New York City: Part 2

This time last week,

I was frolicking down 5th Avenue 

& gazing over sushi at my lover.

The streets were noisy and crowded

and we were constantly in tune 

to the hum of the busy city.

Now I'm sitting on a musky lazy-boy 

in the back room of my grandma's house

in Wichita, Kansas.

The only sound I hear is 

the occasional rustle of plastic wrappers

as my grandma works her way 

through a bag of Werther's and the stack of mail that just came in.

I kinda like both about the same.

But since I know you all have no affection

or nostalgia to this tiny house in Kansas,

let's talk about New York.

Specifically, let's talk about a few gems

that can make a weekend in NYC better.

THE HIGH LINE

Spend a morning in the sunshine 

wandering along Manhattan's newest public space.

Wear your workout clothes and look like you are there for a reason.

Or opt for a blazer & a scarf with skulls on it

and meander lazily along it like me.

All types welcome.

I, especially, loved the views of the Empire State building 

& the clean modern designs of the renovated tracks.

FLEA MARKETS

There are various parking lots & garages

that transform from the workweek parking

to busy flea markets over the weekend.

I like the ones around 25th Street...

specifically the Garage Antique Flea Market.

Two floors of antiques

with finds ranging from glassware & plates

to vintage mirrors & team pennants.

Don't forget to bring cash.

BRUNCH AT TARTINE

This West Village spot is a favorite among locals...

and is an easy sell for visitors, too.

homemade brioche french toast with hash browns, bacon & oj. $15, tartine.

With it's laid back atmosphere

and classic NY brunch offerings

(eggs benedict, french toast, omelettes, etc.)

it's easy to overlook the short wait outside 

and the feel like you've fallen on to a set of a 90's sitcom.

*If you want to go for dinner, it's BYOB

and is loved for opening your bottle & providing glasses 

for curbside aperitifs while you wait on the street for a table.

THE DIAMOND DISTRICT

Tyler is a good man.

He bought me a new band for our 5th anniversary.

One to go with my wedding & engagement rings.

They make me feel like a lady.

My engagement ring is from this same shop, Golda.

My family has bought everything from them.

Their prices are crazy good, and we love the family that runs the store.

{I would love nothing more than to connect you with them. I love them!}

MERCER KITCHEN

This Soho spot was first introduced to my by my old boss

during our trips up to Manhattan for the trade shows.

I love Mercer Kitchen. 

The food is good, the lay out is pretty,

 the macaroni & cheese makes me very happy,

and they take reservations.

GRAYS PAPAYA

The one hotdog I will eat in the world...

Well, actually... I eat *two* of them when we go.

$4.95 for the Recession Special

 {2 dogs & a drink.}

Don't skip the onion sauce.

Other good things:

EATALY

Mario Batali's shrine to Italian foods. 

Next time, I'm going with an appetite and with intentions to dine in the "Piazza" 

where the center of the store becomes a hub for gourmet, Italian food. 

The common food court has entered a Renaissance 

and has been reborn into something awesome.

SHAKE SHACK

Best enjoyed in good weather,

this stand in Madison Square Park 

can have lines that may intimidate you...

But the perfect burgers, crinkle-cut fries & glammed-out custard shakes

are more than worth the wait.

Order big when you get to the front as portions are small 

and the crowds may not allow for seconds.

SPOTTED PIG

If you get in town late 

and are hankering for something eat-

this gastropub is the perfect spot.

It serves food late, has great burgers, and huge bar...

One of Mario Batali's creations.

FATTY CRAB

This place is hard to describe, 

but it really is one of my favorite places in the city.

Think of PF Chang's cousin...

but it's smaller, indie, Malaysian cousin.

And if you go, please order the chili crab 

and an order of the fried rice. 

There are two locations, one in the Village

and one on the Upper West Side.

I do the latter, as they take reservations.

LUPA

Another Batali creation

that I first discovered from my BFF, *Gwyneth.

It might be one of the hardest places I know of to get a table.

In fact, I kinda think only people like Gwynnie can get a table.

Opt for going at lunch to avoid the wait...

and try the Bucatini All'Amatriciana.

FREEMANS ALLEY

This place is just cool.

If you want to go to a hip place

that truly is like no other,

go here.

I like to take people here

when I want to try and look awesome.

It always works. 

*Not directly from her, but through GOOP. Basically the same though, right?

**All images original to Aspiring Kennedy