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Preparing vegan delights is not the only
way Ganev keeps his customers feeling good
while they hang out and once they leave.
The contrast between No. 5’s vintage decor
and innovative meals works well. The entire
restaurant is filled with antiques and items
that you might find in a thrift store, such as old
bicycles, vintage record players, instruments,
classic board games and typewriters. These
props are surrounded by funky and colorful
wallpaper, making the space feel cozy. Not to
mention the luscious plants situated around
the various tables with geometric candle
holders and bright flowers.
On a nice day, No. 5 customers enjoy their
meals, desserts and drinks (vegan wine now
available) on No. 5’s huge patio. The bright
area is equipped with comfy chairs and
loveseats that sit underneath a vibrant mosaic
roof — the perfect spot to share a triple berry
cheesecake with a loved one or lounge with
your neighbors as you get to know them.
“I love meeting different people, and
exchanging life experiences. Listening to
someone’s life story is interesting, and hearing
how they change their diets and how they
change their life. Hearing what brought them
to Astoria or New York City. You can’t really get
this diversity anywhere else. We all came here
for a different reason,” Ganev said.
Whether or not you practice veganism or
not, it is clear that No. 5 has an inviting dish
for everyone. No one will feel like they can’t
eat anything on the menu or feel pressured
to only eat plant-based foods. Take it from
someone who has eaten a lot of lousy salads
and fries at dinner with friends due to lack of
vegan options: No. 5 is an exceptional place
for anyone who loves food.
Photos by Allison Kridle
/BOROMAG.COM
