurant
After borscht, I had potato pancakes with goulash and a side of fresh salads. I also tried halusky, which are traditional soft noodles that can be served with different toppings, such as cabbage, cheese, and more. For the dessert I had bliny – the Ukrainian crapes – with sweet cottage cheese.
Photo 3: Bliny at Ukrainian East Village Restaurant
As half-Ukrainian, and a foodie, I have to admit that the food in Veselka and Ukrainian East Village Restaurant is delicious and authentic. Stop by if you are around!
Overall, I have had a fantastic food experience in NYC so far. Once in a while, there is Restaurant Week and during that time, you can try the best restaurants in the city for a reasonable price. With the different cuisine comes various interior design, which is interesting, especially for us architects. New York is the world’s food capital, inspiring with its flavors and vibe!
