Erik Hodgetts
@eriktheguide.bsky.social
More Posts About Buildings And Food.
NYC tour guide, educator, and architect.
More at linktr.ee/erikhodgetts
NYC tour guide, educator, and architect.
More at linktr.ee/erikhodgetts
At the bare-bones Chelsea location of The Pho (#2) for grilled pork tacos with banh mi-style seasoning & pickled carrot & daikon slaw. Those & some of the eponymous Vietnamese beef noodle soup hit the spot for a warming lunch on a bitterly cold NYC day.
thepho2ny.com
thepho2ny.com
January 8, 2026 at 3:19 PM
At the bare-bones Chelsea location of The Pho (#2) for grilled pork tacos with banh mi-style seasoning & pickled carrot & daikon slaw. Those & some of the eponymous Vietnamese beef noodle soup hit the spot for a warming lunch on a bitterly cold NYC day.
thepho2ny.com
thepho2ny.com
An initial visit to #Lungi on Manhattan's East Side for South Indian & Sri Lankan eats included Kerala beef, plain dosa, Tawa fish fry, house special goat curry & hoppers - but we'll be back for more soon.
Thanks @RussellManthy for the company & great photos!
lungirestaurant.com
Thanks @RussellManthy for the company & great photos!
lungirestaurant.com
January 7, 2026 at 2:25 PM
An initial visit to #Lungi on Manhattan's East Side for South Indian & Sri Lankan eats included Kerala beef, plain dosa, Tawa fish fry, house special goat curry & hoppers - but we'll be back for more soon.
Thanks @RussellManthy for the company & great photos!
lungirestaurant.com
Thanks @RussellManthy for the company & great photos!
lungirestaurant.com
A pleasant lunch of roasted lamb shoulder with tzatziki and pickles on a fluffy pita, along with salad at the NYC #Flatiron district location of Mediterranean-themed Zaytinya, part of the ever-growing empire of Spanish-American restaurateur José Andrés.
January 6, 2026 at 2:13 PM
A pleasant lunch of roasted lamb shoulder with tzatziki and pickles on a fluffy pita, along with salad at the NYC #Flatiron district location of Mediterranean-themed Zaytinya, part of the ever-growing empire of Spanish-American restaurateur José Andrés.
Perched on the edge of the rapidly-expanding border of DUMBO north into Vinegar Hill, the no-frills Bridge Coffee Shop already feels like a remnant of a more workaday NYC neighborhood, offering up familiar Dominican steam table standards as well as legit made-to-order #mofongo.
January 5, 2026 at 2:34 PM
Perched on the edge of the rapidly-expanding border of DUMBO north into Vinegar Hill, the no-frills Bridge Coffee Shop already feels like a remnant of a more workaday NYC neighborhood, offering up familiar Dominican steam table standards as well as legit made-to-order #mofongo.
My tour guests love the #pastrami eggrolls at Pastrami Factory (formerly Pastrami Queen) in DUMBO's Time Out Market. I was skeptical when I first saw this Jewish rework of a pork-based American Chinese treat, but their blend of cabbage, veggies + deli mustard is (chef's kiss)!
January 4, 2026 at 3:15 PM
My tour guests love the #pastrami eggrolls at Pastrami Factory (formerly Pastrami Queen) in DUMBO's Time Out Market. I was skeptical when I first saw this Jewish rework of a pork-based American Chinese treat, but their blend of cabbage, veggies + deli mustard is (chef's kiss)!
Soba Totto on E. 43rd has been rebranded as Izakaya Futago, with an ambitiously-broad menu of sushi, soba, yakitori, small plates & drink snacks. We sampled pork & chicken breast yakitori with pickled ume plum & a vast sea of shareable noodles tsukemen-style with dipping broth.
January 3, 2026 at 3:09 PM
Soba Totto on E. 43rd has been rebranded as Izakaya Futago, with an ambitiously-broad menu of sushi, soba, yakitori, small plates & drink snacks. We sampled pork & chicken breast yakitori with pickled ume plum & a vast sea of shareable noodles tsukemen-style with dipping broth.
An “Egg Nog Croissant” via the much-anticipated #Flatiron Somedays Bakery - the latest effort by the founders of the Chip City cookies franchise. It did not disappoint - flawless from the lacquered, laminated shell through to its eclair-like light, subtly-flavored cream filling.
January 2, 2026 at 3:11 PM
An “Egg Nog Croissant” via the much-anticipated #Flatiron Somedays Bakery - the latest effort by the founders of the Chip City cookies franchise. It did not disappoint - flawless from the lacquered, laminated shell through to its eclair-like light, subtly-flavored cream filling.
When in need of UK specialties in NYC @myersofkeswick on Hudson Street never disappoints, with packaged goods from chocolates & jams to canned #haggis. And their house-made delicacies include Cornish Pasties, varied meat pies, sausage rolls & Scotch Eggs.
myersofkeswick.com
myersofkeswick.com
January 1, 2026 at 2:49 PM
When in need of UK specialties in NYC @myersofkeswick on Hudson Street never disappoints, with packaged goods from chocolates & jams to canned #haggis. And their house-made delicacies include Cornish Pasties, varied meat pies, sausage rolls & Scotch Eggs.
myersofkeswick.com
myersofkeswick.com
Their formidable sandwiches are legendary, but this time it's just a quick on-the-go snack of deep-fried cheese ravioli from Faicco's Italian Specialties. Founded in NYC's Little Italy in 1900, they have been on Bleecker Street in the #WestVillage since the 1950s.
December 31, 2025 at 2:14 PM
Their formidable sandwiches are legendary, but this time it's just a quick on-the-go snack of deep-fried cheese ravioli from Faicco's Italian Specialties. Founded in NYC's Little Italy in 1900, they have been on Bleecker Street in the #WestVillage since the 1950s.
New Webinar! Join me & @NYAdventureClub to see how NYC cut thru the heart of downtown nabes in the 1920s to make a new route for cars & trains
The Sixth Ave Extension:
Dividing Downtown for a New NYC
Thu 1/22
5:30 PM
$15 +event fee
Learn more & register
bit.ly/48Wuc92
The Sixth Ave Extension:
Dividing Downtown for a New NYC
Thu 1/22
5:30 PM
$15 +event fee
Learn more & register
bit.ly/48Wuc92
December 30, 2025 at 2:33 PM
New Webinar! Join me & @NYAdventureClub to see how NYC cut thru the heart of downtown nabes in the 1920s to make a new route for cars & trains
The Sixth Ave Extension:
Dividing Downtown for a New NYC
Thu 1/22
5:30 PM
$15 +event fee
Learn more & register
bit.ly/48Wuc92
The Sixth Ave Extension:
Dividing Downtown for a New NYC
Thu 1/22
5:30 PM
$15 +event fee
Learn more & register
bit.ly/48Wuc92
An Argentine friend made some tasty #alfajores - in this version, soft macaron-like cookies bound together by a thick layer of dulce de leche caramel & rolled in coconut flakes.
They were good enough to share that these were made per the NYT recipe below
bit.ly/3Yc2Bug
They were good enough to share that these were made per the NYT recipe below
bit.ly/3Yc2Bug
December 29, 2025 at 2:24 PM
An Argentine friend made some tasty #alfajores - in this version, soft macaron-like cookies bound together by a thick layer of dulce de leche caramel & rolled in coconut flakes.
They were good enough to share that these were made per the NYT recipe below
bit.ly/3Yc2Bug
They were good enough to share that these were made per the NYT recipe below
bit.ly/3Yc2Bug
Always fun to make some home-made #ice cream for the holidays. This year it's rich milk chocolate with candied orange peel, and Philadelphia-style Madagascar Vanilla with dark chocolate 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢 (those who are following along may remember seeing that batch getting assembled a few weeks back!)
December 27, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Always fun to make some home-made #ice cream for the holidays. This year it's rich milk chocolate with candied orange peel, and Philadelphia-style Madagascar Vanilla with dark chocolate 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢 (those who are following along may remember seeing that batch getting assembled a few weeks back!)
Mixed opinions haven't stopped the city & developers from pursuing an expansion to the remaining westernmost portion of the railyards, which - after a brief flirtation with the inclusion of a casino - is currently slated to add residential towers, a hotel, public school & park.
December 25, 2025 at 3:33 PM
Mixed opinions haven't stopped the city & developers from pursuing an expansion to the remaining westernmost portion of the railyards, which - after a brief flirtation with the inclusion of a casino - is currently slated to add residential towers, a hotel, public school & park.
And though #HudsonYards is abuzz with high-end corporate tenants and a tourist magnet, its design & planning have received a distinctly cool reception - critics lament its disconnection from the city, the awkward crowding of its giant buildings, and lack of attention to details.
December 24, 2025 at 2:36 PM
And though #HudsonYards is abuzz with high-end corporate tenants and a tourist magnet, its design & planning have received a distinctly cool reception - critics lament its disconnection from the city, the awkward crowding of its giant buildings, and lack of attention to details.
But #HudsonYards also drew ire for abuse of the EB-5 program, intended to support economically-needy districts by giving US visas to foreigners investing $500K+. This was achieved by creating a cynically gerrymandered area that linked to public housing in Harlem via Central Park.
December 23, 2025 at 3:16 PM
But #HudsonYards also drew ire for abuse of the EB-5 program, intended to support economically-needy districts by giving US visas to foreigners investing $500K+. This was achieved by creating a cynically gerrymandered area that linked to public housing in Harlem via Central Park.
The plan included the now-familiar cluster of bespoke skyscrapers by various starchitects, an expandable performance space from the designers of the #HighLine park, & a whimsical “art” feature consisting of a beehive-like set of staircases by developer darling Thomas Heatherwick.
December 22, 2025 at 2:42 PM
The plan included the now-familiar cluster of bespoke skyscrapers by various starchitects, an expandable performance space from the designers of the #HighLine park, & a whimsical “art” feature consisting of a beehive-like set of staircases by developer darling Thomas Heatherwick.
With zoning & transport plans in place, NYC solicited proposals from developers. After false starts stalled by the 2008 financial crisis, The Related Companies & Oxford Properties obtained a 99-year lease on the site & began construction of a platform over the rail yards in 2014.
December 21, 2025 at 3:14 PM
With zoning & transport plans in place, NYC solicited proposals from developers. After false starts stalled by the 2008 financial crisis, The Related Companies & Oxford Properties obtained a 99-year lease on the site & began construction of a platform over the rail yards in 2014.
In 2005, NYC opened a path towards development by formally rezoning the neighborhood for commercial and residential use. Progress on the #HighLine park drew attention to the area, and the start of the 7 train subway extension removed the stumbling block of lack of transit access.
December 20, 2025 at 2:33 PM
In 2005, NYC opened a path towards development by formally rezoning the neighborhood for commercial and residential use. Progress on the #HighLine park drew attention to the area, and the start of the 7 train subway extension removed the stumbling block of lack of transit access.
Through the 1990s, various proposals were made to move #YankeeStadium to the railyards. Starting in 2001, NYC proposed a West Side Stadium here as part of its unsuccessful bid to be the site of the 2012 Olympic Games and a home for the NY Jets, but this also didn't come to pass.
December 19, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Through the 1990s, various proposals were made to move #YankeeStadium to the railyards. Starting in 2001, NYC proposed a West Side Stadium here as part of its unsuccessful bid to be the site of the 2012 Olympic Games and a home for the NY Jets, but this also didn't come to pass.
Eventually, ownership of the remaining yards passed to the MTA, who reorganized them in 1986 for Long Island Railroad trains. Keeping future development in mind, the new #LIRR layout reserved space between the tracks to allow construction of columns to support a platform above.
December 18, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Eventually, ownership of the remaining yards passed to the MTA, who reorganized them in 1986 for Long Island Railroad trains. Keeping future development in mind, the new #LIRR layout reserved space between the tracks to allow construction of columns to support a platform above.
Under pressure from the further decline of US rail transport, the Pennsylvania Railroad & NY Central merged, but then went bankrupt in 1970. Their large area of combined yards was sold off to the state of New York & by the ‘80s a portion north of 34th St became the #JavitsCenter.
December 17, 2025 at 2:51 PM
Under pressure from the further decline of US rail transport, the Pennsylvania Railroad & NY Central merged, but then went bankrupt in 1970. Their large area of combined yards was sold off to the state of New York & by the ‘80s a portion north of 34th St became the #JavitsCenter.
In 1964, US Steel got the air rights to the yards & briefly considered creating a factory & housing complex to show off the role of steel in residential construction. But the project was abandoned, & their big PR move for the year was building the #Unisphere for the World's Fair.
December 16, 2025 at 3:03 PM
In 1964, US Steel got the air rights to the yards & briefly considered creating a factory & housing complex to show off the role of steel in residential construction. But the project was abandoned, & their big PR move for the year was building the #Unisphere for the World's Fair.
In the post-war era, the rise of containerized shipping, with larger ships needing deeper water, moved business away from the #Manhattan waterfront. Highways favoring car travel & truck transport cut deeply into passenger & freight train use. The neighborhood began to decline.
December 15, 2025 at 2:44 PM
In the post-war era, the rise of containerized shipping, with larger ships needing deeper water, moved business away from the #Manhattan waterfront. Highways favoring car travel & truck transport cut deeply into passenger & freight train use. The neighborhood began to decline.
As early as 1956, developer William Zeckendorf proposed a vast complex over the yards with offices, TV studios, a merchandise mart & a “permanent world's fair” all linked to #PennStation via pedestrian conveyor. It never came to fruition, but he held on to the site’s air rights.
December 14, 2025 at 3:46 PM
As early as 1956, developer William Zeckendorf proposed a vast complex over the yards with offices, TV studios, a merchandise mart & a “permanent world's fair” all linked to #PennStation via pedestrian conveyor. It never came to fruition, but he held on to the site’s air rights.
Rising from the railyards to run downtown along the waterfront, the NY Central Railroad built the #HighLine in the 1930s as part of a Robert Moses plan to serve freight trains previously running at street level. Elevating this traffic made the streets safer & less congested.
December 13, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Rising from the railyards to run downtown along the waterfront, the NY Central Railroad built the #HighLine in the 1930s as part of a Robert Moses plan to serve freight trains previously running at street level. Elevating this traffic made the streets safer & less congested.