New York
New York is
energy
resilience
survival
with
the best views,
the best food, and
the best cocktails
while you survive.
A city that doesn't just spoil you—it transforms you.
The city opens up your palate, heightens your expectations, and undeniably diminishes your tolerance for mediocrity.
A city that sparks so many debates, conversations and questions.
One of them being The city or Brooklyn?
Depends on the type of person you are. For me, as a Greenpoint transplant, the answer is biased towards Brooklyn.
On those “Brooklyn” kinda days, my life orbited around Greenpoint, Williamsburg, and Bushwick. Whether it's the blistering summer heat or the wintry chills, my weekends typically started with a light breakfast at the unassuming Bakeri in Greenpoint, followed by a Sweetleaf coffee en route to Transmitter Park for a panoramic view of the city skyline. The walk along the East Side River seamlessly paved the way to Williamsburg for an exploration of concept stores, cafes, and bars.
One of the other questions that New York always threw at me during my time there: Coffee or Beer or Cocktails? If the call is for beer, the choice is always Radegast, an industrial-style biergarten. The grilled bratwurst is exactly what you need with the beer. And before you realize it, you have been there for 5 hours enjoying the hum of conversation, company and energy. Radegast evenings always ended with an epic lamb tagine at Cafe Mogador.
Weekends in Bushwick are defined by lazy lunches at Roberta's, often in the backyard, relishing a Bee Sting Pizza or slurping on ramen at Ichiran. If the mood strikes for luxury, cocktails await at the Westlight rooftop back in Williamsburg. By far, the best skyline view of the city.
On those “The City” kinda-days, hours are spent exploring Soho, rejuvenating at La Colombe for a caffeine kick, discovering my next read at McNally Jackson, and indulging my sweet tooth at Little Cupcake Bakeshop. Evenings would almost always end at Som Tum Der, for some spicy hearty Isaan Thai feast and cocktails.
And on those “Culture” kinda-days, it's The Met for an art immersion, always ending with a stop at the Met rooftop for a glass of wine while overlooking Central Park—a well kept secret with the locals.
Honestly, on any kinda day that you are feeling, the city offers you so much and so merely take this as a guide. I encourage you to find your own path in New York. Figure out if its The City or Brooklyn for you.
A city that is more than just rooftops & cocktails & great food.
A city that gives you culture without traveling anywhere else.
A city like nowhere else.
You can’t say it’s not for you till you have visited.
Because there is nothing like New York.
All my discoveries for you to explore
Click to see all these recs on google maps
Recs
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Roberta’s (Pizza)
The benchmark for pizzas (outside of Naples). The chilli oil is a must on your Bee Sting or Lil Stinker pizza.
Lucali (Pizza)
Be prepared for the wait
Joe’s Pizza (yes still Pizza)
The city’s legacy rests in the hands of this Classic New York slice
Cafe China (Sichuan)
Michelin Star (2012-2019) that does not hurt the bank
Birds of a Feather (Sichuan)
Cafe China’s sister restaurant. The Spicy Cumin Lamb and Fried Rice with Mustard Green Shoots are almost mandatory.
Somtum Der (Isaan Thai)
Instructions: Get a cocktail. Get a papaya salad (note: “Thai Spicy” may burn a hole through you so be smart). Get a duck Larb. Get the marinated meat with Coconut Sticky Rice.
Ichiran (Ramen)
When I first fell in love with Ramen. And now having been to the Ichiran in Tokyo, I can honestly say that this one is just as good.
Momofuku Noodle Bar (Asian with a twist)
Not traditional ramen but just as great. Pork Belly Bao & Chilled Spicy Noodles (not really “chilled” with the spicy sichuan sausage and peanuts)
Di an Di (Vietnamese)
Vietnamese Pizza, Pho & Cocktails
Cafe Mogador (Moroccon)
Lamb Tagine. Exactly what you need after an evening of drinking at Radegast two blocks away.
Lella Alimentari (Brunch)
Neighborhood spot in a local italian grocery store for some brunch - Piadinas’s, meats, cheeses & coffee
Five Leaves (Brunch)
Worth the wait for truffle fries and ricotta pancakes with maple butter. Enjoy brunch and a stroll through McCarren Park after
Bakeri (Brunch)
Light brunch with baked goods, sourdough break and coffee. A stroll to Transmitter Park after for city views
Shakeshack (Smashburger)
Don’t forget to ask for extra cherry peppers in your smashburger
Katz’s Delicatessen (NYC Sandwiches)
Nothing delicate about the loaded pastrami sandwiches from this no frills deli
Russ & Daughters (NYC Bagel)
Can you even say you went to New York if you dint have a bagel? Standard order: Smoked salmon cream cheese bagel with chives.
Pretty solid tacos in Chelsea Market
Pistachio & dark chocolate - The only combination that should exist really
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My chosen rooftop amongst all rooftops in NYC. Yes, that’s saying a lot
My first “biergarten” and my favorite (despite living in Germany).
Mixologist, cocktails, fancy. When the night ends, head to Great NY Noodle Town a block away for late night carbs
Get there early for seats at the bar
The only time I would enter a Five Guys is to take the stairs up to Garrett
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From NYC to Tokyo - Blue Bottle does anywhere not disappoint
I want my living room to look like Devocion. The coffee is excellent too
A spot for a quick coffee while (window) shopping in Soho
La Colombe Coffee Roasters
Another spot for a quick coffee while (window) shopping in Soho
Neighborhood spot for excellent coffee and settling in with a book
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