Firstly, welcome back! And where on earth has the time gone?! My last Blog post was January 2021! Wow, time really got away with me!!
Back with a BANG and soooo ready to share our USA Recs with you... starting with the indescribable New York City!...Enjoy...
Honestly, where to start with NYC!... This was our second visit to the big apple and each time I fall deeper and deeper in love! I was so mixed in my thoughts of the city after my first visit in September 2022. We started our trip as a group of 6 (3 couples), and we packed in a lot of tourist attractions in the first couple of days (which was great as we got to see so much!) but I think it meant that I didn't really "soak up" the true NYC. We hopped on the subway from attraction to attraction and walked over 20K steps a day! (winner).
It wasn't until we moved on to Austin, Texas where I found myself sat by a pool (margarita in hand) discussing with the group how I felt about New York, that I got to truly reflect on its impact on me. We had done all the usual culprits, Times Square, Empire State, Hudson River cruise, The High Line, Chelsea Market, Little Italy, DUMBO, Rockerfeller Centre (Top of the Rock), Central Park and Brooklyn Bridge. It was almost overwhelming, going from only seeing these iconic buildings / locations on the cinema screen, to in-person, in the space of a couple of days. My response to the question of what I thought of New York was that, I liked it, but I don't think I loved it?! And I couldn't believe the words were coming out of my mouth. I loved everything we did, I had the best time, but it just didn't seem to hit me like, oh my word this is the best place ever?! Even though I cried happy tears as we landed into JKF whilst watching Home Alone?!...
How was this possible? I think it didn't help that we were exhausted... jet lag got us bad. Our hotel was located on a dingey side street near Times Square (not the best idea on reflection). It was a lovely Pestana Hotel (the Cristiano Ronaldo CR7 Times Square location), but right outside the hotel felt quite dirty, not the safest of streets, and the smell was bad, rubbish piled high. So my intro to the city was like wow, this is dirty and dingy... I mean we lived in Amsterdam, the Red Light District isn't too dissimilar, but it was another level, and super busy...
I have two best friends from New York that I met at University. One lived right off Central Park, and another Brooklyn. My friend who lived central Manhattan said not to stay near Times Square (and I should have followed this advice, but the prices were so competitive and we were embarking on a two week USA travel marathon...). Had we have stayed in a different location on arrival, I think my views would have been very altered!
It was on our return to NYC after our USA tour with friends (Austin, TX; Las Vegas, Nevada; Memphis, Tennessee; Nashville, Tennessee) that we got some time alone as a couple to enjoy New York. We changed hotels last minute as it was free cancellation and a deal came up on a hotel away from Times Square and off Fifth Avenue. I am so thankful we did this! as it completely changed my perspective ! We also had more time to wander the streets, enjoy cheap and cheerful pizza slices, soak in the view from rooftop bars and wind down to live jazz followed by a traditional New York Steak! All of this made me see a completely different angle of Manhattan and my love for NYC began!!
We recently returned to spend Christmas & New Year in the USA (Dec 2023-Jan 2024) and being in New York for the holiday season was nothing short of MAGICAL!
So we wanted to share some of our top eateries!
Enjoy...
BAGELS
Bagel Market, 264 W 40th St location (We were based in Times Sq, there's other locations too).
During our 2022 visit, we grabbed the breakfast bagels with bacon, egg & cheese on the best and softest bagel I have ever tasted... drool. Lots of choice of bagel flavours and fillings. We took ours down to the Hudson River and sat there in the morning sun to start our day!
Hudson Bagel, 691 9th Ave (Hell's Kitchen)
Hidden on the quieter streets of Hell's Kitchen neighbourhood (where we stayed in December 2023), this little eatery was quaint and local. We managed to find a window seat! And although I accidentally confused the server and ordered some sort of corned beef hash with a bagel on the side... they offered to change my order to what I planned to eat which was a pastrami & cheese garlic bagel (don't encourage you to try and explain that you want sheared meat = Hash). Nevertheless, it was divine. Perfect location for people watching and starting your day off away from the crowds, the pastrami was wonderful and my mam and boyfriend were happy with their choices of omelette bagel, and breakfast bagel with hash brown.
ITALIAN
PIZZA
Nolita Pizza, 68 Kenmare St (Nolita District)
We were staying in Lower Manhattan in the second half of our trip this year (Nolita/Soho area) and it was by far one of my favourite areas of Manhattan wow! so many trendy stores, cafes and eateries! Therefore, we looked to find dinner as close to our hotel as possible and it was a cheap eat kinda night, so pizza was perfect!
We were torn between Prince Street Pizza, Lombardi's, Rubirosa or Nolita's but because we wanted to pop in and out and head to bed, location wise and the simplicity of Nolita's was great. Oh my word, the Pizza alla Vodka is a thing of dreams! Life changing... I am obsessed with Penne alla Vodka...and now the pizza. Thin crust (Thick crust also available, deep pan), mouth watering tomato sauce for base... and endless toppings.
I knew from online that I wanted the vodka sauce and they made a fresh pizza for me even though we were only buying two slices, so ask if something you desperately want isn't already out on display! They are super lovely and accommodating! Could totally see why customers were coming in and leaving with the largest pizza boxes I've ever seen... will return!!
In passing, on our first trip, I grabbed $1/$2 pizza slices from 2 Bros pizza which is a basic alternative. But honestly, the difference in pizza between there and Nolitas, to me, is huge ... choose your slices wisely!!
PASTA
Osteria La Baia, 129 W 52nd St
We had the most magically festive night at the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular at Radio City (words really cannot describe how amazing this show was!). Everything from the flawless dancers, incredible Orchestra, phenomenal light show (displayed on the ceiling of the stunning Radio City hall), the choir/singers and the all round good vibes! I cried, yes I said it. I was so overwhelmed with emotion to be spending Christmas time in the USA, and to be in New York with my mam and my boyfriend having such a special time that the Christmas Spectacular threw me into an emotional moment like no other!
My mam actually found this place as somewhere we could walk to in close proximity after the show. We were pleasantly surprised by the swanky vibe (I'm a huge fan of a wireless table lamp!...just lamps in general are my thing!), and I'm also a big lover of Slim Aarons and they had his prints scattered around the walls of the restaurant. Supposed to be Eric Adams (Mayor of New York) favourite restaurant in NYC (according to the New York Post its "Downright Decadent" what better place to write about it than on Decadent Dammers ;) ), and I can totally see why! He even spent the night after his November 2021 election victory here !
The giant booths and flashy kitchen boast an elegance to your dining experience. A traditional Italian menu, a bit on the pricey side... so we opted for a round of the Homemade pasta dishes (seafood is a must). We ordered the Spaghetti Vongole & Bottarga and the Parpadelle alla Bolognese. Gorgeous hand-made fresh pasta. A meal to remember and a lovely date-night location, or up-market location if you're looking for a treat and you're not too stretched on budget!
STEAK
Gallaghers Steakhouse, 228 W 52nd St
Now, my Canadian friend recommended this place for the best Steak in New York before we visited in 2022 for our first time together (my boyfriend had been to NYC a few times prior to my very first visit!). I immediately added it to my never ending list of NYC eateries in my notes app (Other recs I received were Keens Steakhouse & Quality Meats).
Our first meal at Gallaghers was the most perfect date night! We went to have wine & listen to live Jazz at the Whitby hotel beforehand, which set the scene perfectly for an old school night in NYC. We then arrived at Gallaghers and wandered past the cured meat glass-cased rooms (wow), past the bar area and were seated in close enough proximity to the kitchen to watch the chefs at work! Our waiter was so funny and full of energy. On our second visit to the steakhouse this year, we had the same waiter and he remembered us!
The steak here is unbeatable. The portions are also very generous... so we jumped right in with the New York Sirloin (for 3 people to share, the first meal here we shared Oysters and then the NYS between 2 and it was too much food with sides so we were cautious of how many dishes to get), we added the Grilled Swordfish (divine, but not needed, too much foooood). We also added sides of mashed potato and creamed spinach.
We cannot recommend this place enough. As if the vibe, old school wall lanterns and red leather booths, trolley service, unreal food, aren't already enough. The history of this place is so interesting. It was founded in 1927, a speakeasy in the prohibition in the Broadway district. Where the very first "New York Strip" steak was supposedly served. AND, Aretha Franklin dined here... Just GO already.
BROOKLYN'S BEST
BBQ
Mighty Quinn's Barbeque, 1 Boerum Pl, Brooklyn
I am guessing this place was a newly opened location as there weren't many reviews online for this location and it was all glossy, modern, new. We craved Southern BBQ, and wanted to give my mam a real Southern Food experience so managed to find a place in NYC on her last day travelling with us (since we ran out of time in Tennessee!). Mighty Quinn's is definitely a no-fuss gaff, with woodfired meat (slow cooked to perfection).
The 2 meat platter was great for a lunch grab! The ribs and Brisket were amazing, but honestly, all of the meat looked scrumptious! Chipotle BBQ chicken, Pulled Pork, Sausage, Wings... Brisket is just always my Go-to, and they teased me with a huge joint being on display ... drool.
BREAKFAST
Leon's Bagels, 128 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn
The theme is "nothing fancy" (embellished into all of their merchandise - I bought a cap and tote bag for memories...). Family owned, and inspired by the owners Godfather "Leon", known for bringing people together and honouring community.
This location was just around the corner from our hotel in the gorgeous red-brick neighbourhood of Williamsburg (which we loved, and will definitely return to!). We were a bit pushed for time and as it was the first day back after the holiday season, the kitchen was a little behind on timing (I arrived right as it opened as we had a flight to catch), so we grabbed latte's and Bagels & cream cheese & Jam to go! Wish we had more time flexibility as I would have loved to try the breakfast bagels! Next time...
TACO'S
Tacombi, 242 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn
We were craving Tacos after seeing many food trucks littered on the side streets of Williamsburg! Tacombi was created on the beaches of Yucatan (Mexico) in 2006 with a vision of sharing authentic Mexican food with the world. Starting out with a 1963 Combi bus in Mexico city and eventually opening the first Taqueria in a downtown garage in NYC in 2010! The vibe here was so cool ! Rustic, bright colours and vibrant tiles, casual Mexican dining experience.
The food was served quickly and you can just order as you go! We opted for the Baja Crispy fish (Beer battered with Poblano Mayo, pickled cabbage & Pico de gallo), Carne Asada (chopped steak topped with grilled onions and chillies - this was my absolute favourite and I could eat it 100 times over!!), and the Sinaloa Shrimp Taco, additional Pollo Quesadilla was ordered too for good measure ! (roasted in spicy recado rojo).
Loved this place!
That's our round-up of NYC eateries for our 2022 and 2023-2024 visit! Let us know your favourites to expand our list even more for next time!!
Walks off singing "In New Yooooork, Concrete jungle where dreams are made of....".
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