Here is the corner of 13th and 5th, looking at the NE corner which now, of course, is The New School. This photo dates to the 1930s. Interesting how many changes have come to this corner over time.
From Gothamist.com:
Fragrant bricks of dark, heavily seeded rye. Marshmallow puffs studded with peanuts, a swirl of caramel hidden inside. Smorrebrod piled with bright, blackcurrant herring, or roasted chicken salad. Gooey cinnamon and chocolate “socials.” Hot rolls stuffed with ham and messy with eggs. Intensely chocolatey Truffle Logs. Ole and Steen, aka Lagkagehuset, a Danish bread and pastry shop which opened on Thursday in Union Square, wants to be your new everything bakery, a place to sit and enjoy a full meal, or grab a coffee and a treat (or a box of treats), or a loaf or three of bread. Given how exceptional everything I’ve eaten here over the past couple of days has been, it has a very good shot at doing just that.
Founded in 1991, in Copenhagen, by Ole Kristofferson and Steen Skallebaek, there are more than 90 of these in Denmark and the UK, but the Union Square flagship is the bakery’s first outpost in this country. It will not surprise you that, like its international-chain baked goods predecessors here (Breads, Le Pain Quotidian, Maison Kaiser), the company is planning on opening more shops in NYC, and already have two spaces leased and under construction in Midtown. But until then expect legions of homesick Danes, Brits, and anyone who appreciates first-rate sweets and carbs to descend upon this spot.
Most of the baking is done right here at the Union Square location—they prep the long-fermented dough at a commissary kitchen in Long Island City—but there’s still plenty of room left for seating for about 70, available at both the street level and in a large dining room/hang out spot downstairs. The real action, of course, is up front, with breads and pastries stacked high in the window looking out onto Broadway and at the long counter just inside the door. Even during the general mayhem of opening day, the young staff was speedy, efficient, and eager to answer the many questions thrown at them by Lagkagehuset newcomers.
The menu is long and appealing, but a few highlights from a couple of preview events these past few days include an insanely rich and delicious Peanut Pie, which is basically a chocolate covered brownie stuffed with peanuts and caramel; the dense and chewy loaves of Rugbrød, or Danish rye bread; the Chistianshavner, a fluffy fruit tart, available in small or large sizes, and featuring one of the best crusts—hazelnut with “cookie crumble”—you’ll ever eat; and the Marzipan Slice, which is actually more like a log, and will satisfy that very specific almond-cake craving like few other pastries in town.
In addition to the breakfast dishes (Skyr Yoghurt Pots, bowls of Porridge) and an array of sandwiches and salads, there’s also hot food such as Chicken Meatball Stew, Brandt Beef Soup, and Herb Roasted Salmon. Coffee, juices, beer, and wine provide liquid refreshment.
Ole and Steen: Lagkagehuset is located at 873 Broadway between 18th and 19th Streets and is open weekdays from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and on weekends from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. (929-209-1020; oleandsteen.us)
With rooms starting at $529 (rack rate), you probably can’t afford to stay at the new Hyatt Union Square when it opens, but perhaps you can check out one of its restaurants or bars:
THE FOURTH: The Fourth, an all-day American Brasserie serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch provides straightforward high-quality items with surprising accents. A chic European style espresso bar, located at its entrance, will offer a comfortable casual place to enjoy our signature coffee – Café Quatrième – pastries and nibbles. Soaring ceilings and wide open-air French doors allow streams of light to fill the room.
SINGL LOUNGE: A full service bar and lounge featuring an extensive single malt scotch selection and single vineyard wine by the glass selection. An exciting place to gather during the day and evening.
KITCHEN AND WINE GALLERY: A vibrant venue for your next gathering. This versatile space features an open kitchen and hearth connecting you and your guests to our team of chefs. This venue features a New York approach to South American Dining combining progressive Latin sounds with warm succulent scents. Glowing wine displays and decanting stations will enhance the beverage aspect of your experience. Cutting edge art throughout the space reflects the art scene of Greenwich Village and Union Square.
The northeast corner of Union Square has now been swept clean of its last small independent businesses as Tammany Hall preps for its big upgrade. One less deli, one less smoke shop. And so it goes.
If there was any doubt about the national momentum on legalized marijuana use in America, consider this. There will be a medicinal marijuana dispensary off Union Square come January 2016. The dispensary on 14th Street between Second and Third Avenues will be run by Columbia Care, a New York City-based company that was awarded one of the state’s five licenses to open a medicinal marijuana shop. The selections were made in July, and companies are moving forward on grand openings.
Note that September 24 is the date this year for the annual Harvest in the Square celebration. Tickets are $115. Go here for details.