Our fate in the hands of the chef.

We were on a plane for most of the day yesterday and arrived in the city we love to visit. Thanks to Poketo fan and friend Lia Bulaong, we got New York started right with a little hole in the wall in East Village… Xi’an Famous Foods. This place is small and the decor is nothing, but, the food is so darn good. The flavors remind both me and Angie of the time we visited Xian some 10+ years ago.

My memory of that city is the Muslim quarter, the aroma of meats on sticks, and the dense, smoke filled streets from grilling streetside. The air was literally filled with smokey goodness, it was amazingly awesome. Xi’an Famous Foods is nothing like the real sights and smells of Xian’s Muslim quarter, but, some of the flavors brought me back, especially the spicy, cumin lamb. It was like having my meat on a stick so many years ago. NYC continues for the next week… follow us on instagr.am.

Yes, I’m springing for coffee! Lets just say, I always enjoy my morning cup. Could be from Handsome Coffee if I’m at the studio, or Stories Books and Cafe if I’m walking Nori around the hood, or possibly Spring For Coffee if it’s a quick morning meet up with a friend. Spring For Coffee in Downtown is a great little spot, they serve Intelligentsia and Stumptown, the cafe has just enough room to order and then sit outside on the curbside tables. A tiny little place, but, perfect for the locals… and dogs!

The wide, bright, green Spring Street bike lane is always a plus too.