New York City was such an icon; it’s a vibe. It took me forever to make my way to the Big Apple, but we finally made it. NYC is such a historic landmark, with it being over 400 years old, undergoing centuries of transformation, to what it is today, standing with skyscrapers, culture, and amazing food.
I had such an amazing time out in NYC. The food was 200% the highlight of the trip, followed by the iconic landmarks that make NYC, NYC.
Most people would cite “Empire State of Mind” as their NYC song. Me? NUEVAYoL!!!
I might have to go back.
Sushi
The sushi in New York City is AMAZING?! There are so many options just a walk or subway stop away. I have to admit, the price-to-fish ratio is better by miles than LA.
Tsumo Omakase was such a vibe, an ode to the cheap omakase experiences in Manhattan.
Hatsuhana has been open for 50 years. You really have to be an amazing restaurant to be open for that long in the city. I was HUNGRY, considering I hadn’t eaten all day. I had to order the Box of Fantasies, which is the premium version of their Box of Dreams. It’s essentially nine mini chirashi bowls served in a wooden box. Each mini chirashi bowl has its own fish, seasoning, and theme. I LOVED this so much.
Yakitori
For some reason, I kept craving yakitori out in NYC. Bless Izakaya Toribar for opening so late. I was absolutely obsessed with their chicken liver skewers that I had to go back on two separate nights.
Following my trip to Tsumo, I was still hungry and then went to NONONO, for more yakitori. Another phenomenal choice.
Pizza
New York City has the BEST pizza in America. I’ve been to Chicago, all over LA, and whatever cities out in the US, no one beats NYC. I’ve tried out three pizzerias during my visit. My absolute favorite was L’Industrie. I still dream of that slice of pizza. Scarr’s was amazing, and Lucia was my least favorite out of the three, but arguably still better than pizza in LA. Expect a line at L’Industrie at all times. The lowest you’ll see is maybe 9 people waiting in line on the street at 2PM, but it’ll get into the 30s during prime-time dinner. The bread was amazing, crunchy, and consistent. The toppings, you don’t have to go fancy. Just go simple, and you’ll be delighted, I promise.
So, what is it about NYC pizza? Is it the tap water? Oven?
Designer
In NYC, all the flagship designer stores are in Midtown Manhattan, also known as Billionaires’ Row. I was soooo lucky to have the experience of dining at Le Cafe Louis Vuitton and Tiffany’s Blue Box Cafe. If you appreciate designer goods, you definitely have to spend a few hours out here. Seeing the iconic Louis Vuitton trunk building was amazing.
More New York City Eateries
Jeffery’s Grocery is one of the popular oyster bars in West Village. If you could, wait for their oyster happy hour, which takes place from 3:30PM to 5:30PM on weekdays. You can score $1.50/ea oysters. Tell me why I ordered two dozen for myself? I had no regrets!
Levain Bakery is known for its 6-oz cookies – they’re HUGE and taste amazing all around. I haven’t been able to eat my usual brown sugar cookies from Whole Foods since. Luckily, there is a Levain in LA!
Lemongrass Brooklyn is a vibe; I am used to eating Thai food in simple places, but this restaurant went all out with their interior decor. I don’t mind celebrating a birthday with some tom yum soup!
Molly Tea is a comfort drink; although I went before the whole drama went down. This was one of the Molly Tea’s that became ? Tea, where the tea is that the owner did some shady accounting and didn’t pay its franchising fees per their agreement. Sad about the drama, I was starting to like Molly Tea.
Sights to see in New York City
While you’re in midtown Manhattan, you’ll need to stop by the Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, and Times Square. Times Square is prettier at night, even though it really reminds me of Vegas with all of the hustle and lights. You might as well take the subway through the Grand Central Terminal. LA tried to mimic this, and we’re light-years behind.
If you love shopping, you can stroll by 5th/57th Ave for the iconic flagship stores.
My favorite landmark of all of Manhattan is The Vessel. I can’t imagine running through this pinecone!
Once you finish up at the yards, you absolutely need to walk down to the World Trade Center and the 9/11 Memorial. 9/11 was one of many American tragedies. This had a huge impact because we all remembered where we were when 9/11 happened. Take a walk through, and visit The Oculus afterward.
One thing I learned is that New York City is somewhat walkable. After getting Molly Tea, that stroll through the Brooklyn Bridge down to Dumbo is QUITE the trek, but well worth it. I think you’re better off taking the subway to Dumbo first, then walking back to Manhattan. The view is objectively better.
After all of the walking, I NEEDED some recovery. A session at Othership was AMAZING. It’s pretty much a social concept where you’re in a sauna listening to house music, and go back and forth to the cold plunge.
NEW YORK CITY, YOU WERE A VIBE.
I WILL BE BACK XOXO.
