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This is my 16th and final post from my New York City trip! I hope you have enjoyed reading these posts as much as I have enjoyed writing them.
When I first started visiting New York regularly (summer 2006) I always walked by Shake Shack in Madison Square Park. My cousin lived just three blocks away and we passed it constantly walking to and from other places. I would always say, "We have to try that sometime!" but we never did.
Admittedly, I had never heard of Zabar's until the episode of "Sex and the City" where Charlotte prepares her first Shabbat dinner and goes to Zabar's to grocery shop. When my New York City hostess suggested we go on a culinary expedition to the store, I couldn't resist.
It was Monday night at the end of a long weekend and Zabar's was packed!
My second to last day in New York City I headed up to the Upper West Side to stay with a friend who just relocated to New York in August. She was so excited to show me around her neighborhood.
It was a very chilly day so we bundled up and headed out to explore. The first stop on her neighborhood tour was Levain Bakery. She said, "How do you feel about paying $4 for a cookie?" I was intrigued.
My New York dining adventures continue! On Monday morning of my trip (MLK Day) my hostess wanted to take me to an Israeli cafe a few blocks up from her apartment. She raved about their traditional Israeli breakfast and the European cafe vibe.
Sunday night of my New York City trip, after a beautiful meal at Talent Thai, my friends I went in search of dessert. We wanted to pick up something sweet to share while watching the Golden Globes.
After wandering for a few blocks around Murray Hill, we decided on Insomnia Cookies. I'd never heard of Insomnia, but apparently the cookie shop is a chain.
The New York City adventures continue! On Sunday night of my trip I went with two of best friends from summer camp (I've know them since I was 11 years old!) for an early dinner at Talent Thai in Murray Hill.
Talent is an incredibly beautiful restaurant. There are red and gold panels and red light fixtures that bring a true Asian flair to the design of the place.
Sunday afternoon of my New York City trip I was walking around Murray Hill with two friends when we decided to warm up at Keko Cafe.
Keko Cafe is completely unassuming and it would be very easy to walk right by. Thankfully I had a local to show me this hidden gem!
I first learned of Magnolia Bakery on an episode of "Sex and the City." Carrie and Miranda were sitting outside the bakery, in the fall, talking about their current dating situations as they attempted to gracefully eat cupcakes piled high with an inch and a half of frosting.
On Saturday night of my New York City trip I was staying with two of my best friends (who are married to each other).
While in New York City I stayed at the Ace Hotel. Though the Ace has a restaurant and a coffee bar, I didn't check out either spot until my very last day.
Saturday at 11:30am my friend met me for brunch at the Ace's restaurant called the Breslin. The Breslin has a European pub vibe. It reminds me of the Irish bars around Boston - the Thirsty Scholar, the Druid, the Skellig.
The front of the restaurant is a bar with high top, communal tables and the back room is the dining room.
On Friday night of my New York City trip, after five days at a conference, I was ready for a night out with my girls! I met up with two of my best college friends for dinner at Basta Pasta.
I learned about Basta Pasta after one of said college friends went with her family. She described the house specialty (more on that in a minute) and I knew I had to experience it.
Basta Pasta is just a few streets away from Union Square. It's an Italian restaurant run by a Japanese family. Odd, I know.
On my third night in New York City, after drinks at Red58, I went with two of my best friends for dinner in their neighborhood - the Upper West Side.
They took me to their favorite Italian place called Regional.
