This place used to be a garage owned by a hot-dog booth. Now it is the most fashionable address in the Lower East Side. Café Henrie in the newest initiative of André Saraiva, a famous graffiti artist, who for many years has been a soul of Parisian parties and fashion events. His projects include the design of seductive Hotel Amour and chic Castel Paris. And then… he found out he needed a place in New York, where he could drink a delicious cup of coffee. Just a few steps away from his studio.

The interior reflects André’s eclectic aesthetics. There are the timeless benches of Jean Prouvé which for years have been collected at the Parisian flea markets. Pink neons designed by Petra Collins hang in the toilets. Colourful, ceramic vessels designed by  Peter Shire (one of members of the Memphis Group) are a good reason to take an Instagram-perfect picture. Café Henrie is constantly changing and the owner regularly invites his favourite artists to co-create this unique place.

And yet, Café Henrie is not only about its interior. It’s the food, and the signature menu of Camille Becerra that stands behind the restaurant’s success. Favourite dish of  New Yorkers?  „Dragon Bowl“, a bowl filled to the rim with avocado, herbs, pickled veggies and garden salad. Vegan nachos served with mysteriously called sauces (such as Beet Tahini or Gentlemen’s Relish), „Persian” meatballs or tea-and-ginger chicken are only some of the menu’s delicacies that attract everyone at Henrie.

Thanks to Chloë Sevigny herself, who is a frequent guest and a friend with André, Café Henrie is a cult spot. But at the same time, this place seems to be one of the most laid-back in the city, far from the turmoil of fashionable districts.

116 Forsyth Street / New York

Initially posted by me here.