This week while running some errands on the UWS I passed SoomSoom, I noticed it was kosher, ‘paused’ walked on and walked back to go inside. I was blown away by the graphics on the outside and was curious to see what other design elements lurked inside. The outside is a blast of white screen printed typographic words & elements, which are clear and fresh. When I notice such thought put into the exterior design, I can only imagine that the interior is well thought out as well.

The front is all glass so you can peer inside for a preview – and I noticed a family photo blown up on the ceiling level, but at a height that allows an outsider to see. It’s the mix of new design vs. old world heritage that initially drew me inside. The waiter told me that it is the owner’s family in the photo. When you first enter you notice the sleek wooden raised tables. There are three in total with wooden stools to sit on. The rectangular tables have a glass top, and the wooden slabs in the wall are bordered by a white deli style tile, which is a nice mix of old & new. Lamps jet out of the walls echoing a urban street look.

The back of soomsoom has a large blackboard which boasts the daily specials and I noticed the neat artistic handwriting. Most of the food preparation is in the back and out of eyesight. (Note: The salad bar looks fresh and healthy!) Yes healthy – you can tell this vegetarian joint boasts awareness of its ingredients and preparation, because a graphic iconic sign takes up a large portion of the wall illustrating and listing everything from basil to mint leaves and includes transliteration into Hebrew. Just by walking in, I learned soomsoom means “sesame”! Israeli music plays in the background and as I took in the visuals I sipped a cup of Moroccan tea happily. I’ll definitely be back and I can’t forget to mention one of the best features is the table that looks out onto the street. Who can beat 72nd street people watching?

Click Here for the SoomSoom listing