Haven’s Kitchen, New York

I met my friend Lela when she was working for a public relations company here in New York City. When she told me she was starting a new job at an event space that would also host recreational cooking classes, I was intrigued. Many months later, Haven’s Kitchen is finally open, and after a recent visit, I can say that it's even more exciting than I'd imagined it might be.

Haven's Kitchen is located in a former carriage house on West 17th Street. The space has been completely gutted to create a coffee shop/store at the front street level, a large learning kitchen at the back of the ground floor and events spaces and a smaller kitchen on the second floor. (There are also plans for a rooftop garden and beehives, for later this year!)  While most of us will never be able to afford to rent Haven's Kitchen for a private event, the café and store are open most days and there are frequent cooking classes planned.

The space itself is absolutely gorgeous, and the selection of tabletop and food items for sale in the shop is extremely well-curated. I would have taken every single kitchen and table accessories home with me, if money and space were not an issue.

I didn't sample the snacks, but the La Colombe coffee from the café was perfectly brewed and the pastries looked incredible. Stop by if you find yourself in the neighborhood: It's  a delightful place to spend a few moments browsing or to stop and savor a coffee.

Photos: The New York Times/Robert Caplin and Haven's Kitchen