What’s better than having your hair done in a chic, SoHo salon? Having your hair done while eating a gourmet lunch, of course! Lately, I have been seeing more and more cafes open up in salons, and the concept is pretty genius. Ladies who have their hair done are also “Ladies who lunch,” so why not merge the two? Arrojo Studio on Varick Street does just this. Not only is the salon one of the best I’ve been to in NYC, but its cafe is gluten-friendly, adorable, and delicious!…
At first glance, the menu may be overwhelming with its large selection of panini, bruschetta, crostini, and tramezzinis. Have no fear! The cafe also serves several classic Italian salads that are large, delicious, and filling! Unlike other salon cafes that serve pre-packaged, refrigerator meals, the cafe at Arrojo makes every order fresh and right in front of you! I highly recommend the Classico Salad with Italian tuna, arugula, vine tomato, avocado, and goat cheese, as well as the Spinach, Apple, and Pancetta salad. The cafe was out of Pancetta on my visit, so I topped my salad with prosciutto, and it was just as tasty… and pretty! As I mentioned, the salads are large, but with ingredients so fresh and healthy, you’ll feel the best kind of full. Other gluten-free salads I recommend include the Caprese Salad and the Arugula, Asparagus and Parmigianno Salad with balsamic + pine nuts, topped with prosciutto or tuna.
The cafe has seating, but if you’re in a rush (like I usually am), you can bring your salad to your chair and eat while the stylists make you beautiful. Arrojo is one of my favorite salons in NYC, and with my recent discovery of their cafe, I’m certain I’ve found my new go-to salon!! All of the stylists at Arrojo have wonderful reputations, but I have to say, Olga is a stand-out!