It is New York’s own hipster central.
Musicians, college kids, street performers and vendors flock together, this being their own little country. The weekends here see fairs, fresh produce sales, impromptu meet-ups and shows. It has been no stranger to demonstrations by social activists and political movements, and even being the setting for a TV show location. (Remember Bobby Flay’s show ‘Throwdown?’)
It is, in its own unique way (and just like the many signature areas in this great city), a proud representation of NYC, scruffy dinginess and all.
I say this with a lot of love as a frequent visitor (especially with Strand not too far), and as a fan of the tremendous food scene here. For instance, stalwarts like the Blue Water Grill, Republic, and Union Square Cafe are some of the more popular places in the area. Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill is nearby. So is Max Brenner, should you have a hankering for all things chocolate. And one can never go wrong with going to David Chang’s ingenious Momofuku restaurants, the Ssäm Bar to sit for a nice meal, and the Milk Bar for your sweet tooth.
But, despite all of these places, Union Square is also home to the more fun and convenient gastronomical options, and one that New Yorkers find essential to every day life – Food Trucks!
Take, for example, the above photo of Seoul Food NYC. Known for having really good food and generous portions, like with their bibimbap bowls, Seoul Food also gives away free food for their marketing. If you ‘like’ on Facebook or ‘check in’ on Foursquare, you get a free taco, while if follow on Twitter, that’s free Seoul Fries!
Oh, And the kimchi here, is really good. This, from a guy who rarely eats kimchi to begin with.
There’s also a bevy of dessert options here.
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream has this organic vibe to it (it might just be my own perception) – they do use fresh and simple ingredients, starting with milk, egg yolks and cane sugar – with the illustrations that they use for their flavors.
Hazelnut, Currants and Cream, and of course Chocolate, are three among their line-up that you can’t go wrong with.
Braving this Saturday with nothing but my iPhone, I continued my trek down 14th Street, where below you can check out the other trucks.
The Squeeze, owned by one Karliin Brooks, is the first raw vegan food truck to hit Manhattan.
Personally, not my cup of tea, although it is an interesting alternative, and I am sure New York City is not without shortage of vegans and health-conscious foodies.
MTBLLS NYC, meanwhile, is more my speed. For the carnivores, this is the spot for you. What this photo doesn’t show you is the long line behind me that had formed, and I took advantage of the clear view of the premises.
Besides, who doesn’t like meatballs? Seriously. We can’t be friends.
For all good things yellow and gooey, Gorilla Cheese NYC is the place to go! The menu is pretty mouth-watering. You can opt for one of their classic cheese sandwiches, or go and splurge a little by trying one of the signature sammies that they make. I, for one, am a fan of the triple cream brie, strawberry preserve and prosciutto. It’s also called #9.
This little caffeine haven below saved my day.
A large iced cappuccino was the perfect pick-me-up. Just by the movie theatre, you can find this truck easily – just follow that coffee smell.
Here’s to Union Square.
May you never change!
