Flavor of NYC

Why NYC?

NYC has done an impeccable job marketing itself over the years. When I talk to hippie boomers they speak of how cheap rent once was, what a brazen party scene at Studio 54, that people flocked to dilapidated lofts to hang out, and that sell for millions now.

Movies show the undulating history of the place, from its mecca of immigration via Ellis Island, to the climactic point of freedom that it represents in the Statue of Liberty.

The token I heart NY paraphernalia is sold in pretty much all boroughs and recognized by people worldwide.

Today NYC feels ultra-modern, slick minimal coffee shops, the legitimacy of Chinese food in Flushing, the hipster aura of Brooklyn’s neighborhoods, and the ever-exciting velocity of the skyscrapers that seem both quiet and abundantly loud in their stance.

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My Intel

These are just a few of my favorites, some tourist musts, and personal inclinations. This, all in a geography that houses so many millions who embrace what I heart NY stands for.

(Cover image by Yoav Aziz)

Chelsea

A couple of close friends lived in Chelsea as they were cementing their careers, some best times were spent scouring underground low-lit bars, waltzing into fancy macaron shops, and grabbing donuts after a night out in the city.

As happening as it can be, walking around Chelsea is the zen moment in the metropolis of Manhattan.

Image by Ruben Abreu, Chelsea, 19 & 8

Rubin

It’s worth just scoping what’s there and drawing you in, some very cool antique spots, eyewear stores, and such. There are hundreds of galleries that are nestled in the neighborhood, the Rubin is an inspiring one.

Guggenheim

Image by David Emrich, Guggenheim interior

There is no place like the Guggenheim. Even just going to perceive the outdoor exterior is worth it, and yet the art within walking the interior is a special spatial experience. It’s like a spiral maze. Find yourself faced with Picasso, Degas, Manet, Aiweiwei, Eliasson, Matisse…if you go to one mega museum in NYC, the Guggenheim is my suggestion even over the Met, Moma, and Rubin.

If you’re going with kids, the Museum of Natural History is also very good.

Miss Korea

Miss Korea is a Korean restaurant that has three flours, and three different settings for meals from refined full-sit down to casual late-night, and quality food. You can experience the range of cuisine and ways to dine throughout its levels. The black raspberry wine is memorable and the banchan is particularly impactful. You must make reservations in advance.

Though NYC’s Koreatown is not as expansive of a neighborhood compared to LA, the food emporiums around Manhattan’s area are worth venturing to. The moment’s Korean food trends will be featured as well as the notoriously Korean bakeries scattered around 32nd.

ABC Carpet & Kitchen

ABC Carpet or ABC Home is an international bazaar with a swath of wares that focus on fair trade. It is global flair in a totally organized intriguing and overwhelming way. It almost feels like a museum itself visiting. I recommend pre-holidays to see the various trinkets including their delightful Christmas ornaments. Everything there is carefully, internationally relegated from and to its place.

The kitchen is the attached restaurant, there are a few restaurants related. The kitchen has a focus on organic, local, and farm-to-table excellent eats.

Dominique Ansel Bakery

Dominique Ansel’s bakeries are artworks as much as munchies. The Cronut is worth the hype located in Soho. I’ve seen it everywhere since its debut and who’s to say whose is the best? Sometimes things aren’t worth the hype and are a disappointment and maybe the Cronut is a disappointment to some, but to some, it is a magical fusion of the croissant and donut.

Ansel’s versions change monthly and are always creative. They serve coffee and if you’re feeling your inner child, you can order a shot of milk within a chocolate chip cookie shot glass. One of the most fun things they serve is a s’more, a giiiiiant marshmallow on a stick. The ambiance is minimal, there’s a backyard courtyard to relax in.

Cronut bottom right, look at the precious rosemary garnish

Union Square Greenmarket

A hallmark locale of the city Union Square Greenmarket is like the outdoor grocery store of NYC. Its stacks of bright produce visuals are empowering. There are vendors galore not only local of NYC and NY but further from Vermont and more. In such a hustle and bustle skyscraper area it’s fun to be there and get farm-fresh ingredients for your upcoming dinner.

The market around the holidays expands to become a wider range of goods, crafts, gifts, and locally made delights.

Max Brenner Chocolate Bar

Max Brenner Chocolate Bar is a full-fledged chocolate experience. I mean chocolate as an entree sort of chocolate experience. Think a toned-down real-life version of Wonka's in refined restaurant form. It’s a restaurant, bar, store, and real sugar rush in the way sugar rushes are.

Try the churros with multiple chocolate dipping options and hit Union Square locale for less of a crowd than Times Square.

Image by Documerica

Home Sweet Home

Basement bar with taxidermy, low-lit light with eccentric music, a DJ in a fez hat unironically? Corners and sunken seats. Legit dance scene and bomb music, slightly odd, sometimes all the merrier for it. This is a classic NYC spot to enjoy.

DUMBO & Central Park

The Manhattan Bridge is a landmark and so is Central Park. It’s funny because when foreigners ask about the USA before visiting, intel on life in Los Angeles featured in movies is sometimes off. However, it seems like the representation of NYC, Central Park specifically, is exactly what it is.

The DUMBO area has cute eateries and cafes and is a lovely place to walk around, a good place to experience Brooklyn.

Image by Ashe Walker

When to Go?

While warmer weather makes traversing a walking city easier, there is something romantic about NYC around Christmas time as well. It’s a wonderful time to visit the city for the first time.

Likewise, early summer or late spring and the peak of autumn are prime times to walk the blocks and blocks and blocks. The weather is most accommodating late May and early June, and beautiful and still warm in September and October.

Where to Stay? Moxy (Chelsea)

Beyond Chelsea’s location, Moxy houses a gemstone palette interior and a delightfully warm and welcoming yet posh ambiance.

PS Broadway or Comedy Show

Broadway shows can change a life even if you don’t sing in the shower. I recommend taking a peek at what’s available ahead of time and treating yourself to a night of lights. Comedy shows are also classic spots to get a feel for the city’s talent.

If you have a craving to see 9/11 memorial, Rockefeller Center, Staten Island on a ferry, and the sites within the main Manhatten borough, check out this fleshed-out comprehensive bus and boat tour of this island city. This is a particular suggestion for those who have limited time in NYC and are history buffs.

Image by Horology Hands

*Safety tip

While Uber and Lyft are easy and of the era, yellow taxis in all their vehicle forms are a hallmark of NYC for a reason. If you’re not walking or taking the metro, taxis are a way to go versus rideshare, you’ll get where you need to go faster and better.

Bottom line

What else is there to say? NYC is the best.

Tell the skyline hello for me…!

I heart NY forever.