Many people in New York are still on the long road to recovery in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. Homes have yet to be rebuilt, and restaurants, once bustling, remain shuttered. While critics and other food and wine sites are compiling their best of 2012 reviews, I would like to take this time to continue advocating for support for businesses that lost a lot and need all the help they can get to get back on their feet.
While there are obvious areas that need continuing support (Red Hook, Avenue C, etc.), I am making a case for the small sliver of a predominantly small business neighborhood, the East Village. Many East Village businesses suffered damages and lost revenue, and are a long way from returning to normalcy, especially with cold and lonely January on the horizon.
There has been no tax relief, no insurance payouts, and FEMA has only offered loans. A small business needs a loan like a real estate tax increase.
Here is a list of places, old and new, in random order, that I frequent and recommend.
Kasadela
Zum Schneider
Upstate
Tinto Fino
Bob White’s Counter
Northern Spy
Amor y Amargo
Duck’s Eatery
Jules Bistro
Calliope
The Mermaid Inn
Café Abraco
Barnyard
The Beagle
Black Iron Burger Shop
Bluebird Coffee
Boka
The Brindle Room
Café Cortadito
Angel’s Share
The New Bohemian
Japan Premium Beef
Icihbantei
Kanoyama
Rai Rai Ken
Kyo Ya
First Avenue Pierogi
Minca
Perbacco
Porchetta
Porsena
Zabb Elee
South Brooklyn Pizza
Ukrainian EV Restaurant
Xi’an’s Famous Foods
I haven’t listed the shops which I frequent, but there are many boutiques where great bargains lay waiting for the patient.
Happy and Healthy 2013!
