painting

Frenchette Bakery

At the Whitney

Mon, Weds,Thurs, Sat, Sun 10:30am-6pm

😀😀😀

“Table for One, please”

At the Whitney’s new Frenchette Bakery, I figured I would give solo sober dining a try…at brunch! The light-filled space looks out to the High Line above and to the museum interior, which is now partially shielded with a floor-to-ceiling scaffold artfully potted in muted terra cottas with the occasional pop of chartreuse—wish that’s what I was drinking! 😉

“Table for one, please”, I say a little too forcefully, overcompensating for having to utter those words the first time in 7 years. The host smiles at my bold request and leads me to a high top with views both ways. He compliments my coat, which happens to match the aforementioned bright-hued pots and the color palette of Harold Cohen’s 1970s AI art generator AARON now on view on Floor 8. I order a skim latte ($5.50) and peruse the crowd. Tables with tourists, families, and older art patrons—not the scene, but the latte is rich and arrives in a sizable classic French tea cup. I feel like Alice in Wonderland. The menu focuses on pastries but has pizzettes, soups, sandwiches, and various salads. The chicories include pepitas, squash, and goat cheese, and almost tempts me to order. I will be back. Although I miss the 8th-floor cafe terrace (still closed for renovations for an upcoming installation), I could make solo Saturdays at Member Mornings a thing. 

El Nico

288 N 8th St Williamsburg, Brooklyn NY 

😀😀😀😀

“Who knew a view overlooking the BQE could be so romantic?”

That’s what I thought to myself as I sat at the roomy bar on the 11th Floor of a semi-youth hostel (think Freehand) at the not-yet-one-year-old El Nico restaurant. After a night in of packing up my apartment for a renovation, I googled “tacos” for some food fun. I vetoed Vera Cruz (no good since 2005), Dos Toros (a chain), and Birria (better for take-out or a quick bite), but was intrigued by newcomer El Nico and headed out into the wintry night in search of a crowd and good Mexican….