Milk Bar Renames Its ‘Crack Pie’ Following Mounting Criticism

Milk Bar renamed its signature ‘Crack Pie’

New York dessert shop Milk Bar has renamed its signature “crack pie” after facing criticism for naming the pie after an addictive drug that’s heavily affected minority groups. The dessert is now called “Milk Bar pie.” Owner Christina Tosi says that the changes won’t happen all at once, but that managers will be in touch with their employees about the next steps. “Our mission, after all, is to spread joy and inspire celebration,” she says in a statement. “The name Crack Pie falls short of this mission.”

New York City street food vendors are struggling to stay afloat

There are about 20,000 street food vendors in NYC, yet the number of vendor permits has remained capped at roughly 4,000 since 1983, Munchies reports. That means vendors are instead forced to pay high fees — up to $25,000 — for black-market permits. They’re pushing for relief, and there’s legislation in the works that would create a street food vendor advisory board and double the number of legal permits on the street. But opponents say street vendors pose a threat to New York’s small businesses, many of which would suffer against a competing food truck that can sell food for half the price, since rent isn’t an issue. Restaurant lobbying groups like the New York City Hospitality Alliance are asking to amend the legislation to include a minimum distance between vendors and restaurants’ sidewalk seating and minimum clearances between carts and front doors.

East Village cafe evolves into a bar at night

East Village cafe hangout Abraço has added a cocktail bar, now serving an aperitivo-like combo of vermouths and small plates. Co-owner Jamie McCormick is behind the new drinks menu, which offers a coffee cocktail, carbonated Provençal rosé, and a negroni with Contratto red bitters. Meanwhile, the vegetarian tapas menu comes from his partner Elizabeth Quijada. The coffee/bar at 81 E. Seventh St. is cash only.

Two dinners to celebrate the launch of Indian-ish

Food writer Priya Krishna is celebrating the launch of her Indian-ish cookbook — which landed a spot on Eater’s best cookbooks of spring 2019 — with two dinners: She’ll be at Bombay Bread Bar in Soho on Monday, April 22 and at Narcissa at the Standard East Village on Tuesday, April 23. Krishna brings along her mom, who will be in the kitchen making dishes inspired by the cookbook alongside each chef.

A coming attraction and a closing

West Village Japanese restaurant Domodomo is expanding to Harborside in Jersey City, within a new apartment tower called Urby. The new restaurant will be called Domodomo Kitchen and is slated to open this summer. Over in the East Village, Jebon Sushi & Noodle has closed at 15 St. Mark’s Place, between Second and Third avenues.