"Lauren Tran launched Bánh by Lauren, her Vietnamese American bakery pop-up series, when she was furloughed from Gramercy Tavern during the COVID lockdowns. Known for items like her pandan coconut chiffon cake, Tran’s events have consistently sold-out, with delivery boxes initially prepared at her home, and later, at restaurants like Nudibranch. Now, Tran, and her husband, Garland Wong, have signed onto a permanent bakery space at 42 Market Street, at Madison Street, in Chinatown. It’s targeting a spring 2024 opening. The duo is currently raising funds to open through Kickstarter. When it opens, it will join bakeries like Bạn Bè, showcasing remixed Vietnamese flavors." - Emma Orlow