What did you eat yesterday?
No sales here, just great NY recs
This week we’re featuring the coolest new coffee shop in NYC, highlighting the first holiday market of December, sharing a fun workshop to attend and introducing you to our cool new friend: Leslie Woodward of Edenesque.
The Mandarin
The newest coffee shop in Chinatown, The Mandarin, is an absolutely beautiful Asian-owned gem. The modern sprawling space opened this week in a gallery-like space at 113 Madison St. We can’t wait to pull up a chair and linger all winter. Current hours are 8a-2p, but keep up with them on Instagram!
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT!
One of our absolute favorite things about the year coming to an end is being able to put together our annual gift guide – something we are always super proud to share. This year we’ve got 35 GREAT New York-based gift recs for all the people in your life: the home cook, the eco-conscious friend, the dog lover, the bevvy aficionado, the indie fashion head, and MANY MANY more.
Head to last week’s newsletter to access this list that’s full of both pretty things AND experience-focused gifts, that comes from our hearts and without commissions or affiliate links!
Join Sudestada Gallery in Greenpoint for an afternoon of mending, reworking, and giving our beloved pieces a second life. Guided by multidisciplinary artist and visual storyteller Lorenzo Mercanti, you'll explore creative embroidery techniques to transform existing garments into one-of-a-kind creations. The session kicks off with a brief demos from the artist, then, it's your turn to dive in! Bring along items you’d like to rework—think tote bags, t-shirts, sweatshirts, ties etc. Your ticket includes all materials, expert guidance, and complimentary drinks to fuel your creativity!
This Sunday, stop by The Greenpoint Palace for the first day of DECK THE WALLS – a holiday artist market. Happening both 12/1 and 12/8, stop by, grab a drink, and buy your holiday gifts from local artists and markets 2-6p. We’re especially excited that our friend and contributor, Eric Do, will be popping up on 12/1 selling his bags, RICO (as featured in our gift guide!)
Welcome to our monthly Favorite Things column where we list all of our favorite places we went, our favorite things we saw & our favorite bites we ate in NYC in the last four weeks.
This is typically only in our paid-tier of the newsletter, but since we love you all so much on this holiday of thanks, we’re sharing it with everyone today!
Same day embroidery at Abbode
Giant mozzarella sticks from Mo’s General for lunch
The ornament shop at John Derian
The Big Night x Far West striped robes
Ramen from Tabetomo and Ramen Ishida
A creamy pint of Guinness from Hartley’s
Soft pretzels from Elbow Room
An after work Guinness at Hartley’s
Soup dumplings from Din Tai Fung for dinner
Giving directions to Holiday tourists
Many, many (sips) of natural wine at the RAW Wine Fair
Pita + dip trio at Gus and Marty’s
Janie Korn candles + candle holders at Salon 21
Having a cold weather picnic in Prospect Park
Roasted chestnuts from the Chestnut Experiment
Candle Making class at Nose Best
Labneh to start at Public Records
Stuffed Peppers at Kellogg’s Diner
Grilled lamb skewers at Roman’s
The Pink Bunny performance piece at Nowhere Gallery
Aquavit after dinner drinks at Kabin
Meet Leslie, the BIPOC, LGBTQ, and woman founder of Edenesque - a mission-driven company that strives to show that earth-friendly nutritious plant milks—crafted with intention— can be both delicious and regenerative for individuals and their communities. Core to Edenesque’s mission is their social initiative, Edenesque Food Insecurity Initiative™, which supports a multi-faceted approach to reduce food insecurity in New York State by partnering with local food insecurity organizations.
How did you get your start as a chef?
My culinary journey began with a deep passion for nourishing and uplifting others through food. After training at Le Cordon Bleu, I worked in fine dining and eventually became the Executive Chef at the President’s House at Columbia University. Alongside these roles, I launched my own boutique catering business, Eclectic Soul, where I had the opportunity to create meals that blend wellness with flavor. Throughout my career, my focus has always been on using food to uplift, heal, and bring people together.
How did this experience lead you to starting your own plant-based milk company, Edenesque?
Working closely with clients on their health journeys, I noticed a growing demand for clean, whole foods, which inspired me to experiment with plant-based milks. I began with cold-pressed juices and almond milks, and the overwhelmingly positive response made me realize there was a real gap in the market for a chef-crafted plant milk company. My goal was to create products that nourish in the purest way—free from preservatives or fillers, and made with whole ingredients that truly support wellness.
What’s your favorite part about the New York small-business community?
I love the incredible diversity and resilience of New York’s small-business community. Here, every business has a unique story, yet there’s a shared drive to make a difference—whether through food, art, or social impact. The community is deeply supportive and collaborative, with people always ready to uplift one another and tackle challenges together. Being part of it feels like being at the heart of a creative and compassionate movement
Tell us about how Edenesque aims to advance social justice?
Edenesque is built on the belief that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and have access to nutritious, high-quality food. Through our Food Insecurity Initiative, we partner with local farms, kitchens, and organizations to support communities in need. Our open hiring practices also provide stable employment opportunities to individuals reentering society, giving those in need of a second chance a path to stability. Social justice is at the core of everything we do, from our sourcing practices to our commitment as a BIPOC, LGBTQ, and woman-owned business.
We love your signature motto, Be the Love™, signifying that love is actionable, and when compassion meets purpose, transformation is possible. Can you tell us more about your belief in the healing power of food?
I wanted to create a brand that inspires people to nourish themselves and, in turn, nourish others. The tagline actually came from a conversation I had with my aunt over the holidays. We talked about what it means to 'be the love'—whether through small gestures, showing up, giving yourself grace, or even just sharing a smile with a stranger. That conversation inspired me to make this message personal, not just for me but for others as well. When we approach food with love and intention, we’re nourishing not only ourselves, but also our communities and the environment, creating a ripple effect of positivity.
Follow Along:
@edenesqueplantmilks
www.edenesque.com