Alison Roman’s LES Pop-Up Brings Upstate Charm to the City
Food writer and cookbook author Alison Roman brings a slice of her upstate grocery-café, First Bloom, to Manhattan’s Lower East Side for a month-long pop-up. The event runs through November 30 at Casetta, a welcoming wine bar at 61 Hester Street.
From Bloomville to the Lower East Side
First Bloom originally opened in Bloomville last year in the former Table on Ten space. Known as a small, character-filled “shoppy shop,” it blends a pantry, a country store, and a treasure trove of unexpected delights like fine tins of sardines and specialty provisions.
Pop-Up Details
- Location: Casetta, 61 Hester Street, Lower East Side
- Dates: Open now through November 30
- Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
Visitors can browse a selection of pantry favorites and enjoy a café menu inspired by Roman’s upstate offerings—a cozy experience crafted for city dwellers craving a touch of the countryside.
Roman told Feed Me’s Emily Sundberg she’s “equal parts thrilled, excited and nervous to have a brick-and-mortar location in the city.”
A Taste of Home in the City
The pop-up captures the original shop’s charm while introducing New Yorkers to its warm, rustic style and well-curated pantry items. As Roman describes, it offers a true taste of Bloomville—no Metro-North ticket required.
Author’s summary: A vibrant LES pop-up from Alison Roman brings her celebrated upstate café experience, First Bloom, to city diners through November 30, blending a cozy store vibe with New York flair.