I thought it was about time I (re)introduce myself to all of you. First of all, thank you for being here. Seriously. I know it has been a really long time since my last post. Life is busy. What can I say!? Working, parenting, living in NYC, it’s all a lot and this blog often is forgotten. If you are reading this, I am very happy you are here!
The pandemic has been rough for a lot of New York City restaurants. Many had to permanently close due to financial issues and lack of staff. Seeing new places open, especially when they are 100% gluten-free, is always a positive. My gluten-free in New York City content continues to be the most visited pages on my website, so I want to keep you regularly updated. Here are some updates to menus, newly opened, and re-openings of totally gluten-free restaurants in New York City.
I don’t know what it is about this spring, but it just feels different. Maybe because we got bombed with snow all winter long. Or maybe because it is the second spring during the COVID pandemic. Or maybe it is because I am vaccinated and most of my family is getting theirs too. Whatever it is, I am loving this season. It feels like a reawakening and I am feeling a bit more hopeful than last spring.
Daffodils in McGolrick Park, Greenpoint, Brooklyn
I am still not traveling but with the days getting longer, my walks are getting longer too. I live near many beautiful parks here in North Brooklyn, so I’ve been exploring near and far (but only as far as Manhattan since I am still not traveling at the moment.) Brooklyn feels almost “normal” with everyone emerging from their winter cocoon. The parks are packed, outdoor dining has resumed, and shops and restaurants that have been closed for a long time are slowly reopening. Everyone seems to be more optimistic.
This Thanksgiving is probably unlike any other Thanksgiving we’ve had in recent memory. The world feels upside-down right now. I feel like I am stuck in that movie Groundhog Day and I can’t move forward. The days are flying by but the actual forward momentum feels like I am walking in glue. I know so many of you can relate as you have shared via email, tweets, and direct messages. There is something strangely comforting in knowing I don’t feel alone.
As you can imagine, post-COVID New York City is quite a different world these days. Stores are closing, people are moving out in droves, and we are basically adjusting to a new normal way of life here. (Although, is it really normal?) I personally haven’t been on the subway in almost 6 months and have only been into Manhattan a handful of times, always driving. I live so close yet feel so far.