Stumbling Upon Greatness...

So it’s after that show at Terminal 5 and the hottie you shared a cig with turned out to be a Craigslist “missed connection.” Why not drown your sorrows and sober up with some carbs and caffeine before heading back to the outer borough whence you came?


A drunken stroll away is a tiny Indian joint called Desi Deli where there’s nary a bespoke plaid shirt, but quality basic Indian food on the cheap. Just ask the cabbies that keep it in business.

Yeah, it’s a little grungy. It might even be a health risk. But so are you. Don’t let the liquid courage you consumed in the quest of “the one that got away” go to waste. Buck up and step inside.

Though the Tikka Masala is mighty tasty, you might want to forgo it tonight. Ask instead for roti. This made-to-order bread will not disappoint and for a buck it’s easy on the wallet.

You can’t go wrong ordering chai, either. Don’t say “chai tea” – that’s like saying “beer beer.” Chai is tea. Or didn’t you learn that at your liberal arts college? Except it’s made with a real cardamom seed, not a mix.

So you’re not like the other clientele. Embrace it. Don’t get your food to-go. Sit down. Strike up a conversation with your taxi-driving neighbor. Maybe you can persuade him to drive you out to Bed-Stuy or wherever it is you couch surf.

Desi Deli 724 10th Ave, NY, 10019

Furthermore...

Lucky_King_Bakery-5
Originally uploaded by android land

I stopped for a small tea in this bakery on Grand Street. A small tea, with very milky milk (cream?) and sugar was $.75. SEVENTY-FIVE CENTS. It has a really nice bustle about it. And interesting chairs. I'd like to try some of their baked goods next time.