Once upon a time, there was an old-fashioned lunchroom at 174 Fifth Avenue, New York City, 10010 (between 22nd/23rd Street), where New Yorkers would come together for lunch, coffee, and conversations. As I entered S&P last Friday, it reminded me of the classic black & white movie, The Shop Around the Corner, made in 1940, where the leather goods shop was a flourishing business, and the employees were like a family, inviting customers into the comfort of their hamlet. S&P was founded in 1928 and still resides in the Flatiron District, where tourists and locals mingle in the neighborhood near Madison Square Park.  

I sat at the counter and ordered coffee and a ham & cheese omelette. At the same time, I had a delightful conversation with the server, and hostess, all the while staring at the homemade carrot cake displayed on the counter. After my delicious breakfast, I said my warm goodbyes, but not before ordering my dessert to go.

Catch S&P on Instagram.