The New York City institution Russ & Daughters, has opened up a sister cafe in the Lower East Side called Russ & Daughters Cafe. I stopped by recently and loved everything about it. Well, except the bagels. I've never loved the bagels at Russ & Daughters, they aren't made fresh in house, they are delivered from Park Slope. One day I wish Russ and Daughters and its Cafe will make their own bagels, cause that would be amazing. That being said, everything else about this Cafe is absolutely wonderful.

The Hot Smoke/Cold Smoke ($13), kippered (baked) salmon and Scottish smoked salmon spread, with waffle-cut potato chips is delectable. A perfect little nosh.

The Shtetl ($18), smoked sable, goat cream cheese, a bagel or bialy, tomato, onion, and capers is delightful. I should have chosen a bialy, instead of that weak bagel, nonetheless, I was delighted with this board of perfection (sans bagel).

Do not skip the Halvah Ice Cream ($8), with halvah, sesame, and salted caramel. It is sensational and beyond magical.

I'm excited for Russ & Daughters Cafe. A NYC institution's sister done right. A magical nosh awaits.

Russ & Daughters Cafe

127 Orchard St.

New York, NY 10002

212-475-4881

www.russanddaughterscafe.com