May 16, 2013

Fight the System Deliciously... Try These New York DIY Eats

Courtesy of thewanderingeater.com
Pop-up and DIY underground restaurants are all the rage in New York and there's little wonder why.

With the majority of these small, homegrown storefronts and chefs based in Brooklyn, the draw of limited open hours, pop-up schedules and the cool resulting Instagram pictures bring the see and be seen kids in droves.

The Drift will keep an eye on the must-visit pop-up kitchens around the city this summer. And based on last summer, there will be a lot to choose from.

For now, in the spirit of Punk Week at The Drift, discover these DIY kitchens and discover your inner "f*ck the man" spirit, even when eating.

1. SCRATCHbread.
    Lauded by Gothamist and other foodie blogs, this neighborhood favorite in Bed-stuy is a must visit
    for anyone who likes breakfast food, crusty bread and good coffee. Limited hours and the weekend
    brunch crowd make for long lines at the walk-up storefront at Lexington and Bedford in Brooklyn.


2. Better Being Underground
   Anyone working in the SoHo or West Village area who doesn't know about this place is missing out.
   The Drift girls found this DIY kitchen's blog randomly one day and we've been checking it everyday
   around lunchtime ever since. Located on Leroy, a small side street off of 7th Avenue, the menu
   changes daily based on what is available locally. Fresh, delicious (mind-blowing) salads, sandwiches
   and soups are available down the narrow staircase at this cash-only gem. Check their blog daily to see
   what is available and get there early to avoid the lines and get a popular dish before it sells out.

3. Bunna Cafe
    Back to Brooklyn, this kitchen gained popularity at this year's Brooklyn Night Bazaar. This hearty,
Vegan bloody marys? Yes. Courtesy of Vegan Shop-Up
    locally-sourced Ethiopian food still doesn't have a physical home yet, but the vegan fare is served at
    "secret dinner party series" called Habesha Nights. Hosted at different locations around the city,
    usually in Bushwick, these nights combine "vegan Ethiopian eating and drinking traditions with
    contemporary music, art, and spaces to provide a wholly unique and unforgettable night for its
    guests." Sounds like a win to us!

4. Vegan Shop-Up Pop-Up Market
    Heralded on their blog as "NYC's only vegan pop-up shop," this monthly, free market selling all-
    things vegan is a great way to try new vegan cuisine before it hits the traditional Brooklyn foodie
    scene. Visit their blog for updates on June's pop-up market.

5. Krasula Pierogi
    Who doesn't like a pierogi? Potato and cheese are the traditional fillings of this Polish version of the
    ravioli. But Krasula Pierogi kicks it up a notch with whole wheat blueberry, spicy sausage and
    mushroom and cabbage offerings just to name a few. Another Brooklyn Night Bazaar hit from this
    past year, this homegrown business offers "pierogi parties" (o.m.g.) and catering and pop-up
    locations around Brooklyn. Follow them on Twitter to see where their new pop-up will be.