NYC Itinerary For The Foodies
My boyfriend surprised me with a weekend trip for my 3-0 celebrations! He kept it a secret until the very last moment; giving me the boarding pass to get through security. NYC itinerary planned just for me? Don't mind me for enjoying it thoroughly! NYC is one of those places that you can never get sick of. There's a plethora of events, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and boutiques - that all just keep increasing daily! Each part of the city has such unique character; if you wander 10 blocks to any which direction, you'll feel as though you're in a different city. Needless to say, this concrete jungle is also a foodie's paradise. I have lost count of how many times I've been to NYC and discover something entirely new. NYC Itinerary = adult playground? We can Google "NYC guides" until we're blue in the face and it still won't cover every single place that exists in that mecca. If you're a fan of food and checking out the city from a local's perspective, read below for a glimpse of my adventurous weekend.
NYC ITINERARY: DAY 1
LOCALE: EVENTI HOTEL
We stayed at the beautifully modern EVENTI Hotel near the Empire State Building. Bellman service and voila! Exploration mode begins.
SNACK TIME: HANAMIZUKI CAFE
A chic Japanese cafe where we had some much needed (hangry mode) delicious bites of omuzubi (rice balls) and soup to warm us up. Coats, scarves, gloves, full bellies - check.
DINNER: MOMOFUKU KO
Part of my birthday surprise was dinner at this fantastic foodie spot. Created by the incredible Chef David Chang, Momofuku has been named one of the top restaurants in New York City for several years, boasting two Michelin Stars. A full review coming soon. Spoiler alert: The scallop, tonburi, citron dish was incredible.
NYC ITINERARY: DAY 2
LUNCH: MENTOKU RAMEN
Nothing more delicious than a hot bowl of Tonkotsu Ramen on a cold day. Ok, "cold day" for Miamians.
ATTRACTION: CENTRAL PARK ZOO
Who doesn’t love the Zoo? Although this is probably one of the smallest zoos I have ever been to, there are exotic animals such as the snow leopard. This elusive creature has been the inspiration of many books and muse for many photographers. Just add me to the "mesmerized" pile.
ATTRACTION: CENTRAL PARK
Every time I come to NYC, I go to Central Park. After all, Parks are my favorite thing to visit. Walking in Central Park during winter time is like rediscovering nature all over again.
BITES AND DRINKS: BATHTUB GIN
Saturday night and time for a social soiree. We met up with some of my friends and ventured to one of the city's most fun speakeasy, Bathtub Gin. Great cocktails, alluring ambiance, fun company - everything is perfect.
7 PLACES YOU MUST TRY IN NEW YORK CITY
NYC ITINERARY: DAY 3
BRUNCH: TARTINE
If you go to NYC and don't brunch, you didn't go to NYC. Our choice for the trip was this egg happy place, located in a quaint area in the West Village. Eggs Norvegienne and Eggs Florentine for us.
ATTRACTION: MEATPACKING DISTRICT
With our bellies satisfied, we headed towards the infamous Meatpacking District. Cliques' playground by night, shoppers' delight by day. Foodies' temptation in between? We couldn’t resist and ventured into Gansevoort Market - crepe time!
ATTRACTION: HIGH LINE
What better way to spend a beautiful Saturday than outside? The High Line provides one of the best ways to see the city and its amazing architecture. It's an old railroad track converted into an urban green space (still growing). You'll find locals and tourists alike enjoying snacks, art vendors, exhibits and live entertainment.
ATTRACTION: CHINA TOWN
I always crave Chinese goods everywhere I go! Find a bakery and enjoy the $1 Milk Tea!
SNACK: CONGEE VILLAGE
There is nothing more comforting than congee. Head to Congee Village for piping hot congee served in a clay pot. Don’t bother with the other dishes on the menu. They are called "Congee "Village after all.
With so much brewing in this world-renowned city, make your own NYC itinerary but also make the time to venture on your own, technology aside. You'll be surprised where the pavement leads you! Happy travels!
For added fun, check out these Instagram spots in NYC.