Veselka, NYC: Hands down best borscht in New York City.

Waiting is one of the hardest things a person can do.  

I’ve been on the hook for a possible big deal, life-changing job opportunity for literally months.  The powers that be assure me that my name is on the “list” as a could-be-candidate.  For the first month or so, this was quite fun, actually.  What’s not to like about a life-changing money deal?  But now five months down the pike, as each day clicks by, I feel myself growing increasingly weary.  

By this afternoon, I was so bogged down by it all; I took myself down to the lower east side for a spur of the moment comfort food eating tour.  It may sound strange, but my “go-to” comfort food is borscht.  And the hands down best borscht in New York City is at Veselka.  Operating for the last 61 years and located at 144 2nd Avenue, this Ukrainian foodie hot spot makes 5,000 gallons of borscht a year.  (So, I’m not the only one guzzling this stuff down!)

The chatter of happy eaters greeted me as I slid into my seat.  A waiter walked by with an armload of meatless stuffed cabbage, potato pancakes and a small plate of pierogi.   What’s not to like about latkes?  I ordered and then compulsively looked at my phone; still no message.   And still the same holding pattern I was in ten minutes ago.  My soup came and with a heavy heart, I lifted my spoon and took a chunky bite of lovely.  

Did I mention that the broth is made from a combo of beef and pork?  The flavors of the carrots, celery, potatoes and lima beans hit my T-buds, bringing me into the moment and the wonder, the absolute miracle of this recipe.   Three slurps in, I was on my way to feeling whole again.  I flagged down the waiter and ordered a plate of kielbasa.

Here’s the thing, I may or may not get that upward mobile big deal dealio.  And I can’t really put “I waited well” on my resume.  But I can be kind to myself by having one of the best tastes I’ve ever tasted while I wait.  

Waiting is hard.  Tasting is easy.  And Veselka’s borscht is first-rate great!

Love freely, eat slowly and ride a horse now and then,
The Down Home Taster