Sí a To-Do List No.06
While we're here: show up for your people, have some food for thought, and get lost in neighborhood gems — novel and classic
My step count is up and the city is filled with flowers, clear signs that we’ve officially made it past the spring of deception. With later sunsets, there’s few exuses to not get out there every and have fun every once in a while.
What my highlights from this part week have in common is this: places hold memory — old and new. While people and things can ground us, specific places in time can also take our minds on extraordinary journeys. I felt that 2 Thursdays ago, on a morning walk 10 months since my beloved grandfather, Welo, passed. I was listening to his favorite song, Frank Sinatra’s 1969 My Way, and texting my dad as a truck with the word “dad” passed by me.
Not everyone instinctively connects the dots in life’s strange coincidences, but we all have the capacity to try; to be there for ourselves and others, notice the details, and be grateful for it all, while we’re here. Because memory can, in fact, live on. And so when we can, we keep moving, one moment at a time. I hope these spots will bring up some happy memories of your own.
No.01 - The Heart of Grammercy: Caffè Panna
Food & Drink
Through the seasons and over the years, Caffè Panna’s core has remained constant: daily-rotating flavors, inventive Italian-inspired ice cream and coffee combinations, an Instagram strategy that turns every topping-loaded bite into hype, and consequently, ample lines around the block.
Located on the corner of Irving Place and 19th Street, this Roman gelateria-inspired shop offers artisan-quality across an evolving menu that includes: 7 classic flavors, 5 weekly-changing scoops, 2 sundaes showcasing their current inspirations, and a selection of daily pints. As a frequent visitor of their Gramercy Park location, (with a second in Greenpoint), my friends and I constantly yearn making it on the weekends before their irresistible specials sell out (most do). After all, enjoying dessert on this particular sidewalk is an great afternoon sweet treat situation.
While their bases are remarkably good, the toppings take each thematic creation to the next level. If I had to pick a favorite, it’d be the Cookies ‘n Panna: Oreo infused ice cream, housemade brittle, and the added option of freshly-whipped panna. But if I’m being honest, my real recommendation is to become a part of their cult following and simply start trying for yourself.
Location: 77 Irving Pl, New York - Caffè Panna (2026)
No.02 - Project Hail Mary
Entertainment & Media
Project Hail Mary is a generational film. Think ET meets Interstellar meets Gravity. It fits right into the critically-acclaimed group of the sci-fi and time-space exploration genres, yet brings a refreshing lighthearted tone, while simultaneously tackling heavy matter. From its cinematography (managed to have been shot with no traditional screens), to a stunning soundtrack featuring classics from The Beatles and Harry Styles, alongside an original core by Daniel Pemberton, every detail was perfectly aligned.
The release timing felt fivine (props to the marketing team), with only a 12-day gap before the real-life Artemis II lunar flyby mission launched on April 1, 2026. I saw it in theatre only days before watcheing the astronauts live, surpassing the record set in 1970 by Apollo 13 for the farthest distance humand have ever traveled from Earth. History unfolding in front of our eyes.
But back to Project Hail Mary, I’m not just saying this because he’s one of my favorite actors of all time, but Ryan Gosling, who plays Grace, is truly remarkable. His performance is physical, comedic, and precise, with a deep commitment to the character and the story, all while carrying what feels like a one-man show for a lot of the movie. His endearing sidekick, Rocky, is brought to life with surprising humanity, voices by puppeteer James Ortiz, one of the movie’s many unsung heroes. The chemistry between the middle-school science teacher turned mission specialist and the foreign alien builds and becomes a charming relationship that leaves you wanting more.
I won’t give anything else away because this is a must-watch. Wacky at times, but deeply emotional. I laughed extensively and shed a few tears. One thing’s for sure: you’ll be on the edge of your seat, and you’ll leave full of hope.
Source: Project Hail Mary Final Official Trailer (2026) / Entertainmen Tonight on Youtube
No.03 - Kiki’s: Unpretentious, Warm, Exceptional
Food & Drink
A miracle happened: we walked into Kiki’s and got sat right then and there. Honestly, this was the perfect (unexpected) Easter Sunday situation, post-mass, on a gloomy afternoon, a perfect mix of family and friends.
If you haven’t had the pleasure of trying Kiki’s authentic taverna-style cuisine, you’re in for a treat. I have all the good recs for you: Horiatiki (Greek) salad, Saganaki ( sesame-encrusted phyllo cheese drizzled with honey), Tzatsiki, Zucchini Chips, Grilled Octopus, Calamari, Mixed Grill (bifteki patties, lamb chops, loukaniko sausage), a pile of crispy Hand-Cut Fries, and lots of garlic aioli and lemon on the side.
Sharing is caring, and that’s almost a guaranteed at this LES spot, with a menu so tempting you’ll want to order most dishes. Day or night, the room is buzzing with energy but somehow familirly comforting. I’ve had so many meals here (often the same dishes, over and over), and each one is tied to a specific moment in time with a specific group of people. Most of my best friends who love this restaurant have since moved away from the city (you know who you are), but I promise to come back with you anytime you’re back.
Location: 130 Division St, New York - Kiki’s (2026)
No.04 - Autophoto
Entertainment & Media
Autophoto has been on my list since it opened last October on the Lower East Side. Offering rare analog booths, it is the city’s first dedicated vintage photobooth museum and gallery. Located near the widly coveted street-side Old Friend Photobooth (which I’ve also visited and loved), they offer an alternative or the photography-curious visitor who isn’t drawn to waiting in line for a single strip of B&W film. The space itself is small but features a unique collection of 6 restored machines, including an original Polaroid one.
Since 2009, they’ve been dedicated to preserve the magic of the photobooth: mechanical, chemical, and entirely magical. Speaking of capturing special moments, I got some very nice ones with both my boyfriend and sister, separately. There might be a short wait, but it’s worth it — for a glimpse of a moment captured physically, that you’ll have for the ages.
“With fewer than 200 working photobooths left worldwide, we believe it takes a community of owners, technicians and fans to keep this tactile, timeless art form alive”, noted the Autophoto team. As someone who has kept every strip I’ve ever taken (no matter how bad I looked), this statistic did shock me — espeically given how how popular these are in the city. Did it shock you? All the more reason, to stop by.
Location: 121 Orchard St, New York - Autophoto (2026)
No.05 - Old Fashion (Café, Bar, Cucina)
Entertainment & Media
I’ve probably walked by Old Fashion Café hundred of times but have never taken a second glace. To my surprise, this compact Italian spot is one of the best large-party-friendly restaurants I’ve been to downtown.
The family restaurant was built to be a “home away from home” (inspired by the region of Puglia) for the founders, a feeling that comes through in the presentation of every dish: classic, but elevated for the city. We celebrated my friend Jackie’s birthday on a Friday night at a long table where 17 of us shared a range of delightful appetizers and mains. Off the top of my head: bruschetta, Caesar salad, burrata, pomodoro, bolognese, and pesto pastas. And how cute were the custom menus and place settings she had made for us by her best friend? (I brought them home with me, obviously.)
It was one of those nights where the hours pass and the conversation free-flows as you reconnect with people you haven’t seen since college. Jackie tends to have that effect — she moved back to Mexico a year ago, yet with just a weekend visit she’s able to gather the troops for a reunion. There’s something beautiful about that, beyond the food and such: a shared moment where we made a friend feel loved in her favorite city, on her special day.
Places like Old Fashion Café (which I highly recommend for your next big gathering) make it possible to have a delicious dinner while still singing your friends happy birthday around the table, just like we did when we were growing up at home. And somehow, in the middle of the chaotic jungle, at a table where you might not know every single person or even speak the same language, you find a strange sense of home, far away from home.
Location: 110 Thompson St, New York - Old Fashion Café (2026)
No.06 - Coming Soon: We play house 7 days a week
Art & Design · Marketing & Business
The concept of walking by a cute store with perfectly-curated window display and not going in is unkown to me. If we’re talking design gift stores, Coming Soon on 53 Canal wil likely be mentioned.
Though I’ve never actually purchased anything from the store, I think that actually goes more to say about the selection of merchandising, knick-knacks, and the changing visual array of it all on the sales floor (and online) that keeps me irresistibly stopping by to snoop. No detail is left behind here.
Becasuse the element of surprise is necessary to the appeal of Coming Soon NY, I’ll highlight 3 artists whose eclectic designs are often seen on display. 1) Fish Design by Gaetano Pesce, a 2003 visionary resin product line in collaboration with Andrea Corsi. 2) Concrete Cat trinkets, that sculpturally explore the use of concrete with a focus on color, form, and pattern. 3) Ichendorf Milano and their range of whimsy, multicolored designer tableware.
More appropriately in their own words, “we play house 7 days a week” is a perfect way to frame their intention and how it comes across to the casual window-shopper: these exclusive collection of somewhat random items can make you feel simultaneously like an art-insider and a wonderous little kid.
Location: 52 Canal St, New York - Coming Soon NY (2026)
No.07 - BonBon & Reflections from a no-candy Lent
Art & Design · Marketing & Business
I waited a while for this one — 47 days to be exact. I’ll come back to BonBon.
In keeping with my theme for 2026, saying yes to trying new things, I decided to give up candy from Ash Wednesday to Easter. I’ll be honest: I’m still not entirely sure those are the exact dates the Church mandates, but by the end of my candy-free Lent, I found something unexpected. A sense of calm and control in, ironically, saying no.
Coming from someone who grew up loving all types of processed candy and still enjoy it on a somewhat-regular basis, this process was interesting for too many reasons to mention in this post. What started as anxiety to eat sugary goods ended up evolving into an internal dialogue where I recognized that I could repress (or substitute) cravings for a greater purpose. While this is a deeply personal (and voluntary) experience for people who practice it, giving up anything for lent is a tradition that tests and ultimately honors spiritual discipline. The most beautiful part is that it has the ability to refocus your energy towards deep-rooted faith. Most of my closest friends and family would find it hard to believe that I consistently rejected my favorites that seemed to pop up more than ever during the 47 days, or even that I had a candy jar in my living room I never touched.
To properly celebrate my big win, we stopped by the best Swedish candy store in the Lower East Side after Easter Sunday mass to fill a bag with assorted gummies to share. As an added bonus, they carry a mostly vegan, naturally colored, gluten-free selection. But the real reward, beyond proving I could break a lifelong habit, was realizing I’d strengthened my relationship with my faith along the way. And that gift tastes better than any piece of candy could — even BonBon’s. Still though, what a first bite.
Location: 130 Allen St, New York - Bon Bon (2026)
It’s taken me a second to get this one up, but I’m glad I get to share these thoughts with you. I suspect I’ll overshare some more very soon. Until then, I hope your week starts off on the right foot — my recs could do the trick.