Oh New York. I just love you so much. But perhaps what I love the most is the NYC food.
When we first told people that we were moving to Los Angeles two years ago, there were some people who literally laughed…out loud. “You? In LA?” And if you’ve ever met me, you’re probably not that surprised to hear this. You see, a laid-back LA girl, I am not. I’m pretty much the definition of NY packed down into 5’0″– but like, really packed down. Like you pack a musket with powder packed down. Feisty, quick-witted, and always in a hurry. If you ask my husband, he’s learned to just grin, and deny deny deny. But the first week we were here, I walked into a little boutique and the girl at the counter said, “You’re not from here are you?” I was wearing dark wash jeans rolled up, booties, a grey shirt, and a dark (grey?) super long cardigan. It was June. I was shopping a few steps from the beach. Apparently, I stood out like a sore thumb.
Apparently, I needed more color and less clothing. “Just altogether less,” she said. “Show some skin… it’s LA.”
Hmmm. Yeah, about that.
We actually moved to LA from Upstate NY. You would have thought that having spent a few years there would have given me the chance to transition to being more laid back; nope. And, two years later, I still kinda stand out. I’ve begun adding pastels into my wardrobe. Though, I’m told pastel versions of neutrals (ie- grayish blue) don’t count. I’m working on it.
These days I don’t get back to NYC too often, but whenever I do, I try and pack all of the New York-ness I can into every cell of my body. The subway, cold winters, cheap Chinese massage parlors, coffee, and food. It’s not an easy task, but my best friend is living in New York and she is an excellent partner in crime.
If you too are craving a little NYC, check out a few of my suggestions below for a little food & fun in the big apple. There really is just so much to do there. So much so, that I’ve split this into two parts. This first part will be about food because everybody’s gotta eat. But be sure to check back as I’ll walk you through some serious fun next time.
Discover: Food
- Sarabeth’s – With 5 locations (Upper Eastside Central Park South, Park Ave South, Tribeca, & Upper West side) Sarabeth’s is pretty much a staple of the NY experience. It’s been reviewed by NY Mag, Zagat, Fodor, The NY Times, you name it. To say they are one of the best brunch spots in the city is an understatement, but what you really need to know is that they are pretty amazing for every other meal of the day, too. Kid friendly.
- What you should know:
- If its brunch you want, make a reservation. Or be prepared to wait. Also, if you’re going solo or with one other person, you are likely going to be able to get in much easier. Do not be afraid to eat alone… it’s NY, you’ll make a friend {or more likely, be left alone without anyone even noticing.}
- What you should try:
- at brunch: Goldie Lox omelet + a basket of SBs muffins + legendary preserves to share. Seriously… these preserves are epic.
- at dinner: Ahi tuna tartare + farm chicken. Trust me on this, you might just be thinking “chicken?”, but Sarabeth’s has some kind of magical chicken whisperers working in the kitchen. The skin is crisp, the meat is moist, and the tarragon mustard is unexpected. You’re welcome.
- ALWAYS: Four flower juice –just do it.
- Gotham Bar & Grill – So, if you read “bar & grill” and think Applebee’s, get ready to have your mind blown. Gotham Bar & Grill is a gem. Full disclosure, this place isn’t cheap. But, it is perfect for a fancy girl’s night or date night. I went with my best friend and her dad because he’s kinda like my dad and he’s also like the coolest dude around. We were thoroughly impressed. I still dream about the food and the service was outstanding. We went in for an early dinner and got lucky enough to not have to wait. The place can get busy though, so definitely make a reservation if you aren’t flexible on the time. Not exactly kid friendly– but I’d take my 6.5yr old (leave the 2yr old at home!)
- What you should know: They offer a seasonal prix fixe menu which always looks great, and the regular dinner menu is offered in courses. You don’t have to order every course, but I totally recommend it. If this feels overly indulgent, they will totally let you split. That’s what the best friend and I did and we were stuffed (but still wanted more!) at the end.
- What you should try (dinner):
- Drinks: The hibiscus mule was delightful and the BFF gave the Gotham fizz a thumbs up
- Wine: Syrah “Ampodium”
- Domaine Rostaing Northern Rhone… to share of course
- 1st Course: Yellowfin Tuna Tartare- Ok, ok. So I have a type. But oh my God. This was literally the best tuna to ever touch my lips. I died…. came back… and died again. (& then came back for the next course). And you know I’m serious because I clearly eat a lot of tuna tartare.
- 2nd Course: Red Shrimp Risotto- So, this is risotto. Elevated. It was so creamy and so perfectly seasoned. This was a labor of love and I wanted to kiss the chef.
- another option: Roasted Red And Yellow Beet Salad – If you don’t think a beet salad can be perfection, you are wrong. Mr. G got this as his second course and I was more than happy to take a few bites off his hands.
- 3rd Course: 28 Day Dry Aged New York Steak- Ok, so this was absurdly good. Like, I believe they knew the cow and it was loved, and it willingly gave itself because it knew how tender and delicious it would be good. At this point, I was delirious because I couldn’t believe that each course was better than the last. This was served with a dijon mustard custard which was unexpected and delicious as an accouterment.
- dessert: Are you judging me yet? We couldn’t leave without trying out the dessert of the night, warm apple pie + ice-cream. I found religion in that pie– and I am not a pie person. (Just ask my husband).
Bonus options:
- Max Brenners– If you’re in Union Square pop in for the mac & cheese (with or without chicken) and some fudge. Kid friendly.
- La Panineria Italiana– If you blink, you’ll miss it. But this place is seriously authentic. So much so I texted my hubby mid-sandwich. Greenwich village gem. I highly recommend the Portofino (#4), because that fig jam/prosciutto combo is life-giving. Small space, but kid friendly.
- Elio’s restaurant– If you’re in the Upper East (where I usually stomp around), this place is pretty fantastic. Just plain good food. Link to the Zagat review. Kid friendly.
Be sure the check back for part 2– Discover New York part 2 {Fun}. And if you try any of my suggestions out, please leave me a comment and let me know what you thought.
Xo, Kimberly Fe'Lix
