Saiguette New York
Vietnamese counter/takeout
Where Columbus Avenue crosses 106th Street, there is made a broad intersection of corner residential walkups above storefronts reminiscent of urban Los Angeles with plenty of blue sky, when it's clear.
On the southwest corner lives the large, clean, and well-organized Duke Ellington Gourmet Deli, on the southeast corner Saiguette and a few doors uptown the Mexican restaurant/bar/bakery Calaveras whose upstairs bar is a lovely sitting space in which to appreciate fair weather, because it catches the afternoon sun.
When I bicycle to this crossroads I flip a coin to decide in which restaurant to eat if I am unable to remember in which I ate last.
I first went back for Saiguette's soups because of their light but rich flavor and power to rejuvenate. For example, the vegetable soup contains fresh mushrooms, tomatoes, pineapple, broccoli, and celery to put out flu fires while the phos have all the flavor skilled preparation and rendition can provide, especially when the broth is done right, as it is here.
The pork shoulder sandwich with grated carrot and chopped cucumber has obvious links to the Hispanic neighborhood as the sliced pork mass has flavorfully charred edges and the roll containing it comes from a local bakery.
There is a CitiBike station one block away, at 107th Street. Nearby on 110th Street is the Michelin Bib Gourmand Miss Mamie's Spoonbread. I was disappointed when I ate there last.
About this spot
Find your way with 304 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in New York
The Pythian Temple
R&R Shrine
"The Pythian Temple" in NYC was designed in 1927 for the movie 'The Knights of Pythias'; today, it's remarkable for much more than its beauty...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
A Gathering, 2001 - Muñoz & Martin
Subway art 13
"A Gathering, 2001" by Muñoz & Martin in the Canal Street train station in NYC 'enlivens the space & provides respite from the busy commercialism above'...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Rucker Park
NBA caliber street basketball
"Rucker Park" in New York City is where big men and children come to play basketball, strut, defy, dominate make a name for themselves. You have to see it.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Subway Portraits, Chuck Close
Subway art 1
I took the Q train in New York and reached the 86th Street station, where twelve Chuck Close mosaic mesmerizing portraits adorn the walls...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Music Inn
Instruments, custom & stock
"Music Inn" in New York City is run by musician, instrument designer & inventor Jeff Slatnick. There are musical instruments just everywhere in the shop...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Di Fara, Brooklyn
Pizza 1
"Di Fara" in New York is the best pizza pilgrimage one can go on. This local favorite makes a time-capsulized pizza restaurant. Its crust sets it apart...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Whirls and Twirls (MTA), Sol LeWitt
Subway art 3
The Subway Art in Columbus Circle New York City by Sol LeWitt is one of the pieces that make me feel I need to stop to take it all in...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
The Revelers, Jane Dickson
Subway art 6
"The Revelers by Jane Dickson" in New York's Times Square Subway Station is mostly located in the transfer corridors between the BMT and IRT Flushing line
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
The Return of Spring, Jack Beal
Subway art 7
"The Return of Spring - Jack Beal" in New York is a mosaic mural in the Times Square station in the IRT West Side Lin mezzanine. Is it really Wayne Gretzky?
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
New York in Transit, Jacob Lawrence
Subway art 8
"New York in Transit - Jacob Lawrence", I've been passing this piece a lot lately. Nearby is a spot where musicians hang out, so it's nice to pause here...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Sal & Carmine's, Upper West Side
Pizza 2
"Sal & Carmine's" makes real New York pizza. It's a small place, the pizza boxes are stacked 15 high, the lineup look like locals - all good signs.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Temple of Dendur
The Met Museum 3
The Roman/Egyptian "Temple of Dendur" in the Met Museum in New York is from 15BC. But what's more interesting to me is how it came to be hosted here...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Heading to New York?
304 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to New York?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 304 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite New York
Our team loves New York
Get to know our other Spotters from New York
As featured on:
