"To everyone who saw Ema's lines at the Urban Harvest farmers market and wondered, “Are those pastries really that good?” Yeah, the pastries—especially the airy and sweet blue masa concha—really are that good. And so is the brunch at Ema's cafe in The Heights. Think vegan mushroom tetelas dotted with crema, salsa-smothered chilaquiles with a fried egg, and a massive pambazo stuffed with savory, chile-rubbed pork on a housemade bolillo loaf. Make sure to get to Ema as soon as it opens, especially on weekends because there is always a long line." - gianni greene, chelsea thomas