I spent a great weekend with my mom in NYC, checking out some of my old favourites, and a few new ones. I took these snapshots with my iPhone, so the quality is iffy, but I wanted to share a few places where we went on the trip. For my full list of favourite NYC places from when I lived in the city, check out my (now slightly outdated) guide.
Sadelle’s – Sadelle’s is an insanely gorgeous new place from the guys behind Torrisi Italian Specialties and Parm. The decor and overall atmosphere is amazing – servers in bowties, everything in shades of blue and green, and layered platters piled high with smoked fish. It’s been (accurately) described as “a Wes Anderson movie come to life.” The bagel was ok, but to be honest, it ranks far behind my absolute favourite bagel…
Blackseed Bagel – Straight up my favourite bagel in the world. It’s a cross between a Montreal and NY style bagel and it is the platonic ideal of a bagel. I always get the #1 on sesame.
Fish’s Eddy – One of my favourite shops in NY, packed with dishes in the most fun patterns and designs. A perfect place to get a fun “New York” gift (or something for yourself.) Kitschy in all the right ways.
El Rey – I tried to go here when Joe and I were in New York in May but the tiny place was so packed and we were overwhelmed. My mom and I could not get enough of their super fresh, California-vibe food – amazing avocado flatbread with pickled shallots and a pesto-esque sauce, the crudite salad (both pictured) and the insanely good kale salad which tastes like its smothered in parmesan but is actually completely vegan (it’s all almonds!). We loved it so much we went back to get salads for the plane.
Whitney Museum of American Art – The Whitney opened their new dig this year and we finally got to see the incredible building right on the High Line in the Meatpacking district. The space is perfectly designed with high ceilings and nice light, and the collection is solid. While we were there we saw an exhibit by Frank Stella whose vast and varied styles through his career was beyond comprehension.
Roberta’s – Another “I literally can’t go to NY without eating here” place. My mom is equally as obsessed with their pizzas, loud music, and seriously amazing vegetable dishes. I love this place so much I have a hat with their name on it.
Chobani SoHo – Delicious greek yogurt with amazing sweet and savoury seasonal toppings. Great snack on the go.
Fun Home – A powerful, funny, and beautiful Broadway musical based on the graphic novel by the same name by Alison Bechdel.
The Butcher’s Daughter – One of my other places for a healthy lunch. They have insanely good juices, and their avocado toast with pickled mustard seeds is amazing. Go for lunch, not brunch, since their lunch menu is best.
Happy Bones – Great coffee, minimalist aesthetic.
ABC Kitchen – Because I literally cannot go to NYC without eating at this restaurant. It is probably my favourite restaurant in the world. My go to orders: the squash toast with ricotta, the cauliflower with fried egg and walnut crumbs, the carrot and avocado salad and whatever seasonal fish they are serving (or, if you’re really hungry, the fried chicken).
Doughnut Plant – My favourite doughnuts in the world. I always have to get the PB with blackberry jam and the carrot cake.
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