Weekly Highlights 1/27/25 - 2/2/25
This past week was all about food, art, and good times—though I, like half of NYC, was a bit under the weather. Still, I managed to squeeze in some solid outings, from finally trying a much-hyped Indian spot to exploring art galleries and cozying up in some of my favorite Lower East Side haunts.
First Stop: Dhamaka—Did It Live Up to the Hype?
I finally checked out Dhamaka, a spot I always walk past that smells incredible and is perpetually packed. The restaurant, known for serving bold, regional Indian food that’s not your typical tikka masala fare, has been making waves in the NYC food scene. The menu leans into rustic, home-style cooking, with dishes like goat testicles, stuffed whole chicken, and champaran meat.
Unfortunately… I didn’t love it. My friend and I weren’t hungry, so we ordered the Baingan (eggplant dish) and Paneer Tikka. The flavors didn’t hit for me, and I honestly don’t understand the pricing. While I respect the effort to bring authentic, less mainstream Indian dishes to NYC, I’ve had far better Indian food at a much lower cost. Maybe I didn’t order the right thing? Overall, I’d give it a 4.5/10. If you plan to go, I’d recommend researching the most raved-about dishes first.
Gallery Hopping: Art in the LES & East Village
Later in the week, we embarked on an art crawl through the Lower East Side and East Village. If you’re into gallery hopping, I highly recommend using the See Saw app to map out openings and exhibits. It’s a great way to discover new artists and hidden gems.
Our favorite of the night? Jorge Camacho. Camacho was a Cuban surrealist painter known for his dreamlike, often eerie compositions. His work blends elements of automatism, mythology, and the unconscious mind, creating visually stunning yet unsettling pieces. According to the gallery director, André Breton and the Surrealist movement profoundly influenced him, and his pieces have a striking, almost hallucinatory feel. The gallery showcasing his work was a must-see, and it was incredible to experience his artistry in person.
Post-Art Crawl: Hitting the LES & East Village Hot Spots
After our gallery tour, we made our way through some of my favorite Lower East Side and East Village spots:
Pardon My French – This spot has a charming, intimate bistro vibe, dim lighting, and a cozy European feel. Think classic French fare, great cocktails, and a warm ambiance that makes you want to linger for hours.
Book Club Bar – A dream spot for book lovers. It’s part bookstore, part wine bar, making it the perfect place to sip on a glass of wine while flipping through a new read. People come here to unwind, have a quiet conversation, or get lost in a book. I highly recommend it if you need a low-key, literary escape.
Not As Bitter – Easily one of my favorite matcha places in NYC. What sets it apart? The way they mix their matcha with coconut creates the perfect blend of creamy and earthy flavors. My go-to order? The Coconut Cloud is a frothy, dreamy matcha mixed with coconut milk and espresso for the ultimate smooth, buzzy, slightly tropical finish. If you love matcha, this place is a must.
Forgetmenot – We ended the night at this laid-back, eclectic bar that feels like a hidden gem. It has a casual, funky atmosphere, solid drinks, and a menu that leans toward comfort food with a Mediterranean twist. The vibe reminded me of Zeitgeist in San Francisco—that effortlessly cool, one-of-a-kind energy that makes you want to stay for hours.