I <3 NYC
If you know me at all, you would know that my most favorite place is New York City. The first time I went, I think I was in high school so I don’t remember it that well. I went again while I was in college and I think that was when I fell in love with the city. I’ve never had a chance to live there, but I’m hoping there is still time (and some good luck with playing the lottery)!
We try to visit at least a couple of times a year and since my brother moved there a few years ago, we have even more reasons to visit. I’ve probably been there at least 10-12 times and my kids have gone twice now, with a third trip coming up this Christmas.
Since I’ve gotten all the big tourist sites out of the way, I now focus on the not so popular sites and of course eating! One of the best reasons to go to NYC is to eat. The restaurants are amazing and you can find every single type of ethnic food. That isn’t to say there isn’t terrible food in NYC, because there is and we’ve had it. The first time Matt and I went to NYC, just before I got pregnant with our daughter, we went cold turkey. We did not do any restaurant research. What a disaster! We did not have one memorable meal.
After that trip, I’ve always done countless hours of research so we can eat at the best restaurants (and although my friends mock me for this, they always ask me for recommendations when they are planning their trip). Over the years, I’ve compiled a spreadsheet with my most favorite restaurants and things to do.
Matt and I are going at the end of our New England trip this summer for 5 days without the kids. I haven’t started doing restaurant research yet, but I need to get on that because to get a reservation at some of these restaurants, you need to plan WAY in advance! I still remember trying to get a reservation at 11 Madison Park. I think I called in the middle of the night or at some ridiculous hour in the morning exactly 30 days in advance. Unfortunately, with that crazy price tag, I did not think it was worth getting up in the middle of the night or the food.
I’ve listed some of my favorite spots below (above is a picture of my kiddos sharing a crepe at Chelsea Market):
Any Momofuku restaurant (asian)
https://momofuku.com/
Le Bernardin - (Eric Ripert’s restaurant - french, expensive price tag.. but worth it!)
https://www.le-bernardin.com/
ABC Cocina
http://www.abchome.com/eat/abc-cocina/
Danji (korean)
http://www.danjinyc.com/
Marea (Italian seafood.. pricey but amazing)
http://www.marea-nyc.com/
Tamirand (Indian)
http://www.tamarindrestaurantsnyc.com/tribeca/home.html
Babbo (Italian)
http://www.babbonyc.com/
Buddakan
http://www.buddakannyc.com/
Clinton St. Baking Company (best blueberry pancakes, but doesn’t take reservations)
https://clintonstreetbaking.com/
Gramercy Park Tavern (has a more casual bar/cafe & a more formal dining room)
http://www.gramercytavern.com/
Buvette (french bakery)
http://newyork.ilovebuvette.com/
Chelsea Market (fun market with tons of restaurants)
http://www.chelseamarket.com/
Ippudo (ramen)
http://www.ippudony.com/
