"Co-founded by Lagusta Yearwood and Maresa Volante, this quirky jewel-box sweets bodega on East Ninth is run by activism-minded women and specializes in supremely delicious vegan treats. Volante’s tart crusts, I think, are better than many made with butter, and her peanut butter cookie is, to my mind (and my mom’s), the best in NYC; the cinnamon crumb cake is as good as any I’ve had and is great to give to people without saying it’s vegan. Lately I’m into the chocolates — the spicy apple caramel and the maple cream leaves — while the tahini meltaways are my steady go-to." - Charlotte Druckman