The Lost Block, Found at Wassail
A Tasty Trip Down Memory Lane
I recall wandering down my old block, lost in thought, when I stumbled upon Wassail, a new restaurant on Orchard Street. As I looked out at the unfamiliar streetscape, I couldn’t help but think about how our lives change and evolve over time. Just as the neighborhood has undergone drastic transformations, so too has my own life taken unexpected turns.
Discovering Wassail
That’s when I found Wassail, the perfect antidote to my nostalgia-fueled despair. This new restaurant, owned by Ben Sandler and Jennifer Lim, co-owners of Queens Kickshaw, is a game-changer. With chef Joseph Buenconsejo at the helm and pastry chef Rebecca Eichenbaum, Wassail is a vegetarian haven that will delight your taste buds.
The Cider Bar
Wassail is not just any ordinary restaurant – it’s a dedicated cider bar, the only one in New York City. With 12 draught and five by-the-glass ciders on the menu, Wassail is an unexpected gem. As I learned from my conversation with cider director Dan Pucci, cider is much closer to wine than beer, with fruit and carbonation making it a unique experience. With an accessibly priced menu, Wassail offers an exciting foray into the world of ciders, from classic to experimental.
The Menu
But it’s not just the ciders that impress – the menu is a testament to Buenconsejo’s creativity. With dishes like peas with smoked ricotta and olive oil, and spinach pasties with rye flour crust, each plate is a masterclass in showcasing ingredients while telling a story. Even classic preparations feel new and exciting with Buenconsejo’s attentiveness to detail.
Desserts
And then, there are the desserts. Pastry chef Rebecca Eichenbaum’s creations are nothing short of revolutionary, like her green dessert featuring knotweed, buckwheat, and sorrel sherbet. Her use of macerated stalk juice takes the cake (or should I say, dessert?) to new heights.
Conclusion
Wassail is more than just a restaurant – it’s an experience that reminds us that, no matter how much the world changes, we can still find comfort and familiarity in the unexpected. So, come for the ciders, stay for the food, and leave with a newfound appreciation for the little things in life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Wassail?
A: Wassail is a vegetarian restaurant and cider bar located on Orchard Street in the Lower East Side.
Q: What makes Wassail unique?
A: Wassail is the only dedicated cider bar in New York City, with a menu that showcases a wide range of ciders from around the world.
Q: Is Wassail suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
A: Yes, Wassail is a fully vegetarian restaurant, with many options for both vegetarians and vegans.
Q: Is Wassail expensive?
A: Not at all – with most dishes priced between $10 and $20, Wassail offers a range of affordable options for diners.
