Local Eats

Ha-Makolet

“Ha-makolet” is an Israeli term for a mini-market, and Shoshi’s Ha-Makolet offers Mediterranean, kosher fare straight from the source. Named for owner Shoshana Allon, Shoshi’s market stocks everything from Bamba, the peanut-based Israeli version of Cheetos, to Kariot, small chocolate-filled cereal pillows beloved by sabra kids. Stop in for fresh falafel with hummus, and a classic Israeli salad.

S&S Cheesecake

S&S Cheesecake is hands-down the best cheesecake in New York (and Zagat knows it). Flush next to the 238th 1 train stop (and a 5 minute walk to Riverdale), this little bakery puts out the fluffiest, most delicious cheesecake from its unassuming shopfront. S&S Cheesecake is only open on weekdays until 3pm and sells cheesecake by the cake (no skinny one-slice orders), so prep both your stomach and schedule in advance.

Geshmake Fish

You can’t catch gefilte fish in the wild, but you can buy it at Geshmake Fish. Gefilte fish is actually just a term for deboned, ground fish with variable ingredients (geshmake means “delicious” in Yiddish), a dish whose origins are in the Orthodox Jewish community. Gefilte fish’s form allows observant Jews to consume fish without breaking the Sabbath prohibition of borer: a type of labor specifically related to separating and sifting (in this case, separating non-edible bones from edible fish pulp).

At the counter, you’ll be greeted by the Hassid who owns the place. In addition to gefilte logs (cook them up with carrots, onions, and broth), Geshmake Fish also serves up other fresh fish options, including cuts of salmon and tuna. Be sure to time your visit well since the owner leaves early on Fridays to make it home in time for candle-lighting.