🥯 Lox Bagel Board, Vegan Mexican, & Swedish Sour Candy

See also: a salad that's basically a sandwich.

I’m finally shifting to more homemade meals, but I did cave and order the pizza above — which arrived exactly as you see it. Did the delivery person throw it at a wall? We have lots of great stuff this week, so let’s dive right in.

Lox bagel board / Russ & Daughters Cafe, Lower East Side

I only order lox when I know it’ll be the best quality. They were slicing it fresh behind me at this new spin-off of an NYC institution. The schmear, caper, lox combo was exactly what you’d expect in the best way. And 10/10 on the vibes. It emulates the original Russ & Daughters while also making you feel comfortable in a diner setting. -NB

Jackfruit Carnitas Tacos / Jajaja, West Village

This is a vegan Mexican spot, and I enjoyed everything we had. I especially liked the faux carnitas jackfruit tacos and the corn and mushroom empanadas. The rest of the menu sounded unique, and I’d try it again. -NB

🐟 Pan seared Skate wing / Artisan, Southport, CT

Took advantage of the day off and went to Southport, CT, for lunch at this quaint hotel. The food was delicious, and the prime people watching — think Connecticut chic. The skatewing was pan-seared with a nice sauce and capers. It was my first time trying to skate, and I really enjoyed the preparation. -Jocelyn N.

🌴 Huachinango frito (crispy red snapper) / Cantina La Veinte, Miami, FL

You might not think to order a whole fish at a Mexican restaurant. This time, do it; it was the star of the show. It had the right amount of crispness on the outside and great flavor. -Haley Y.

Grinder bean salad

I said it before, and I’ll say it again: the best salad is a sandwich. In my attempt to eat more beans and less meat (salami doesn’t count), I prepped this “grinder bean salad” from Violet Cooks. Don’t skimp on the bell peppers and fresh parsley; it really takes it up a notch. I planned to eat this all week, yet finished it after two lunches. -NB

Candy (a day) before it was cool by Nicole B.

I purchased bags of the Bonbon sour Swedish fish for my coworkers at a local store in Jersey City because I never had a chance to make it to the Lower East Side location before the holidays. After breakfast at Russ & Daughters — and before our tour at the Tenement Museum last weekend — I was finally right next to the store and couldn’t wait to go to town. It was completely empty and glorious. I particularly loved all of the sour skulls and the fizzy foamy skulls (not because I’m emo, they were just my favorite) and squishy octopi. These flat ovals were Warheads-level sour but really hard. Once I got to my couch and tried everything in my pink bag, I got inundated with TikToks about Swedish candy and realized it was blowing up. So, I wish you luck if you try to visit any of the Bonbon NYC locations now.

SHRUBS

This apple, plum, and spiced Shrub from Russ & Daughters reminded me how much I love them. It’s a vinegar-based, fruity, alcohol-free beverage perfect for Dry January. It could also be used in cocktails. I’ve attempted to make my own concoction, but it’s sitting in the fridge. I’ll report back next week.

✨ This homemade mushroom shawarma pita situation