June Roundup: Process, Progress & NYC Eats.
Coming to you from a not so sunny London. Siri, play 'Bryter Layter' by Nick Drake, please.
Well, it’s already well into July, but I had to let my June thoughts marinade for a richer newsletter… that is how I’m justifying being behind on what feels like EVERYTHING. But, I have to remind myself I’ve been working on something big and important and scary and it’s taken a lot of my time. I’ll be able to share more later when it’s ready, so buckle up folks.
Process. There was an insane amount of rain in Dallas when I was away in May, and it unfortunately sept through my storage unit which held almost everything from my last apartment in Austin. Albeit much of it had been collecting dust in the last 4 years, I had collected beautiful memories in the form of artwork, books, fabrics etc. that ended up getting soaked. I had to throw half of my possessions away, and while it was painful, it was kind of freeing. While I was sorting through whatever art I could salvage, I found a print I got in Portland when I visited in 2016 by Nikki Mclure. I had this hanging in my kitchen, and when things felt slow, I’d glance up at it and remind myself that Process Is Key. The start and the end are exciting, but the process is where shit gets done. It’s the process that takes the longest. It’s the process that is grueling. It’s the process that’s the quietest. It’s where many give up, with no end in sight. But if you stick through it, the process is the most rewarding.
Process has a dual personality, and her name if Progress. When you cut through the initial layers of our stubborn Process, you’ll find radiant Progress hiding behind all the expected nuisances mentioned above. The exciting thing with Process and Progress is that they’re a duo - stick around long enough, and you’ll see progress appear regardless.
Process is Progress.
Progress is Process.
RECENT NYC EATS:
(paid subscribers can access my map here)
I go to NYC 2-3 times a year, so this trip I got to try some old favorites and new favorites. New York City is expensive, so there’s a few more spots on my list but they’ll have to wait until next year 🥲. Meanwhile, definitely check these out. Paid subscribers get my full NYC map (from June’s newsletter):
SYKO:
This Korean Syrian fusion spot is INSANE. No, really. I was very impressed. It’s run by brother-in laws, James Kim (Korean) and Mazen Khoury (Syrian), hence the name SY(rian)KO(rean). We had the Kibbeh Bowl and the Chicken Poppers - it was a lot of food btw. We really wanted the Shawara Pizza or the Fat Boy Sandwich, but it sold out. They also just opened up Dukan Syko! The staff was so fun as well, which is a big bonus. 10/10.
Apollo Bagels:
Their bagels are made from sourdough, with a small no fuss menu. It’s a well designed spot and they’re fast despite being busy. I totally get the hype, it’s worth it. My clumsy ass dropped my bagel and they gave me a new one, so I’ll take my 8/10 rating to a 10/10. 🥹
SOS Spice:
“Where all the chefs go.” And should go. I adore this little spot in the East Village. I popped in with my friend Marwan as he wanted me to meet the owner, Atef, originally from Tunisia. It was a rainy afternoon, and we ended up staying until they closed just chatting about food, psychology, Tunisia and delightfully tasting spices alongside Atef’s incredible concoctions. I adored Atef, and the work she does. Definitely pop in! 10/10.
Lysée:
I had this spot on my list since they opened in 2022 and finally got to try it. Chef Eunji Lee has really brought some of the best desserts I’ve had to NYC. It’s a combination of French and Korean - Eunji being Korean and trained in Paris. The Pastries are as stunning as they are delicious. They’re on the pricier side, but I understand why. We had the Lysee, the Kouign Amman Rusk, and the Leek Quiche. It’s worth it. Treat your self. 10/10.
Superiority Burger:
The burger was good, yet it is overhyped and overpriced. BUT the ice cream was excellent! Love the flavors. 7/10.
Thai Villa:
Surprisingly good Thai food. I expected it to be mid, but I liked the lunch special I got. It’s really nice inside for a date night. 7.5/10.
Lady Wong:
I loved this spot!!! I’m a sucker for SE Asian flavors, and Lady Wong is all about the kuih. The pandan rice cake was sold out, but I had the Ube rice cake and ohhhh how my sugary taste buds were dancing. We tried the brownie as well. d e c a d e n t. 9/10.
Raku:
Excellent spot for Udon. They have 3 locations in the city, but get busy fast so ring up Resy. Tried the Curry udon and the Chikari as well as the Chicken Karage. The Karage was fine, but the Udon hit the spot. 8/10.
Artbean Coffee:
Had a quick little meeting in the China Town location with a new friend, and I got the Sakura Latte, which was their special for the season. It was PINK! Also, tasty. 8/10.
Good ole Bodegas:
What y’all know about chopped cheese and (beef) Bacon Egg & Cheese on a roll?! The ones I had this trip ranged fro 3/10 to 10/10. Have the good ones on my map ;)
Mala Project:
Pretty well priced for lunch! I loved the dry pot. I’d definitely come back here. 8.5/10.
Caffe Panna:
I never shut up about this spot. I first went here in 2021, after a friend apprenticed there and I return every single time I’m in New York. It is one of my favorite ice cream spots IN THE WORLD. 10/10.
BGFC Picnic:
Throwing this in here because what’s better than food sprinkled with love? Everyone brought delicious treats, and we had out friends at Chai Street & Co. bring us some proper chai. Even the oat milk one was excellent. I’m often disappointed with most chai spots in the diaspora, but was pleasantly surprised at how great Chai Street was. 10/10.
Late night pizza that hit the spotttt. The meat is halal, so I was finally reunited with a slice of pepperoni. They have some wild pizzas, like straight up macaroni on a slice and a ceaser salad slice. 3amo who owns Lunetta was so nice too. He’s from Egypt :) 8.5/10.
What a cute coffee shop!! It was packed, many people working, chilling, catching up. Felt like I was in a friends living room. The owners are Greek, and the hospitality was felt. They gave us free cookies with our tea. 8/10.
I am so picky with my shawarma. 9 out of 10 times I am not satisfied. And Lava was the 1 out of 10 times I was happy. Palestinian owned, and you can tell as soon as you walk in, so even more reason to support. 9/10.
It was okay. Great company, mid food. Cute setting. I’m usually not impressed with French food. They do pastries well, but never have I had a French meal where I’m like 🤩wow🤩. I’d love to be proven wrong. 5/10.
SOME THINGS I LOVED IN JUNE:
Tems “Born In The Wild”. I can’t stop (& won’t stop) listening to it. 2024 is my year for Drake NOT to be my top artist on Spotify Warped.
Shogun. Finally watched it. So good!
Chrome French Tip Nails. They look like jewelry. I need.
Palestinian Elegance. My Palestinian neighbors store! They’re so so soooo lovely, please support their business. Use my code Ayesha15 for 15% off.
Dr. Jart’s Ceramidin Ultra Moisture Cream. Linked my current favorite Reddit thread, which is Asian Beauty. Korean skincare has been at the front for decades, and continues to impress. I’m still using my ride or die Weleda Skin Food, but this moisturizer just feels so luxe. I love it and rotate with Weleda on a nightly basis.
‘No Thanks’ app: Shoutout mama for showing me this app. She uses it on everything - makes it much easier to continue boycotting products that support genocide.
Help a family in Gaza. My friend is raising funds by selling t shirts to help evacuate her family. I got a hoodie, get one too.
UPCOMING TRAVEL + EVENTS
I’m back in London for the rest of summer, then heading off to Turkey and Dubai in September. Afterwards, back to the UK in October, then Paris and then the US. Winter travels tbd, but email me if you’d like to work together in the locations I’ll be in (or want me to travel over 👀)
Events for London, Dubai and Paris are in planning mode so check into the next newsletter for more details! Might do something in Turkey idk y’all tell me.
For Brown Girls Food Club, we’re dropping an exciting series, “Friends Of BGFC” we’ve been working on that’s a spin of our 2020 online “(Not A) Master” series. First one is with Pranoy Thipaiah, founder of Kerehaklu. FREE AND OPEN TO ALL!
SIGN UP HERE on August 4th at 8:30 pm IST / 7:00 pm Dubai / 4:00 pm BST / 10:00 am CST.
I’m in the process of setting up a new survey link for a group travel next year since many wanted to join the Morocco one I hosted last year. Stay tuned for that too!
Thanks for reading,
❤️ Ayesha
Cafe Panna looks amazing! Adding all of these to my list xx