Chalk Point Concentration

The SoHo District of Manhattan boasts high-end boutiques as well as an abundance of chic eateries and in recent years has become home to a number of art galleries and studios. Hidden away on the corner of Broome and Thompson Street is a market-to-table gem, a restaurant whose heart is at the cross-section of fashion, art and food.

Chalk Point Kitchen, located at 527 Broome St. is not your typical trendy restaurant, it's mindfully trendy—if you will. Spearheaded by restauranteur Matt Levine and Michelin Star executive chef Joe Isidori, CPK opened its doors in April 2014 as one of the few market-to-table restaurants in New York City having not some, but ALL of its ingredients locally sourced in New York state. Since opening the local SoHo eatery has been featured in multiple publications including; Vogue, Interview and Vanity Fair putting this low-key spot on the art and fashion map almost instantly. Not only is Chalk Point a restaurant, but the basement of the space is a hidden away speakeasy piano bar with mixologists that will knock your socks off and the decor is reminiscent of stepping right into the Prohibition Era, except with modern fashion photography gracing the staircase and walls.

Knowing all too well that this spot is a favorite among New Yorkers, dinner and brunch are always hustling and bustling with an energy that is palpable. So I opted to pay them a visit during a weekday lunch, already knowing that I adore the atmosphere of the space. The entrance of this downtown staple speaks for itself being adorned with hundred of polaroid photos of its patrons, in just a short three years Chalk Point Kitchen has cultivated a culture and history all its own. The space itself is quaint, being barely 70 seats it provides a more personal environment complimented by an open air kitchen right behind the bar. With light pouring through the room, I was seated at an adorable white-washed corner table in a booth accessorized with Keith Haring art plates and red gingham napkins. With a menu that changes almost every month, its commendable to see a restaurant so keen on innovation and change—which also expands into their involvement by being part of and hosting events that work towards great causes including hosting a food pantry and raising money to build homeless shelters.  So much yes, just all around, cheers to CPK.

Coming in pen and paper in hand on a Monday around noon was a marvelous idea, the restaurant had just ended their lunch rush and things were winding down into a comfortable buzz of 80's light rock and quiet conversation. The wait staff was absolutely wonderful, my server Cesar was a superstar in more ways that one. Not only was he superbly  knowledgable about the menu, he is also an aspiring Broadway dancer with such a wonderfully inspirational energy. The summer lunch menu boasted a number of both vegan and vegetarian options, don't worry you can add chicken, shrimp, salmon or steak to just about everything outside the Acai Bowl—unless that's what you're into. I ended up going for the Heart Healthy Avocado Toast (because avocado, obviously) and the Vitamin Powerhouse Chicken Bowl, both of which were well balanced, very fresh and simply delicious. It is obvious how much heart is put into every aspect of the restaurants atmosphere, its homey and comfortable with a heaping handful of happy.

Grab a book and go hangout at Chalk Point Kitchen and then you'll understand what you've been missing!

P. S.