New York Travel Recap
I recently went on a trip to New York (before coronavirus!) for a much-needed getaway. I usually plan my trips with lots of research and a whole itinerary planned out, but I did this trip a little differently by keeping it spontaneous and open-ended. I surprised myself by stumbling across new places, eating my way through the city, and checking activities off an inadvertent bucket list.
DRINKS::
Cha Cha Matcha: This multi-located cafe is for all my matcha lovers and those on the hunt for a coffee alternative. Their brightly-colored appearance, playful designs, and eclectic fare offer a myriad of options to enjoy. I opted for a matcha latte with whole milk, while my friend Becca delighted in their peppermint matcha swirl soft serve. Hop on in for a caffeine fix that comes in the form of colorful and pretty drinks!
Veggies Natural Juice Bar: After taking my first boxing class, I was on the hunt for healthy post-workout nourishment. Their wide array of smoothies and juices quenched my thirst and inspired me to make smoothies at home. I ordered their “Bompshi Bk” smoothie, which was delicious and appetizing. It combines bananas, oats, mangos, pineapples, strawberries, honey, blueberry, kale, and almond milk--totally achievable at home!
COOKIES::
Levain Bakery: I am a self-acclaimed cookie addict, and Levain’s are phenomenal. It makes sense that they are “New York City’s Most Famous Cookies.” They are not only magnificent in size, but taste as well. It took me two whole days to finish one cookie! Each bite took me to a fairytale dreamland. I cannot say that I have a favorite flavor, because they were all so divine and I cannot and do not discriminate against cookies.
RESTAURANTS::
Cho Dang Gol: This Korean restaurant is the perfect spot to indulge in a family-style feast. Everything from their homemade tofu starter to their squid side dish to their japchae glass noodles to their stews and soups is fabulous.
Bagel Pub: One thing I learned on this trip is that New Yorkers do not mess around with their bagels, and I am not complaining one bit. Their cream cheese serving is beyond generous with more flavors to choose from than I can count! Their Fresh Nova Lox #1, which consists of cucumber dill cream cheese, capers, tomatoes, and red onions is an absolute must-try. I also had their toasted cinnamon raisin bagel with mixed berry cream cheese. The best part was the slices of strawberry within the cream cheese. Next time, I want to try a bagel with their honey walnut cream cheese with chunks of walnuts mixed in!
Jack’s Wife Freda: The cutest restaurant with an even cuter origin story that is rooted in love, family, and diverse cultures. The grandson of Jack and Freda opened the restaurant that infused his family’s South African roots and his wife’s Israeli culture. I ordered the Prego Roll with halloumi, and it came with a side of fries and their housemade hot sauce. I am still dreaming about it and drooling over it as I type!
Joe’s Pizza: I knew I had to try New York’s famous pizzerias over the course of my trip, and Joe’s Pizza came highly recommended. I can attest to their motto: “Authentic, New York Pizza.”
Aita Trattoria: The tiramisu is an essential order. It was richly layered with chocolate, coffee, and mascarpone--a combination for a delectable palate. Order a cocktail for the cherry on top experience!
Eataly: My friend Annie suggested we go to the Flatiron location for drinks on the rooftop followed by dinner on the concourse level. I highly recommend doing the same. We both enjoyed an Aperol Spritz, and for dinner, we shared a tagliatelle bolognese dish and a white sauce pizza.
PLACES TO VISIT::
High Line: The High Line is a beautiful trek a little over a mile long through a park overfilled with gardens, sculptures, and intentionally designed spaces. I arrived on a windy and cloudy day and did not have the chance to walk the whole length of the transformed rail line, but I’ve added it to my list once I come back in the spring or summer!
New York Public Library: I fall in love with every bookstore and library I step foot into, and the New York Public Library was no exception. You can wander through the landmark building while on a docent-led tour, meander the New York Public Library Shop, snap a photo with the Library Lions, or find a nice seat to settle into with a good book. I situated myself in the ornate and grand Rose Main Reading Room with my journal and scribbled away for a few hours. It was the perfect afternoon to spend indoors while the weather forecast was wet and dreary.
DUMBO: I highly recommend coming here in the early morning to avoid the crowds. I spent thirty menial minutes waiting for people to clear out, but all hope was lost when I saw crowds of tourists continuing to trickle onto the already-busy street. Nonetheless, the view of the Manhattan Bridge is breathtaking, as it looks perfectly wedged in between two buildings.
THINGS TO DO:
Sleep No More: Sleep No More is an interactive, theatrical experience based on Shakespeare’s Macbeth that reveals the plot through intricate choreography, detailed settings with props, and outstanding performances by the residents. There were times when I felt lost and confused because I would end up on a deserted floor of the McKittrick Hotel, but this allows time to explore the scenes and appreciate the details of each room. Grab a drink at the Manderley Bar post-show to decompress from all the running and discuss your unique individual experience. And if you can, catch the Follies show on Tuesdays evenings!
Come From Away Broadway Show: Come From Away was my first Broadway show, and every single moment was awe-inspiring, energetic, and joyous. I left the show wanting to be a kinder human. Based on a true story, Come From Away is a testament to the power of generosity and camaraderie. In the two hour production, you will laugh cheerfully and cry sorrowfully, but most importantly your heart will swell admiringly.
What’s on your New York bucket list? Where have you been that you would recommend?