I’m long overdue for another blog post in celebration of the 6 month mark of living in New York. It’s hard not to fall in love with Manhattan, and like so many before me, I fell madly. After a long and freezing winter, spring has finally arrived and manhattan has more energy than ever. To celebrate, I took a week off from my typical schedule to enjoy the city. This, for me, just meant eating out all over town. All photos taken via my iPhone.
With restaurant rows all over the boroughs, NYC is seriously dangerous on the waistline. The upside is that there’s plenty of choice no matter what you’re in the mood for. A typical New York experience probably has to being with the New York bagel. For a quick breakfast on the go, I like to grab something at Absolute Bagels. The secret is in their addictive cream cheese. If you'd rather take your time, my regular spot for brunch is The Cecil in Harlem, offering an exotic mixture of Asian- and African-inspired cuisine, and Rosemary’s down in the village whose menu is inspired by the owner’s Italian roots.
After brunch, I am usually desperate for little caffeine pick-me-up and your average New Yorker has no shortage of great cafes to pick from. Local favorites like La Colombe and Joe Coffee has a few locations all over the island. For something away from main street, I like to stop by Cafe Grumpy and Birch Coffee. And just when I think I need to curb my coffee intake, there comes a great line-up of tea merchants. For a modern high-tea experience, go to Bosie Tea Parlor in West Village.
Right about this time, after finishing my espresso over conversations with friends, it’s about time for Happy Hour. Choose your watering hole in Manhattan based on your drink of choice. Whisky lovers should head to On the Rocks in Hell’s Kitchen. Of course, there’s also plenty of rooftop bars, all claiming great views but I personally like the Refinery Rooftop bar which offers a view of the Empire State building.
Drinks usually roll into dinner. For the main event, there’s an endless train of options all over town, from Hell’s Kitchen to the Village, and back up to the Upper West Side. For meal with a view, go to Robert restaurant at the top of the Museum of Art and Design. The decor is incredibly contemporary and hip. And be prepared for a mesmerizing view with cars going around Columbus Circle. If you’re out late in midtown, head to Danji for Korean style tapas (try their famous tofu!) If you’re in the mood for French food, then take your pick of Daniel Bouloud’s culinery ventures in town. Or venture north to Chez Lucienne on 125th Street where more French chefs are making are splash. For Asian cuisine, head to Chelsea with its triple threat of Buddakan, Tao, and Spice Market.
Gosh, New York City is delicious as ever. Right about now, I’m getting ready to head to Magnolia Bakery for a late-night dessert.
