DIY plant-based Aperitivo hour
Aperitivo hour, as most Italians can attest, is the best time of day. I was first introduced to the concept at in a quaint beach town on Italy’s Adriatic coast. When I learned the purchase of a €7 spritz meant access to an array of local bites…it was over. While observed at a number of Italian restaurants across New York City boroughs, aperitivo service is currently limited due to seating restrictions. As a result, it’s time to DIY. Below are some local Bushwick/Ridgewood favorites to source your bites and sips.
A community French bakery café in Bushwick, L’imprimerie is a francophiles wet dream. Offering unparalleled freshly baked bread, pastries and select pantry items, it is hard to leave with just one item. With aperitivo in mind, however, the classic baguette and a pizza kit should be your go to items (cheese not included).
As a former Bushwick resident, I maintain Angels Supermarket is the best neighborhood shop for fresh produce and exotic fruit. This small family run shop is hard to beat in the ripe and price categories from apples and grapes to prickly pears and feijoa. Pro tip: buy a few avocados while you’re here.
If you’re reading this, chances are you have a thing for specialty grocers. With curated selection of spreads, nibbles and sips, Fosters Sundry is a Bougie shop with a capital B. Select a number of picnic basket items here then head a few doors down to the local City Fresh Market for a popular plant-based cheese and meat selection.
If your version of the after life includes a self service olive bar, Parrot Coffee is for you. Parrot is a European Balkan and Middle Eastern gourmet grocery with a large inventory of items you won’t find in your local US shop. Fill up a tub of assorted olives, dolmas, a jar of Ajvar and perhaps a slice of baklava if you’re feeling cheeky.
Finally, libations. If you’re natural wine enthusiast Forêt Wines must be the place. If you’re eager to dip your toes in but unsure of what natural wine you’ll like, send the staff a note and they’ll pick for you. Order ahead and be sure to byo bag when picking up your bottle. If a spritz is more your style, plan ahead with the best summer beverages.
