NEW YORK

My family lived in New York for 12 months when I was a kid. And I’m sorry to say, that it didn’t make a great impression on me… where is my backyard? why is everyone so angry here? what do you mean they don’t play cricket? Needless to say, I was pretty happy to go back home to my sunburnt country.

empire state building10 years later,  my work posted me to New York for 3 months. They put me up in a sweet hotel and handed me a corporate credit card and…. well… it was the best 3 months of my life. Its funny how you can go to a place and hate it, and then go back to the same place and love it for all the reasons that you hated it before.

This time around, I loved the fast pace, I loved the style, I loved the food and everything that is so cool about this concrete playground. Now that I live in DC, I try to go up there as much as I can. Since I spent time there when I was young, there’s something about it that feels like home to me, which is a nice feeling given that I’m so far from my real home 🙂 I hope you enjoy this list as much as I do!

LOWER EAST SIDE and china town

  • Boulton and Watt. Cool gastro pub, communal tables and outdoor seating for sunny brunches and afternoon drinks. Classic American comfort food. Great for a crowd and takes Reservations. 5 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009.
  • Loui and Chan. Cosy italian restaurant with an Asian-inspired cocktail lounge in the basement.
  • Beauty and Essex. Awesome speakeasy for dinner and cocktails – enter through a pawn shop. Make a reservation at least a few days in advance.
  • Abraco. Tiny cafe serving seriously great coffee, even by Australian standards.
  • Prosperity Dumpling. This tiny Chinese storefront doles out the best dumplings I’ve ever had. It has 2,500 Yelp reviews and 4.5 stars, not bad considering that they are 5 for $1!! We buy them in bulk and store them in our freezer – best thing ever. The sesame pancakes also look insane.

NOHO and Soho

  1. Public
  2. Gitane Cafe. Fantastic for breakfast. I love the eggs with merguez sausage.
  3. Bottega Falai. Casual eatery for nice salads and sandwiches – close to the buzz of Soho’s main shopping district. Perfect if you are just 1 person and want a quick bite. 267 Lafayette St, Soho.

WEST VILLAGE

  • Chez Sardine. Tiny neighbourhood bar. Fantastic for brunch and lunch as it is very bright – that is, if you can get a seat! Does not take reservations.
  • L’Artusi. Beautiful, chic and elegant Italian restaurant, serving reliably good food and an extensive wine list. Try to sit at the chef’s counter, where you can observe the open air kitchen and preview every dish that comes out. 228 W 10th St, New York, NY 10014.
  • Wilfie and Nell. Intimate local bar that prides with great drinks & locally sourced food. One of Mario’s faves.
  • Fedora. Basement restaurant with a chic speakeasy vibe. Trendy cocktails and French-American fare. Get the wagyu beef. 239 W 4th St
    New York, NY 10014.

BROOKLYN

  • Green point:
    • Anella. Eclectic neighbourhood restaurant. Make sure you get the bread – it comes in a flower pot!
    • Manhattan Inn. Vintage piano bar and restaurant.
    • Troost. Romantic wine bar.
    • Paulie G’s. Fantastic and unusual gourmet pizzeria.
    • The Bowery,
    • Radegast Hall & Biergarten. Awesome and eclectic beer hall with live music and dancing – great for a group.
    • Peter Pan Donut and Pastry Shop. Old-school bakery that is famous for its Donuts. Also has great bagels.
  • McCarren Hotel & Bar. Awesome rooftop with spectacular views of Manhattan. 160 N 12th St, Williamsberg.
  • Bien Cuit. Fantastic croissants and pastries, if you don’t mind the hike. 120 Smith St, Boerum Hill.

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