I think the best part is the feeling of complete and total anonymity. At any given time, you may be surrounded by 10,000 people, but no one cares who you are, where you came from, or where you're going. You can completely disappear in the crowd...it's liberating.
On that note, I completely disagree with the notion that New Yorkers are unfriendly. I have been on the receiving end of several kind acts by total strangers...like the little old man who gave me an impromptu "navigating NY lesson" on a street corner then hailed me a cab before hailing his own, or the cab driver who drove 40 blocks to bring me my cell phone that I'd left in his back seat without guarantee that I'd tip him.
Another thing about the city (which most people already) know is that it is so so very romantic. Dangerous traffic, crowded sidewalks, and subway stations can really bring out the gentleman in a man. Also, there are countless dimly lit and bustling romantic restaurants, tons of excuses to dress-up, and whimsical things to be seen and shared with your mister.
These things being said, since I can't be in my favorite place right now, I wanted to share some of my NY favorites. My hope is that someone will read this, go try one or several of these things, and have a good time for me.
This is going to have to be a series of posts because there is no way to list all of this greatness in one sitting. I'll start with food.
EAT
Balthazar
My all-time favorite.
Cuisine: French
Must Get: oysters (see above and TRUST ME), steak frites, and a dirty martini
80 Spring Street (Spring & Crosby) (212) 965-1414
UVA
I LOVE this place.
Cuisine: Italian
The super romantic courtyard/patio in the back and the late-night menu fondue made this place a staple for me last summer. LOVE it.
1486 2nd Avenue (77th St. & 2nd Ave) (212) 472-4552
Fiorello's
Kind of touristy, but right next to Central Park and oh so good. This is on my birthday last year. There is also a huge patio in front of the restaurant to eat/people watch simultaneously.
Cuisine: Italian
Favorites: The seafood marinara OR deep dish lasagna (ENORMOUS-split it)
1900 Broadway (Broadway b/w 63 & 64th St) (212) 595-5330
Cafeteria
Last time I was in NYC for a long weekend I'm pretty sure I ate here 3 times. Seriously - best. brunch. ever.
Cuisine: Brunchy American (although they're open 24/7)
Must get: lemon ricotta pancakes OR the turkey burger
119 Seventh Ave (7th Ave b/w 17th & 18th St) (212) 414-1717
Gray's Papaya
A NYC must-do. This one is more about the experience.
Cuisine: hot dogs
Must get: The "Recession Special" - 2 hot dogs and a drink for $2.99
402 Sixth Ave (at 8th St.) (212) 260-3532
www.grayspapaya.com
Call me a fatty but food is one of the first things I think about when I am planning a trip to NY. Also, I'm not much of a drinker but notice that in almost every one of my pictures I have a big 'ole glass of something in front of me. I guess it's a "when in Rome" thing.
Call me a fatty but food is one of the first things I think about when I am planning a trip to NY. Also, I'm not much of a drinker but notice that in almost every one of my pictures I have a big 'ole glass of something in front of me. I guess it's a "when in Rome" thing.
Awesome post! I stil have NEVER been to nyc, but love hearing about your trips! :)
ReplyDeleteWe took alyssa's advice on Balthazar and it's truely fabulous
ReplyDelete