Monday, November 3, 2008 at 11:14 AM

Winter Engagement

My morning oatmeal just keeps getting more and more interesting. This morning’s mix: 1/4 cup dry oats, half of a Pumpkin-Ginger muffin (crumbled), 1/3 cup of Apple-Pear Crisp, 3/4 cup of almond milk, 1 tbsp of ground flaxseed, and 2 tbsp of Teddie peanut butter. How’s that for an all-star oatmeal mix!?

I ate my oatmeal jumble in front of the TV while watching the news and catching up on everyone’s blogs. Once again, I am behind on my reading!

At the office, I made myself a cup of Sumatra with agave nectar and vanilla soy milk. I’ve already chugged half of it down… it’s one of those Mondays!

Workout

I was supposed to go to the Running Into Yoga class this morning at Healthworks, but I slept through my alarm, which almost never happens! My alarm went off at my usual time (5:23 am) and I shut it off. Sometimes, I will just lay in bed for a minute or so preparing myself to get up. I hardly ever fall back to sleep, but this morning I totally did! I slept until about 6:00 am before I realized what happened, and, at that point, it was too late to head downtown to make the class on time. Instead, I did a quick 3 mile run on the treadmill and some lower body strength training (3 sets of squats, lunges, and walking lunges with 12 lb dumbbells). Better than nothing, right?!

The Big Apple

Mal and I have been meaning to visit New York City for awhile now. We got engaged there in December 2006, and haven’t visited since… but we finally booked a weekend trip at the end of November! :) We are staying at the Hudson Hotel on the west side of midtown Manhattan, which, honestly, means nothing to me… I’m clueless! I’m pretty much a lost little puppy when I go to NYC.

Soooo, this is where I need some help, especially from the New York readers (and anyone else who knows NYC). Where should we go, what should we do, and most importantly, where should we eat? We’ve both done the typical touristy things (Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, etc.) in NYC over the years. Mal and I are easy to please, so any and all recommendations are welcomed. I think our only “plan” is to visit the wine bar where we got engaged. Thanks in advance, guys! :)

Question of the Day

What is your favorite city?

I have a few: Boston, LA, Prague, Paris, Venice!

Posted by: Tina 65 comments

Posted in: Uncategorized

65 Comments on “Winter Engagement”

  1. #1 lauren Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 11:23 am

    Sorry I am not much help with NYC, but my favorite cities are London, San Diego, and Baltimore, where I live! Boston is definitely top 5 – loved it every time I visited.

  2. #2 Amie Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 11:25 am

    O MY GOSH—I”m soooooo thrilled you are coming to NYC—I love your blog–read it every morning…it’s fabulous!!! I would love to meet you when you come to NYC….would you be up for having a little get-together? (perhaps coffee or a drink)…? I would also love to help you out with some amazing suggestions for your trip to NYC….feel free to contact me and I’ll send you a bunch of info.
    Have a great day..
    Best,
    Amie

  3. #3 Lee (seelivelee) Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 11:25 am

    Ya see, for some strange reason your oats looks toooo good this morning! I want to try Teddie peanut butter, it looks extra special!

    My favorite city is NYC, but I loved Barcelona and I am slowly falling in love with Philly………. great question!!!

  4. #4 Erica Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 11:27 am

    Sounds like a fun trip! Favorite cities hmm- Charleston, Boston, San Francisco

  5. #5 caitlin Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 11:28 am

    yay for trips!

    tina thanks for entering the athleta contest! the results are in: http://www.seebriderun.com/2008/11/athleta-lamest-workout-outfit-contest.html

  6. #6 Melissa Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 11:30 am

    Um, the hudson hotel is AWESOME! I go to the bar there all the time. very chic!

    I recommend seeing the 300+ galleries in chelsea and DO NOT MISS the Chelsea Market on 15th and 9th. It is awesome, it is the home of the first oreo and now the food network and tons of great shops are there. Fabulous archecture.

    Try a Physique 57 class if you have a change, there is a studio close to your hotel!
    Shopping in Soho (west broadway, mercer, thomspon) is fun on the weekends.

    So many great restaurants, if you give me an idea of your fav kinds of food or what you want to try, I can be more specific.

    Have fun!!!!!!!!!

  7. #7 Victoria Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 11:31 am

    Sounds like a fun trip! I love mini vacations like that. I don’t have many suggestions, but my favorite city is Chicago, but I loved Philidelphia as well!

  8. #8 Tina Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 11:33 am

    Melissa,

    All of those things sounds AWESOME!!! I’ll probably contact you soon about the specifics, if you don’t mind! :)

  9. #9 Jess Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 11:35 am

    Hi!

    I moved to NYC this fall, from Boston, and in my explorations so far I think a couple places really worth visiting are:

    The Union Square Farmers market – right across the street from a giant/wonderful/overwhelming Whole Foods
    Bin 71 on the Upper West Side for a wine bar
    Wined Up in Midtown East for another nice little wine bar
    Shake Shack – either downtown or Upper West Side for a fantastic/ iconic burger in NYC

    And maybe get a soft pretzel from a vendor and walk through the Park – it makes my weekend every time.

    Have fun!

  10. #10 Natalie Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 11:35 am

    There some great cities I love for different reasons. My top 4 in the US are probably Key West, NYC, San Francisco and New Orleans.

  11. #11 VeggieGirl Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 11:37 am

    Love your all-star oats!!

    **Favorite city = NYC!!!!!!!!!! Have extra fun there for me, Tina!! :-D

  12. #12 Tina Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 11:37 am

    Jess,

    Thanks for all of the wine suggestions!!! :)

  13. #13 Kelly Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 11:39 am

    My boyfriend and I stayed at the Hudson Hotel a few years ago. It’s a fun hotel and its in a great location!

    Check out EVOO, I believe it’s in the meat packing district…they have delicious fresh food, fun cocktails, and delicious EVOO tastings :)

  14. #14 Marianne Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 11:41 am

    Ooooh, good call on Prague – I loved it! I’m also partial to Vancouver, and Montreal.

  15. #15 Andrea Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 11:46 am

    your oatmeal concoctions are so clever!! my fav cities: BOSTON, nyc, Amsterdam – the happiest place ever ;) Dublin, Paris, Basel Switzerland

  16. #16 Meg Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 11:48 am

    Love your oatmeal jumble! What a wonderful combo of flavors and textures!

  17. #17 ashley (sweet & natural) Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 11:51 am

    New York!! My city!! Since it will be holiday time, you should definitely check out the holiday markets at Bryant Park and Union Square – all kinds of vendors set up booths selling candles, lotions, scarves, ornaments, art, etc. It’s so fun to walk around and you can get great gifts. You could also try ice skating – there are rinks at Bryant Park, Rockefeller Center and Central Park. And for an amazing dinner, I recommend Etats-Unis. They have an incredible chocolate souflee that is my favorite dessert in New York.

    Also, I started a baking blog and wanted to let you know since I’m a regular reader of yours. It’s all about baking with whole foods, so no refined sugars, no refined flours, etc. I’ll be posting lots of recipes, so it should be fun. Hope you check it out!

    http://sweetandnatural.wordpress.com/

  18. #18 mi Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 11:52 am

    wow i love your jazzed-up oatmeal!! this is exactly why oatmeal never gets old i guess :) very exciting about NYC! favourite cities for me… tokyo, paris, venice, rome… london is ok too ;)

  19. #19 coco Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 11:53 am

    Great breakfast as usual! it’s so funny that you make muffins to be crumbled later. ^_^

    My favorite city is Buenos Aires.

  20. #20 Jacqueline Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 11:54 am

    Hey Tina! I don’t post regularily, but I love NYC, visit there all the time and MUST suggest my all time favourite restaurant to you!
    Buddakan: http://www.buddakannyc.com/

    AMAZING food, small plates, thai asian type food – the atmosphere is incredible and the building is absolutley amazing. It’s quite popular so you generally have a make a reservation a couple weeks in advance! I’ve been there 4 times, and I’m not even from NYC! It’s in the meatpacking district and totally worth visiting.

  21. #21 Michelle Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 11:55 am

    Oh, I love New York City! My mom, aunt and I went their in June and we had the best time. I’m a huge Today Show fan, so of course that was a highlight for me. I also loved Ellis Island and Central Park. We did eat brunch at this wonderful local restaurant on the upper west side called Samantha’s. It’s worth checking out! What a wonderful time of year to be going! How exciting for you!

  22. #22 marge Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 11:58 am

    Tina,
    I live in the east village and am very familiar with many types of restaurants throughout the city. I have many many ideas but would be happy to help you pick something that you and Mal would really enjoy. Most of my favorites are downtown: Momofuku Ssam bar (New American, market-driven, Asian influences, very flavorful and for the adventurous) August (romantic, European, menu is inspired from the hearth), Lupa (Batali owned, wonderful pastas, Roman trattoria, some communal tables, lots of specials), and Artichoke (one of my favorite slices).

  23. #23 Jess Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 12:02 pm

    London is my all time favorite – I studied abroad in college and just fell in love with it! I had lots of daydreams about living over there, but unfortunately that didn’t happen. In the U.S. – Boston and Seattle. I haven’t spent any time in NYC but think I would love it!

  24. #24 Tina Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 12:03 pm

    Oh my gosh, SO MANY GREAT RECOMMENDATIONS! Thanks, guys! Keep ‘em coming! :)

  25. #25 Clare Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 12:12 pm

    hudson hotel is awesome, pretty trendy and cool. great bar in the hotel too. your location is perfect.
    there are so many great restarants in NYC, it’s hard to pick! it depends on what you’re looking for. all the ones mentioned above are great. I also think bobby flay’s mesa grill is good, especially if you like those iron chefs. but there’s also a billion random little places that aren’t as well known. one of my favorites is a little tapas place on the uws, great food and wine, about 20 minutes from where you’re staying. and wine bars are all over the west side too! bin 71, wine and roses, bar boloud, sorry, i’m getting excited about living in nyc now. if only i weren’t a broke grad student. sigh…

  26. #26 Amy Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 12:20 pm

    I have never been to NY, but decided if i was ever to go i would try and get into a taping of show like SNL or The Daily Show with John Stewart.

    Have fun planning!!!

  27. #27 Katie Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 12:20 pm

    You have to go to Supper down in the East Village when you’re in NYC! It’s is one of the best Italian places I’ve ever been to here, and the prices and ambiance are great! If you go, you have to get the fresh mozzarella to start. Melts in your mouth! Another favorite is Otto, Mario Batali’s pizza place. Great wine selection!

    The Shake Shack is awesome too, like Jess said!

  28. #28 Talia Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 12:26 pm

    Personally, my favorite thing to do in the city is just walk around with friends, run around the resivour- its so nice there! If you plan on visiting places you tend to miss out on the joy of walking through the city and just seeing what is going on out there…

  29. #29 tami Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 12:29 pm

    i am going to NYC the weekend right before Christmas and I can’t wait. I am going to visit a few of these places!

    http://www.zagat.com/buzz/Detail.aspx?SCID=40&BLGID=4772

    i was looking forward to hearing your running story this morning, since it was SOOOO cold!

    favorite city that isn’t boston, Heidelberg Germany up in the castle over looking the Rhine river. Washington DC is a fun place as well.

  30. #30 Julz Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 12:41 pm

    WF in Union Square is absolutely too much fun to miss out on! YOU HAVE TO DO IT <3

    Some of my favorite NYC restaurants are Veggies! They are beyond incredible, and you and Mal would BOTH adore them!
    (In no particular order)
    1. Angelica Kitchen (300 E 12th St)
    2. Zen Palate has a few locations but the one in Union Square is where I’ve been and it’s GREAT :) Ppl watching is always so fun, too. It has 3 floors; for Casual and finer dining.
    3. Blossom (OMG AMAAAZING) at 187 9th Ave (Btw 21st and 22nd)
    4. Pure Food and Wine is AMAZING, too. It’s SUCH an experience and one to def not miss— It’s a Raw Restaurant but will exceed all of your expectations (54 Irving Pl)
    5. Candle Cafe (1307 3rd Ave at 75th st)

    These restaurants are amazing and, though there are INCREDIBLE omni restaurants (ESPECIALLY SUSHI SAMBA OH HEAVENS! Their Ceviche alone is reason to go- It is THE BEST!), the Veg ones tend to be slightly more wallet friendly and really are FABULOUS!

    SO PSYCHED FOR YOU TO RETURN TO NYC! One of my FAVE cities ever!

  31. #31 Santa B arbara Dreaming Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 12:43 pm

    HONOLULU!!!!!!!
    Sorry, I just got really excited by your question. I am in love with Hawai’t; the oceans, the beaches, the food, the people……. ahhhh
    It’s so exciting that you and Mal are taking a trip to NYC; such a fun city :)
    Your breakfast this morning sounds like perfection in a bowl. mmmmm

  32. #32 MizFit Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 1:10 pm

    AUSTIN :)

    ok
    Prague as well…

  33. #33 Elina (Healthy and Sane) Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 1:17 pm

    The Hudson hotel is quite nice… I used to live a block away from there. They actually have a great bar downstairs if you feel like having a fancy (but really expensive) martini :)

    I have a really long list of places in NYC that I absolutely love. What kind of vibe are you looking for?
    A few of my favorites for fancy dinners include:
    Asia de Cuba and Tao.
    For the best pie ever, try The Little Pie Bakery
    For a great sandwich and/or pastry try Amy’s bread (just 1.5 blocks from your hotel)

    You’re going to have a blast! I’m excited for you!! I’m going there in less than 2 weeks though so I’m not too jelous :)

  34. #34 Winter Engagement Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 1:24 pm

    [...] Random Feed wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptMy morning oatmeal just keeps getting more and more interesting. This morning’s mix: 1/4 cup dry oats, half of a Pumpkin-Ginger muffin (crumbled), 1/3 cup of Apple-Pear Crisp, 3/4 cup of almond milk, 1 tbsp of ground flaxseed, and 2 tbsp of Teddie peanut butter. How’s that for an all-star oatmeal mix!? I ate my oatmeal jumble in front of the TV while watching the news and catching up on everyone’s blogs. Once again, I am behind on my reading! At the office, I made myself a cup of Sumatra [...]

  35. #35 Ashley Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 1:25 pm

    Hey! I’m so excited you’re coming to my second home, NYC! I’m here every weekend since my boyfriend lives on the West Side on Manhattan. If you email me some of your favorite types of food (though I think I know from the blog) or any specifics then Bo and I can put together a great list. Also, which weekend are you coming? :)

  36. #36 Cassidy Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 1:26 pm

    My favorite cities are Savannah,GA , Newport,RI and New York City,NY. I love to visit (and only visit) Newprt and NYC (Im from the south and its too cold for me!) But I plan to live in Savannah after I graduate. I also REALLY want to visit Charleston. Its sounds like my kinda town and could easily be added as a favorite.

    In NYC I LOVE going to China Town and Little Italy. There is a really good Chinese Ice Cream place with crazy flavors. There is also a Italian bakery with THE BEST desserts and my favorite to get Cannolii. I dont know the names but maybe a local could help.

  37. #37 Tina Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 1:28 pm

    Ashley,

    We’re coming down the weekend of November 21-23. I can’t wait!!! :)

  38. #38 Elsa Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 1:30 pm

    Hey Tina! Glad you are heading over this way! Some of my favorites are:
    Stanton Social – 99 Stanton St
    New York, NY 10002
    (212) 995-0099

    Fig and Olive
    420 West 13th Street
    (Meatpacking District)
    Between Ninth Ave. & Washington St.
    New York, NY 10014
    Tel: (212) 924-1200

    Freeman’s
    End of Freeman Alley
    New York, NY 10002
    212-420-0012

    Also a great wine bar:
    Jadis
    42 Rivington St
    New York, NY 10002
    917.364.6837

    Enjoy the city! It has so much to offer OTHER than the touristy things to do!

    I also recommend catching a Broadway Show… there are some great ones out there.

  39. #39 Amanda Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 1:39 pm

    I am so jealous you will be going to NYC – I love it. Here are some of my recommendations:

    Take a walk across the Brooklyn bridge and visit Jacque Torres chocolate shop. His stuff is amazing and he has the best hot chocolate. He has one that is called Wicked that is a little spicy. Yum! Grab some to go for your walk back.

    Also – see a show! That is always a must for my when I am in town. Becco is my favorite place for after a show. It is open late is always super lively after a show. People just starting their night at 11 is always a fun change.

    There is the cutest little place called Home on Cornelia Street in the West Village that has the best brunch.

    In Times Square there are some great Japanese place where you can warm up with the best, cheapest bowl of noodle soup. Sit with men in business suits and locals all slurping their soup – it is a riot – and delicious.

    Also – head to Dean and Deluca in SoHo to pick some gourmet snacks for a picnic in the park or your room before heading out. Everything there is to die for – you will be in foodie heaven!

    Have FUN!

  40. #40 Sara Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 1:43 pm

    1) CHICAGO
    2) Prague
    3) Boston

  41. #41 Rebecca Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 1:48 pm

    Walk over the brooklyn bridge,(great views of downtown)Go to Two Boots for Brunch, go to the Lower East Side for dinner

  42. #42 Kath Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 1:58 pm

    So jealous of the NYC trip!!! Wish we could travel more :(

  43. #43 Sarah Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 2:03 pm

    Ooh, I LOVE New York!!! Hmm, my husband and I honeymooned in Paris…now that’s a city! We live in LA and love it here, been wanting to get to Seattle and Chicago, too!

  44. #44 jess Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 2:05 pm

    Sorry you missed running into yoga- I know how much you enjoyed it last time. Alas, next week ;)

    Unfortunately I’ve never been to New York but Really want to go. I absolutely cannot wait to hear about your trip!!

    Favorite cities: Must admit, I’m a big fan of London and Stockholm- the people of Sweden are really warm and welcoming and have an exceptionally unique culture. I probably never would have thought of visiting there if my grandma wasn’t 100% Swedish, so I thought it was worth a mention.

    Have a great morning- and keep chuggin the tea!!

  45. #45 Megan Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 2:31 pm

    Hey Tina! I love your blog and this is my first time commenting although I am an avid reader :) I just had to comment on New York! Okay, I LOVE New York. I have only been once but I want to live there…I went with my family last summer and it was our first time visiting and we did not do one touristy thing, which some people find weird but we had a blast! We basically walked around and shopped and stumbled into yummy restaurants in Greenwich Village and SoHo. We are from New Orleans and that is basically what we do here, walk around and discover new restaurants and boutiques. Okay, but this is my favorite restaurant and we stumbled upon it on Mott Street one night…it was delicious and I really think you would enjoy it. It is called Cafe Gitane. It is a Moroccan/ French restaurant and so delicious. I had a couscous with hummus and sausage entree…to die. So, I highly recommend it. I miss it, haha :) It is 242 Mott Street at Prince Street in NoLita. Happy Monday!

  46. #46 BethT Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 2:46 pm

    The Hudson is rad. They have an awesome hotel bar there – spend some time in it for sure :p There’s also a great restaurant near there called Rosa Mexicano – actually RM has several locations in the city, but the one near the hotel is especially beautiful. They have great upscale mexican food including guac prepared at your table. The address is 61 Columbus Ave.

  47. #47 ashley (sweet & natural) Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 2:51 pm

    Someone mentioned a show and it made me remember – if you want to see something on Broadway, go to Spring Awakening. It won the best musical Tony in 2007 and is AMAZING.

    Also, Etats-Unis, which I recommended back up in comment #17 has a restaurant AND a wine bar. You can order restaurant food and (upscale) bar food at the wine bar, but it doesn’t take reservations and can get busy.

  48. #48 anon Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 2:58 pm

    Try some indian food when you are in NY. There is a great vegetarian place called Vatan at 409 3rd Ave or another one that serves all types of indian food called the Mint on 150 E 50th St.

  49. #49 Angie Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 2:59 pm

    NYC sounds like fun! Looking forward to hearing all about it.

    My favorite cities: Negril, Jamaica and Hollywood, CA

  50. #50 rk Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 3:01 pm

    eat at pearl for the BEST lobster roll, shoestring fries, and sundaes you will EVER have in your life. They don’t take reservations so I’d recommend getting there early otherwise you can wait, since it’s only you two maybe it won’t take that long. I saw someone else’s comment about the Cornelia street cafe which is right across the street, but coming from that neighborhood i feel that it’s really not that special. pearl is written up all the time and has lines because it is truly that great. Again, as as someone else suggested Otto is a wonderful choice! I think you’d absolutely love it. Both the pizzas and pastas are superb and they have some interesting choices. For the best NYC bagels I would go to Russ and Daughters in the lower east side. They have the best lox imaginable on great bagels. Take them to go and then walk around the area which is really cute and hip. Lastly, not to overwhelm you, I would give Provence a try for brunch. It’s a really beautiful restaurant with some good choices as well. There’s so many more though! If there’s a particular type of food you’re looking for, or ambiance, I could help you more! Have an amazing time and get to know the city–it’s the best place on earth :) That’s just my humble opinion of course…

  51. #51 Melissa Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 3:15 pm

    You may absolute contact me. I am a totally foodie and pretty obsessive compulsive about NYC!

  52. #52 Betsy Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 4:14 pm

    gosh-i can give you tons of recommendations, living here and all. ;) drop me an email if you want! especially if you want great places to run…or if you want to take a jog together!

    favorite city-i studied abroad in Sevilla and lived there for a while after college. To me, there is no place like it. I’m still looking for a way to move back.

  53. #53 Ashley Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 4:17 pm

    AHHH!
    I love NYC- easily one of my favorite cities. I’ve spent my fair share of time exploring Manhattan, and I have a bunch of great places to go food wise.
    *Pinkberry- easily my favorite place in the entire city, maybe the world! It’s an eclectic soft-serve ice-cream place that serves up really healthy froyo. You can choose from 3 flavors- original, coffee, and green tea. You can add things like chocolate/carob chips, fresh fruits, fruity pebbles, candies, etc. SO GOOD!
    *Ellen’s Stardust Diner (corner of 51st and Broadway)- a really cute diner where you wait-staff sings to you! It’s very nostalgic and takes you back in time. Typical diner food- but their mac and cheese is to die for. Their whole earth wrap is yummy too!
    *Peanut Butter Co. (Bleeker and Sullivan in Greenwich Village)- The best sandwich ship EVER! Everything peanut butter! Some of the most delicious, and creative peanut butter sandwiches you can dream up. They will also serve you up a bunch of fresh cut veggies, apples, and melba toast with an assortment of PB for dipping.
    *Smith and Wollensky’s (On 49th and 3rd)- Best steakhouse ever. Period.
    *Starwhich (several locations)- gourmet and make-your own sandwiches. Very healthy, fun, and sooo yummy!
    *La Pain Quotiden (several locations)- Belgian/French restaurant that has amazing breakfast and lunch. Seriously to die for. Their bread and baked goods are fresh and to die for. You can stop in and get (my favorite) light breakfast of 1-2 soft-boiled eggs served with warm bread. You could also grab a bowl of organic multigrain grain granola, a organic banana nut and seed bowl, or steal cut oats. They have the best croissants ever as well as delicious desserts and baked goods.
    *Serendipity (60th, between 2nd and 3rd)- Really famous place that is absolutely spectacular. You have not lived until you try their famous frozen hot chocolate. The desserts are some of the best around and the food is good. It can be a little pricey and is always packed- I recommend making a reservation.

    Have fun and feel free to contact me with questions!!

  54. #54 Claire Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 4:46 pm

    I can’t believes Megan mentioned cafe gitane in nolita!!! It is tiny and way casual but oh so delicious for a quick lunch..oh and I’ve had quite a few celeb sitings there

    I used to hang out at the Hudson hotel bar with other interns when I worked at harpers bazaar, walk over to the Hearst tower if you feel like it because it was the first green building in the city and such a pleasure to work there.

    I also love candle cafe, the vegan cafe cause I lived 3 blocks down.

    Definitely go to the union square greenmarket if it is still open and the awesome wf’s there.

    Cookshop is delicious and it is seasonal

    My favorite small plate is called Alta.

    Some favorite cities are nyc (home!), Amsterdam(abroad there), prague, London, Paris, and Rome…

  55. #55 Tina Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 4:50 pm

    Thanks, everyone! I have no clue how to decide now!!! :)

  56. #56 Cait Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 5:41 pm

    I live in NY and I agree with a few of the suggestions already posted. Most of them are located downtown…

    1. Otto
    2. Supper
    3. Lupa
    4. Tree
    5. Remi

    I could go on and on, but these are probably my top 5 right now.

  57. #57 Kimberly Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 5:44 pm

    If you like Chinese food, definitely go to Chinatown or Flushing for dim sum. For brunch, Clinton’s Street Cafe is popular, but very crowded. Supper is nice, intimate Italian dinner place. If you like cheese and dips, try Kashkaval.

  58. #58 Danielle Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 7:59 pm

    Hi! first comment ever but I read your blog all the time! I love it!
    Oh my gosh you are going to have so much fun in NYC! Everyone’s suggestions here are great already and I will just reiterate some of them… for exercise, PHYSIQUE 57 will KICK your BUTT. It’s really expensive(well for poor college student moi it is) but if you want to get ripped up it is worth it! And you might see a celeb, I’ve seen Kelly Ripa, her husband and Christy Turlington there. If you want to take a great yoga class I recommend Om Yoga, super close to Union Sq with the best teachers and nice clean open studios. Also you gotta run in Central Park or along the west side water… it’s beautiful.

    AS FOR FOOD! Angelica Kitchen in the east village is easily my favorite restaurant, it is so so so yummy and reasonably priced but remember when you go it’s cash only.
    Someone mentioned Stanton Social- YES! It’s in the super cool LES and you get to order a bunch of fun different mini meals to share.
    Pure Food and Wine is awesome too… oh there are so many good places! You will have a blast and a half. Hope this helps :)

  59. #59 Stephanie Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 8:30 pm

    I live in nyc-amazing restaurants–depends on what you are looking for….if you have one expensive meal i highly reccomend bobby flay’s bar americain-it is amazing amazing amazing (but def expensive)
    italian i love zaza 65th and 1st (moderate price delicious food)
    amazing sushi at sushitime-looks like hole in the wall 44th and 2nd-amazing sushi and not expensive
    seafood-atlantic grill or pescatore atlantic is 76th and 3rd and pescatore is 50th and 2nd
    there are so many—if you have questions please feel free to email-i read your blog daily just don’T comment–keep up the good work

  60. #60 Amy Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 8:30 pm

    I’m laate on this but my fave city is SEATTLE

  61. #61 Emily Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 8:49 pm

    The Hudson Hotel Rocks and you are staying in the best area ever. I would recommend Walkers-N.Moore for a great brunch and bloody marys. Cowgirl Hall of Fame on Hudson for really fun margaritas and tex mex. Pepe Verde or Da Andrea both on Hudson for really good Italian-BYOB. Have fuN!

  62. #62 Tracy Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 10:30 pm

    Ahh you will have SO much fun in New York! As everyone said, you must go to the Union Square Greenmarket on Saturday. Go to City Bakery for brunch (18th St. btwn 5th and 6th Ave)…they are famous for the city’s best hot chocolate and “pretzel croissant”…both AMAZING. Also have the most incredible salad bar ever. Head uptown at some point and run the Central Park reservoir…1.8 miles around and to-die-for views. And get cupcakes at Billy’s Bakery in Chelsea (Katie Holmes is a fan). Welcome to our fabulous city!

  63. #63 Katie K Reply to this comment
    on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 10:46 pm

    go to Serendipity for dessert—– Its world famous! and then head to exhale to work it off! its a great workout. id also recommend going to see St. Pat’s church it’s beautiful.

  64. #64 Sarah Reply to this comment
    on Nov 4th, 2008 at 10:13 am

    If you like Mexican (especially guacamole) go to Dos Caminos. There’s one on Third Ave at 50th and another one on Park Ave between 26th & 27th streets. They make the guacamole fresh when you order it, and spice it up as much or as little as you like. It’s amazing, and pretty reasonably priced (I went for lunch)! It’s a celeb spotting site, too.

  65. #65 Amelia Reply to this comment
    on Nov 4th, 2008 at 12:38 pm

    Sarabeth’s is an AMAZING breakfast spot. They make their own jams which are out of this world. Also, I’d try the Folk Art Museum if you’re into museums. It’s my favorite here in the city. It’s on the smaller side so very manageable and you get to see some interesting stuff. I’ve lived in NYC for about six years and it’s still the coolest museum I’ve found!

Leave a Comment