Christmas Gift Ideas To Support New York’s Restaurant Industry
“We’ve been yelling restaurants are in trouble for so long you’ve become desensitized to it.” – Paola Velez
Christmas for me is synonymous with many things that make me feel warm and fuzzy on the inside. A bustling restaurant ranks very high on that list. I get tingly just thinking about pulling open the heavy door of a seasoned steakhouse to be greeted by a gust of warm air and smiling maitre d. I can envision myself pulling off my big coat under the glow of holiday string lights and rubbing my hands together as feeling begins to return. I make my way to the bar and I’ve forgotten all about the three Ubers that cancelled on me. I’m here now and nothing else matters. Restaurants are my favorite place to forget. The bartender nods over his shoulder and asks, “Can I start you off with something to drink?” You certainly can.
I know that Christmas is feeling much different this year. Next year, we’re all going to want to do a lot of forgetting. I want to make sure we can jump right back in where we left off which at this point is looking somewhat impossible. If you want the restaurants we love to be there for us again there are a few things we’ll need to do. First and foremost we need to join the industry in the fight for restaurant relief. Click here to sign the Independent Restaurant Coalition’s letter to Congress and check out their site for more about how you can help make real change. Aside from this very important step every little bit helps. You can buy a gift card, order takeout, fill whatever tables are legally left open, let them cater your holiday dinner, and… you can also pick up some swag. I had firm discussion with myself prior to researching this list that I would *not* buy every single thing I came across compiling it. Yet here I am and here this sweatsuit is…
Horsefeathers – I already have it and try my damnedest to wear it every day. This is your new uniform, you’re welcome. I’m giving one away on my Instagram tomorrow so make sure you’re following me @breakfastatetiffany
Blue Hill – Apothecary sets, jams, totes
Peekskill Brewery – You can’t beat life in the rivertowns. They’re offering cases of beer, hoodies, T-shirts, etc.
Polpettina – What’s not to love about this tote? I know they used to carry a few other T-shirts and onesies on site so you may want to look into that too.
Fortina – T-shirts, hats, hoodies, humor.
Nom Wah – Playing this back to the start you did hear me vow not to buy *every* item on the list right? This one hits different though. Am I even cool enough to be a dumpling dealer? Probably not. PS- it’s now on sale for $20 since I first wrote this so I’m probably going to own one by the end of the night.
The Chinatown Collection – Support many Chinatown favorites like Jin Fong, Hop Kee and Lan Zhou (gone but never forgotten) with lots of cute tote bags, shirts, etc. Unfortunately, this retailer Pearl River Mart itself will be going out of business in the new year too.
Pizzeria La Rosa – T-shirts
Roberta’s – If you haven’t had a delightfully weird meal or two here did you even do NYC in yours 20’s?
Morgenstern’s NYC – They have a big selection of merchandise including lots of T-shirts and a “F**k That’s Delicious” hat I’m really eyeing.
Plan Bee Farm Brewery – I just bought the cutest glassware here over the summer and pretty much wanted everything else too.Phoenicia Diner – I *know* you’ve seen the adorable pictures everyone takes here on their trips to the Catskills and I better get the chance to take the same ones next year!Maeve’s Place – OK, I don’t see their merchandise available for sale online but I HAD TO ADD THIS PLACE. If you are going to be in the area of Phoenicia at all please make sure to stop in. Not only was my coffee delicious but they sell lots of adorable gifts and the coffee shops mission is to provide employment opportunities to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A portion of proceeds from their Buddy Walk Blend is donated to the National Down syndrome Society.
Misi & Lilia – Missy Robbins is a queen and she know what she’s doing in the kitchen as her successful restaurants are a testament too.
Madame Vo – T-shirts & PINS
Dublin House – To be honest the website states that they’re still working on online ordering and I’m not sure you can get in to purchase with the latest shutdown but I’ll always have a soft spot for a good Irish pub! They are struggle so much with the restrictions throughout NYC and I’ve seen way too many close this year. We are DEFINITELY going to want these watering holes around next year and going forward.
Mimi Cheng’s – It’s a dumpling making kit! For pick-up in Nolita only but this is honestly my ideal kind of Christmas gift so even if it requires a drive it still feels worth it.Tap House Tuckahoe – I didn’t see them online but rumor has it they’re selling a sweatshirt blanket and that sounds like my kind of cozy.Three’s Brewing – I love the design of their cans and this whole gift set.Odd Fellows – Shipping ice cream nationwide! They’ve got Merch too.
8it app – OK this t-shirt itself doesn’t support the industry but I just love it! Check out their restaurant revival T-shirt which does…
Brrzar – 10522 zip necklace and a few more gift sets
There are also a lot of iconic restaurants shipping on Goldbelly too! It would make the perfect gift for anyone homesick for New York or who’s been wanting to visit too.
Walters Hot Dogs – The mustard alone is a great reason to order but also, how cute are those lil piggies?Nom Wah Tea Parlor – Hi, dim sum super fan here. Order from Nom Wah and do it now!
Russ & Daughters – Shipping swag and food through Goldbelly but they’e already booked through Christmas just FYI. Also, this T-shirt is a collar with Jake Gyllenhaal which feels confusing and I need to find more about.
Emmy Squared Pizza – Shipping their pizza and burgers on Goldbelly as well as offering some virtual pizza classes and I’m strongly considering joining in on one.
**If you are unable to get your gifts on time there’s a quick fix. Print our a picture of your purchase or get creative and draw picture of it. Put it in a card and make the recipient smile twice— once opening the card and again when they receive the delivery**
**If you’d like to be added to this list shoot me an e-mail at breakfastatetiffany@gmail.com**
