I smile and shed tears whenever I see the many acts of kindness spreading throughout the world during this coronavirus pandemic. Many people are helping others in any way they can while dealing with the effects of the coronavirus on their own lives. These beautiful acts of kindness only prove that there are good people in the world who honestly cares and will do the best they can to help another human being.
NYC restaurants were mandated to limit their operations to takeout and delivery ONLY on March 17th. And while many restaurants have closed their doors temporarily — the others are finding creative ways to stay afloat and also to help others.
The Health Care workers are at the forefront of the Coronavirus pandemic — they are the ones that are caring for the loved ones of others. They are the only people those hospitalized with the coronavirus can rely on for a kind smile and tender care — since their loved ones cannot be there.
While the Coronavirus crisis continues to grow — these brave souls are tirelessly doing their best at the expense of not being with their loved ones during this difficult time. It’s nice to see their efforts are appreciated. Writing about kindness amid this pandemic is so special. Our Health Care Workers are being recognized by the people that were and still are greatly affected by the Coronavirus — NYC restaurants.
Brooklyn Chop House
Brooklyn Chop House (150 Nassau St.) in FiDi is making food deliveries to their neighboring hospital, New York-Presbyterian, nightly for as long as the restaurant’s doors are open. They’re offering their most popular dishes to the staff that is working tirelessly to ensure NYC citizen’s safety, including nurses, doctors, surgeons, and more for being the true heroes during this pandemic.
Since word of their generosity has spread, almost a dozen other hospitals have reached out to Brooklyn Chop House for help, including Sloan Kettering, NY Presbyterian, Cornell Weill, Elmhurst Hospital, and Lenox Hill. Without hesitation, the owners said they’d make meals for their workers too. They are offering 20% off for all first responders picking up meals at the downtown hotspot.
Bklyn Prime
Les affectionately known as “Ontrack” is the owner of two Brooklyn Restaurants, Bklyn Prime and Palooza Kitchen. He is known as the first person to help anyone in his community who needs a helping hand, and he is doing what he does best. He’s assisting by opening his Bklyn Prime restaurant for pickup and UberEats delivery on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. A portion from the sale of each order is placed aside to provide meals for primarily frontline workers. His kindness also extends to those who are out of work or affected as a result of the coronavirus and need of a hot meal.
What started as an individual effort became a lot more. As others noticed what Les was doing — they started donating via the CAshApp and Zelle. In the last two days Bklyn Prime drooped off 700 meals to Mt Sinai, NY Methodist, Kings county, Downstate, Brookdale, Interfaith, Maimonides hospitals and NYPD EMT Families, etc.. Bklyn Prime hopes to continue their efforts — they are on schedule to provide another 300+ meals to frontline workers today. Anyone can donate via the CAshApp $ontrack or Zelle 3472440887.
Beyond Sushi
The vegan, plant-based, and kosher chain Beyond Sushi in NYC is delivering their first set of hospital meals to 42 health care workers at Elmhurst Hospital in Queens Wednesday, April 1st. A community organized fundraiser made this possible. The restaurant’s owners Guy and Tali Vaknin will now start a fundraiser of their own where for every $200 raised — they’ll send another care package of individual meals to a local hospital. And are kicking things off with a donated delivery of their own at Metropolitan Hospital later this week.
Casa Ora
Casa Ora opened their doors in October of 2019. Serving refined farm to table plates in the heart of Prospect Heights. Spanish comfort food (Venezuelan cuisine) at its best. Casa Ora has committed to donating meals to hospitals across NYC.
You can donate today via their Go Fund Me to give as many meals as possible. Casa Ora is committed to doing all hey can to help NYC’s healthcare professionals during this time. To donate visit Gofundme.com.
Loulou
Opened their doors on March 5th. The newly opened French bistro in Chelsea, began delivery to ICU doctors and nurses last weekend. And plans to continue their efforts during the coming weeks. When the world changed, co-owner Loulou Mathias Van Leyden had to decide whether or not to close his less than a month old restaurant. He and his partners ultimately chose to fight and began delivery and takeout.
He went a step further by delivering meals to New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University ICU staff members on Sunday, March 22nd. Because of a fundraiser set up by Seven Rooms, he’s continuing this endeavor. Loulou is asking for help through donations. Where 100% of the proceeds will go to preparing and delivering meals to doctors during this time. The restaurant made additional deliveries to Brooklyn Methodist Hospital and Mount Sinai. To donate visit Gofundme.com.
Please Help + Stay Safe
The worst is yet to come, and the peak of the coronavirus may not be here until the end of April. This means our Health Care Works will be more in demand than ever. They will need our prayers, our support, and our positive words and thoughts.
There are no silver linings as to how long these restaurants and others will remain open. As these restaurants remain committed to helping in every way they can. I am asking you to kindly share this information. And please donate if you have the means to — every bit helps.
I will continue to add to this list.
As always, I’m sending love — be safe.
Cheers
XXOO
Nat
Articles like this one offer practical advice, provide some entertainment, foster a sense of social cohesion. And remind us that life is still beautiful during these strange and isolating times.