This next image comes from a very dear friend of mine who I've collaborated with extensively and who I consider a brother at arms. Ben Hon is truly one of the premier photographers in NYC and the world at large when it comes to all things pertaining to food culture. Ben is absolutely an artist with an appetite for arresting visuals (pun intended) that make everyone's mouth water. When I asked him to submit a photo for this section, this is what he sent me…

Artistic Statement

It's a simple picture of what I love to eat.....dumplings.

This photo was taken around 2017 at the old Shu Jiao Fu Zhou location in the Lower East Side. I've photographed food all over the world, but some of my favorite food memories still happen in places like this. A paper plate of boiled dumplings, a bottle of Sriracha that's been sitting on the counter all day, and a tiny shop filled with regulars who know exactly what they're ordering before they walk through the door. To me, this photo captures a side of New York that I hope never changes. It's unpretentious, affordable, deeply rooted in the neighborhood, and a reminder that some of the city's most memorable meals can still be found for just a few dollars.

For more incredible photos related to food and culture, please follow Ben Hon HERE.

If you have any amazing photos you’ve taken or that you’ve come across, that you think are simply incredible representations of community and culture in NYC, please send them my way [email protected] (when sending, please include photo credit as well as the location in NYC where this was taken and when as well as a brief description no more than a paragraph long of what’s happening in the photo and why it inspires you.)

New York Pizza Crawl

There is no food more synonymous with New York City than pizza.

Everyone has their favorites, from their go to “neighborhood slice” to the classic tried and true workhorse pizzerias, and the next top contender for our hearts and stomachs usually led by some hot shot chef from some star spangled pedigree.

New York City Pizza Crawl (NYPC) asks a different question: what if pizza wasn't just the destination, but the excuse to meet new people?

Founded by Andrew Young, NYPC is built around the idea that great conversations are even better when shared over some crust, sauce and any variety of toppings.

Each month, the group explores a different neighborhood, stopping at usually around four standout pizzerias along the way.

A traditional food tour this is not though. There are no lectures or deep dives into pizza history, but rather something quintessentially communal: bringing strangers together over a shared experience.

Walk, eat, talk, repeat.

As the group moves from one slice shop to the next, conversations naturally unfold, introductions become friendships, and the city itself becomes part of the experience. Pizza simply provides the tasty common ground. In many ways, it's less about finding the "best slice" and more about discovering the people you're sharing it with.

That emphasis on connection is intentional and it utilizes one of the city's most universal languages: pizza.

By gathering regularly and exploring neighborhoods together, the crawl offers an easy, low-pressure way for newcomers and longtime New Yorkers alike to expand their social circles while supporting local pizzerias.

In a city where making new friends can sometimes feel harder than finding a good slice, NYPC offers a reminder that community often starts with something deliciously basic.

Just be sure to fold your slice before eating…

…because NYPC is community of humans, not animals 😉.

Fabrik is a home for communities and where everyone has a place to belong. With spaces designed to feel more like your living room than your office, Fabrik’s 'third spaces' are vibrant hubs where you can come together in real life, explore interests, forge meaningful connections, and enjoy a sense of community.

Sign-up here to experience a free trial at Fabrik.

Weekly events at Fabrik HERE

Thank you for taking the time to read to the end!

I hope you found something inspiring and meaningful in my content and until next time, explore the possibilities of NYC.

-Sugary

🍰🍭🍩🍦🍫🍪🍨🧁

PS. Don’t be shy and hit reply and tell me how you’re doing!