From the Nominator

Since 1961, the Hungarian Pastry Shop, located three blocks from Columbia’s main campus, has been a favorite hangout for students and faculty alike. When COVID struck New York, the shop was imperiled. But the customers responded, forming lines around the corner to get their pastries and coffee to go. We knew the shop was planning to celebrate 60 years in business in 2021. With its future in doubt, we wanted to seize on the opportunity to speak with the shop’s owner and customers to get a sense of what “The Hungarian” means to the community.

From the Judges

Excellent writing. Paints a beautiful picture of the cafe, and the piece clearly demonstrates a great deal of research by the writer. This is the kind of nostalgic story that might often get overlooked. It's well written with interesting quotes and a great deal of details.