N.Y. Dosas
After a four-month hiatus, perhaps spent burnishing the Vendy Award he won last fall, Sri Lankan chef Thiru Kumar Kandasamy returns on May 15 to the southern edge of Washington Square Park, where his vegan dosas have been sorely missed. The lacy crêpes made from a batter of lentil and rice flours are a favorite of South Asian expats, NYU students, and budget gourmets alike.
Washington Sq. S. at Sullivan St.
The Arepa Lady
After wintering in Colombia, Maria Piedad Cano has reclaimed her territory on Roosevelt Avenue near 78th Street in Jackson Heights, dispensing lovingly griddled corn and cheese arepas. You will find her late Friday and Saturday nights, weather permitting.
For bilingual updates, check blog.myspace.com/arepalady.
Picnick
The eco-minded kiosk operated by dessert daredevil Will Goldfarb and his chef-partner Kevin Pomplun is back, with locally sourced ingredients and homemade ice cream.
Battery Park, east of Castle Clinton.
SheepMeadow Cafe
This seasonal snack bar abutting the northern edge of Central Park’s lush Sheep Meadow is currently open Tuesday through Sunday for salads and sandwiches, but alfresco dinner service commences Memorial Day, with the staff stoking a charcoal-fired barbecue at the 100-seat café out back.
Enter on Central Park W. at 69th St.; 212-396-4100.
Shake Shack
As the days grow longer, so do the Shack’s hours (and its lines). Cravings for Second City Bird-Wursts and Hopscotch concretes can now be sated anytime between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. Plan your visits accordingly—rainy day off-hours remain your best bet.
Madison Square Park, southeast corner; 212-889-6600.