First of all, “GO KNICKS!” with a raucous, “go New York, go New York, GO!” Secondly, while last Wednesday marked the beginning of the Knicks’ championship run, it was also the night I decided to transition my second fur son, Benzo Theodore, after a decline in his health and quality of life. He was my ferociously independent senior cat-dog who didn’t let diabetes, cataracts, or bowel issues slow him down. Benzo and his deceased brother, Angus Bear, were the most profound love I have had as an adult. It was an honor to be their steward and to pour into them every day. I am forever changed because of them.
Benzo and I spent the day together in the park and hanging out on the couch. I gave him a nice warm bath in preparation for his journey, tricked out our wagon, and we set off to meet our support team for some al fresco dining in Harlem, three doors down from our vet at Archer & Goat (187 Lenox Avenue).
This would be my first time trying Archer & Goat since it opened in 2019. Serving a fusion of Latin and South Asian dishes, the menu is inspired by the owners’ multicultural background and pays homage to New York City. The ground-floor railroad-style eatery features a large front window, modern bar, open kitchen, and pergola-covered back patio.
Since dogs are allowed, I stationed myself on the back patio with Benzo resting in the wagon. Soon, Raquel, Kate, Jessica, and Nnenna arrived with big hugs and gentle words. It was just the love I needed to fortify me for what was to come. Beer, wine, and a delicious cocktail called Secret Garden, made with house cucumber vodka, strawberry white balsamic, and mint, were all on point. Cheers to Benzo and to life!
Kysha Harris photos
We ordered an assortment of small and large plates. Our favorites of the evening were crispy Brussels sprouts with cilantro chimichurri and pickled chilis, the grilled cauliflower with shishito peppers and marinated olives, kichuri (Bengali lentil rice porridge) with fried chicken, red cabbage, and cilantro chutney, the fries with red pepper sofrito ketchup, and the carne asada, which made for a perfect last bite for Benzo.
As we finished with all of Archer & Goat’s desserts — tres leches panna cotta with rose water and candied pistachios, key lime tart, and warm date cake — the last of the cavalry arrived, Rae and Aly, two of many great neighborhood friends I made through dog stewardship. Together, they gave me the strength to walk the 50 feet from Archer & Goat to the veterinary office and say farewell to my Benzo Theodore.
Thank you to my tribe and to the Archer & Goat team for the celebration of life and for softening Benzo’s transition. And to all my pet parents, stay in the cut, do the best you can do in the moment, and give yourself grace.
Thanks for reading and happy eating!
Kysha Harris is a chef, culinary producer, and food editor for the NY Amsterdam News. As a consultant and owner of SCHOP!, a personalized food service in NYC for over 23 years, she remains on the hunt for the city’s next great bite. Follow her on Instagram and on Facebook, @SCHOPnyc.
Questions, comments, requests, feedback, invitations! Email us at AmNewsFOOD@SCHOPnyc.com. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, @NYAmNewsFOOD.
