A Place Like Know Others
The off-season cafe, Others, located at the Beach 97th Street concession wrapped up last weekend until next year. Others brought us the combined culinary talents of Washed Up Beach Cafe (washedup.nyc) and Brothers (@brothersrockaway) eatery. We were fed otherworldly offerings, the strongest steaming hot coffees, breakfast burritos infused with tater tots, creamy ricotta toast delicately topped with sweet carrots, warm pesto eggs sandwiches, so many sweet treats, Zak Daddy smash burgers, and pop-up specials featuring mouthwater foods from guest chefs.
A beautiful, etched glass memento of the LOG was gifted to Others. Customer Bobby Cannavale came up with the idea to commemorate the beloved driftwood in front of the cafe which now stands as an emblematic reminder of the Rockaway community. Long live LOG!
But that’s half of it. The essence of this communal space revolved around a shared love for food and with that, fostered a remarkable sense of community. It was a place to churn out work on your laptop; a place to catch up with friends over coffee or to ask them important advice; a place to take a random date so you didn’t have to go off the peninsula. Others hosted special evening events – DJs, karaoke night, an art show, a fundraiser, live bands, a photo booth, a holiday party and there were always lots of cute dogs. In this magical beachside cafe, neighbors of all types converged, forming connections beyond breakfast.
Artist Carolin Wood initiated a cool collaging meet-up Saturdays at Others. The design of the thank you card drew inspiration from the artistry from those workshops.
Thank you to the owners and crew: Zak Krieger, Sarah Peltier, Matt Webster, Phil Rodriguez, and Erika Barret for weaving the colorful social tapestry of Others, carrying us through the first leg of Rockaway’s off-season. The Glorified Tomato’s motto is, “More Than Just food.” Others is this idea – community forged through shared meals and shared moments.
The regulars at Others made a card and wrote their words of appreciation. I’d like to share some of those notes with you:
“Thank you for creating a space for our bodies and soles and for our community. Never leave us. In LOG we trust.” – Lauren C
“Others, Brothers, Love, Home – thanks for always being down to house our crazy minds and nourish our bodies.” Love Micca
“Best rec center ever! Thank you for being there for everyone, summer and winter!” – Matt & Emily
“Thank you for providing a safe, loving school cafeteria for Rockaway. I really can’t imagine this place w/ out you! Thanks for letting me play music! Ya’ll the best.” – Tini & Pepita
“I can’t fathom how I will get up in the morning or feed myself without you guys. Looking forward to spending the winter in bed and starving. P.S. You have created something magical, thank you.” – XOXO Nicole
“Hot or not, you are a beacon of light for this community. I will follow you all to the end. Food is the way to our hearts.” – Oliver
Follow me around town on Instagram when winter gets weird – @theglorifiedtomato.
