Local NYC Stores that Ship Nationally

With most of us engaging in social distancing, I thought it might be helpful to list some of the stores based in NYC that I usually frequent – both online and in person.  Online browsing and shopping is now the norm, so, if possible, please check if one of your local stores might have something you need or want before purchasing from a larger retailer.

Bird Brooklyn

I’m convinced that all the cool girls in Brooklyn wearing Jesse Kamm pants bought them either thrifted or from Bird Brooklyn.  The fashion brands carried here are fun yet comfortable, with a focus on independent and/or sustainable brands.  Because it’s an independent store, I also often find that Bird discounts brands that may never see price decreases at department stores.  For example, there’s some really good deals on Woolrich parkas on the site right now.

oo35mm

If you’re into Asian beauty, then you know.  The gals who work here are very knowledgeable and patient.  This is the only place (other than if I’m in Japan), that I will buy face sunscreen.  It’s always good to take some time to practice self-care, so feel free to try out some new masks or buy a lighter moisturizer now that spring is here.  I’m always surprised at how quick shipping is, and the store is often generous with samples.

the rice factory

I eat rice enough that the type of rice matters to me.  When there was a shortage of my usual brand one day at my local store, I discovered the rice factory.  the rice factory imports rice directly from Japan, so it carriers varieties that many U.S. consumers probably haven’t heard of.  What’s more, the price is comparable to any koshihikari (high grade) rice sold in your Asian grocery store.  That’s because the rice factory imports the grains and mills them at its own facility.  Late last month, I was running low on rice, so I placed an order for my usual 15lb bag – the delivery came within two business days.

Farm to People

I discovered Farm to People years ago when the founder had to personally answer all phone inquiries and the site often gave random perks such as same-day delivery on an Uber (not UberEats, delivery using Uber).  It’s been fun watching the store expand its offerings.  I buy all my holiday gifts from Farm to People at the Bryant Park holiday market, and the curated products never disappoint.  Farm to People offers grocery boxes from local producers but also pantry items from independent makers who often produce their products in small batches.  My favorite is the kaya from Auria’s Malaysian Kitchen.

Kitchen Arts & Letters

Kitchen Arts & Letters is a bookstore that focuses exclusively on food and dining.  Chefs and food industry professionals are said to frequent the store.  I used to live within walking distance to Kitchen Arts & Letters, and my only regret during that time was that I didn’t visit more often.  It’s where I would pick up my monthly copy of Lucky Peach (RIP) and then pursue the vast selection of cookbooks that I knew I couldn’t keep in my then 8′ x 10′ room.  The employees are also knowledgeable, so if you’re not sure what cookbook to tackle next, they are always full of ideas.

Atoboy

Small plates and tapas are becoming more and more popular within New York, likely due to the fact that it’s a format of eating that caters well to large groups who are also looking to get together for drinks.  Or, if you’re like me and my friends, the chance to just try everything on the menu.  Atoboy came up on my radar as a recent opening in New York, and what makes it unique is not only it’s small plate offerings but it’s exclusive focus on actually my favorite part of Korean cuisine: banchan, the side dishes.

Penelope

It’s no secret that it’s easier to get a table at popular eateries if you have fewer people. Four people or less is recommended. Two is ideal. One is best. But, to me, brunch is a meal that isn’t as fun when eaten alone. Fortunately, a friend was available to visit Penelope with me. Despite the long brunch hours – from 8AM to 4PM – Penelope still can’t take all the hungry New Yorkers fight to get a table. And it’s pretty packed in there. Even more so than Good Enough to Eat.

Arriving pretty late in the day, around 11:30AM, we ended up waiting almost two hours for a table at the back counter for two. Be warned as well: they’ll stop taking names if they know they’re going to have enough capacity until 4PM, so definitely get your name down for a table before 2PM or even 1PM. So was the wait worth it?

Café Vian

I’ve previously written about the meal that was eaten after my friends and I successfully completed our spelunking experience. But what about the meal before? Well, we ended up just finding a restaurant nearby where we saw the sculpture of Shoes along the Danube. Café Vian ended up being an affordable meal that didn’t stuff us too much before our adventure. Plus, this sculpture was located right across the street.

Le Vieux Bistrot

I love Paris. I think it’s absolutely beautiful, and the food is, of course, amazing. And despite the stereotype, Parisians are extremely nice as well. There’s just one thing: I don’t find the Louvre enjoyable. The museum building is fascinating. It used to be a palace, so its architecture has a wonderful grandeur. And the glass Pyramids designed by I.M. Pei in the main court are iconic. However, the artworks housed within the museum were generally just not memorable for me. What I remember more was the dinner we had that night at Le Vieux Bistrot.