Fading flowers and warm bowls.

celiclu
Jan 27, 2019
3 min read

Last year felt short and long at the same time. This year I'm surprised January flew! A good thing because it's cold. We all do it. We get by and bundle up to another day in New York City. Winter is not for everyone, and sometimes I get annoyed at the frigid temperatures.

I took the time this month in Bushwick to still focus on photographing nature and food. There isn't a whole lot of nature and green grass to begin with but it's a neighborhood worth finding.

Maria Hernandez Park is one of the more popular parks. My dogs love the dog park and there's a center where I've seen skateboarders practice. During any time of the year the park still has visitors even if it's just gossip on the bench.

After my walk that day I checked out Dock Asian Eatery. It's now one of my new favorite restaurants in the neighborhood. It's ramen, Thai, and sushi all in one! The menu shares about the chefs'

history, inspiration and the service is attentive. I had ordered their popular dish, Chiang Mai Noodles. I've never had it before and it was the right amount of curry and spice. It was not scorching hot and the meat fell off effortlessly. The crispy noodles on top give it an added texture to the dish. It's the kind of dish that makes you remember. I'm looking forward to coming again and trying their ramen and sushi!

Another great spot to try is Archie's Bar and Pizza on Central Avenue. Stay warm in this cozy bar that stays open late and munch on their delicious pies! It's not thin or thick but made with love somewhere in the middle. I ordered a personal 10' pie with fresh garlic and mushrooms. The cheese went everywhere! The sauce is a perfect balance of rich and subtle. I ate it fast. When you order yours, you will, too. Trust me.

Across the street is Bushwick Bakery and it's the perfect pick up to satisfy the sweet tooth. Try their sour cherry tart! They also make really good homemade fig bars. Figget about Fig Newtons!

One day I did cheat. I crossed over to the other side and got a bite at Ridgewood. At the Bosna Express get ready for Balkan flavor at its best. I grew up eating cevap since my parents are from Montenegro and I never get sick of these delicious meat sausages! What I liked most was the pita bread they serve. It was thin, toasted, and crunchy. I will recommend to put everything on it because afterwards you will fall in love with these little sausage links as much as I do.

Last, is the Buren Cafe on Van Buren street and Broadway, a great spot for a laid back ambiance, coffee, alcohol, and a small food menu with specials of the day. One day it was particularly very cold and they had chili. A bowl of hot chili on a cold day will make most girls smile, and served with garlic bread on the side will win her heart.

Bushwick keeps growing and I'm always reading on what new restaurants are opening. There are thrift stores, bars, and cozy cafes to keep you busy and warm in the winter.

There isn't much nature in Bushwick but if you look closely you can stumble on a few beautiful flowers fading.