soft corner

There’s a restaurant in Riverdale I return to again and again. It’s tucked into a quiet corner of the Bronx, where the streets get greener and the buildings start to breathe a little. Tobala is understated in all the right ways. Earth-toned walls, curved banquettes, a vase of branches that leans just so — the kind of design that feels lived in and intentional, never forced.

This is where I celebrated my birthday this year. And it’s where I often land with girlfriends after long days, when we just want good food, a great mezcal margarita, and a place where we can be ourselves. The staff is warm, the playlist is subtle, and the pace is slow in a way that feels generous.

There’s a particular table in the corner — under that arch and that pendant light — that always feels like it was waiting for us.

Tobala reminds me that beauty doesn’t have to shout. Sometimes it just welcomes you in quietly, pours a drink, and lets you exhale.