Today’s Lower East Side restaurant roundup:
The Michelin Guide last week came out with its “Bib Gourmand Awards” (a slightly more affordable restaurant listing). On the Lower East Side, Congee Village, Katz’s Deli, Russ & Daughters Cafe, Thelma on Clinton and Yunnan Kitchen (now Yunnan BBQ) made the list. Above East Houston Street, winners included Bar Primi, DBGB, Lil’ Frankie’s, Momokuku Noodle Bar and Soba-Ya (among others). In Chinatown, these spots also got the Michelin seal of approval: Dim Sum Go Go, New Malaysia, Nom Wah Tea Parlor, Nyonya and Shanghai Cafe.
East Village chef Ismael Alba cooks for the Pope.
The Times grants Goa Taco a little poetic license even though its burritos aren’t exactly traditional.
Eater has the scoop on the new setup at Mission Cantina, which is going all burrito, all the time.
Years ago, food writer Ruth Reichl lived on Rivington Street. The New Yorker revisits the old neighborhood with her, making stops at DiPalo’s, Deluxe Food Market, Parisi Bakery and Russ & Daughters.
