Ma
nhattan’s East Village has long existed as a residence for actors, jazz musicians, playwrights, and poets including Allen Ginsberg. Beyond the neighborhood’s Renaissance experience is the other side of the spectrum—cuisine and wine. Now, Alphabet City’s most recent innovation is, Aida, offering modern pantry staples and entertaining essentials. Launched by Nora O’Malley and Phoebe Connell, this women-owned business arose as an idea out of their wine bar, Lois, located on Avenue C, also known as Loisaida Avenue. Hence the name, both Lois and Aida intertwine the philosophy of delicious eating and easy entertaining.
These essentials are best served when friends unexpectedly stop by, to spice up your popcorn routine or an addition to your favorite lunch salad. Among the variety of pantry staples include Currant Turmeric Crisps, a rendition of shortbread cookies, Lemon Candied Pepitas, salty pepitas with a healthy dose of sweet citrus and peppery kick, Szechuan Candied Pecans, punchy pecans with a bit of spice, Sourdough crackers, and Rye crackers.
Ai
da brings a fresh aspect of individuality to the food market that starts with the packaging, designed by Studio XXXI. The modern-inspired packaging is a sure eye-catcher that coincides with the brand’s driving force—to inspire home cooks and hosts to create unique and delightful food experiences, while keeping it simple.
Likewise, these products are ideal for busy professionals and those
who seem to never have time. The brand’s website includes a variety of recipes that are, keyword, simple, and designed as the perfect parallel to Aida’s products. As a snapshot, the Rye Cracker Crumble is easily prepared by preheating your oven to 350 degrees, blending the crackers in a food processor or blender until pulverized, spreading the crumbs in a thin layer on a sheet, drizzling with olive oil, and baking for 15 minutes.
Visit Aida for product orders, recipes, and entertaining ideas.
Rachel Montel is a writer, scholar and outdoor enthusiast.
