The Food Scene

If you didn’t know, I’m a bit of a foodie. In fact, my friend & I have our own food instagram, check it out here. So this summer, I’ve explored some new restaurants and cafes that I had never been to before. Let’s have a look.

The Whitney cafe

Federal Donuts in Philly

Untitled (at The Whitney – 8th floor):

A great place for after exploring the wonderful art museum. My mom & I went here for a late lunch in mid May — they have outdoor seating with a view that is hard to beat. They offer a variety of toasts so we each got one as well as an aperitif.

Don’t go here if you’re looking for a huge meal.

Federal Donuts (Philly):

When I visited my friend in Philly we had to go to Federal Donuts for she had always raved about them to me! After we grabbed our food, we dashed to a park to eat our goodies.

You get a chicken sandwich with the donuts — hell yes! & don’t go here if you’re counting calories.

Dō

Cha Cha Matcha

Dō:

I was so looking forward to this place…it is beyond filling, though. I could not have the whole thing (probably ate 1/3) so be warned. You could probably get the smallest size & split it amongst 3 people.

Sure it’s instagramable, but you’d probably be better off getting some for your home that you can nibble on and off (over the course of 1 month!).

Don’t go here unless you have a ravenous sweet tooth & can consume 1 pound of raw cookie dough.

Cha Cha Matcha:

My friend & I took refuge here from one bad summer storm.The froyo (passion fruit & matcha) was nothing special, but I would go back to try other drinks and treats they offer.

Don’t go here if you’re on a budget.

Pasta & Prosecco

Pietro NoLita:

It was not super busy when I went, surprisingly. It’s a cute space with pretty good pasta. I would not say it tastes like a fat Italian grandmother made it, though…

Pretty “healthy” as far as pasta goes.

Don’t go here if you would like a variety of options on the menu.

If you have any northeast food recs comment below!

Borough Corner: South Williamsburg

So this is a quick little glimpse into South Williamsburg — the arguably grittier and more authentic part of the oh-so hipster Williamsburg part of Brooklyn. This seems true for the most part as the neighborhood consists of large populations of Hasidic Jews and Hispanics. North Williamsburg is definitely for built up (claim to fame: Smorgasburg).

 

Sticker on door

Coffee shop type

I had rarely ever ventured out to Brooklyn before (minus a hand full of times), but my Brooklyn summer internship changed that. Not like I spent a large amount of time there, but I am probably better acquainted than the average visitor. While there, I mostly visit coffee shops before work starts and try new lunch places.

 

Williamsburg Bridge

Oh yippee!

One day before work, I walked part of the Williamsburg Bridge which connects Brooklyn to the LES of Manhattan. Tip: there is a bike lane for those who prefer 2 wheels to 2 legs.

There are a lot of cute lunch spots and boutiques along Bedford Avenue. So if you’re in the area ever, I recommend strolling around there for a bit.

I do have a good café recommendation, though, that is conveniently right by my office. It’s called Marlow & Sons. It’s an adorable little spot with a sit down restaurant in the back and a grab n go bakery in the front. Fantastic food every time. Oh, and get a latté.

Plus, if you sit outside of M&S you have a lovely view of the Freedom Tower.

 

View of the Freedom Tower by Marlow&Sons

Funny street art

There are also some really good lunch specials (a Thai place with an $8 lunch special for a meal & appetizer!!) as well as happy hours around the area, too.

I’d say south side is worth a visit if you want to see another borough besides Manhattan.

Comment if you have any other advice about the area!

NY Summer

Sure it’s hot. Sure it’s crowded. And sure…there are some smells. But ya just gotta power through it because, hell, we’re in NYC! The center of the universe, hello! — well, some would argue…

I had a friend visiting this past weekend, so we had to show her a good time.

Saturday: 

Skyline from Brooklyn

Ice cream churro sandwich at Smorgasburg

>Surprisingly chilly for late July in NY (but the rain held off)

By noon we had gotten ourselves to North Williamsburg for the weekly food festival, Smorgasburg. With the plethora of food stands and fantastic view, you can’t beat the experience!

I enjoyed cold sesame noodles and a salted caramel ice cream churro sandwich for dessert! Talk about heavenly.

We then wandered around a bit, popping into a few stores before catching the ferry ($2.75) to DUMBO, which is an acronym for “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass.”

Looking at Manhattan

Brooklyn Bridge

Once there, with all the hoards of tourists, we crossed the iconic Brooklyn Bridge — it is indeed prettier than many other NY bridges. It’s also nice because, for once, pedestrians are in the middle of the bridge and not the sides. The wide walkway also adds to the ease.

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DUMBO

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Afterwards we hopped on a train to LES (the Lower East Side) to grab some pizza at Pizza Beach. We came for the aesthetic so the pizza was surprisingly good! My friend & me shared a margherita pizza. Then I splurged and got a cocktail (the “Endless Summer”: lemon infused vodka, cucumber & mint) which was not skimpy on the alcohol, actually.

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Pizza Beach food

Looking to kill time on a Saturday night, what do we do? Find a cheap happy hour. We found this Japanese place with $6 cocktails till 8 pm! STEAL! In NY, of course.

Sunday:

Café Henrie was the destination today for brunch. Located in Chinatown, it’s a relaxed cafe offering various coffees, cocktails & fresh food. I opted for a matcha latte and their new chicken coconut bowl.

Cafe Henrie

Highline

We then skipped off to the Highline seeing as my friend had never been! It was a sunny day, so naturally, all the tourists were out, too.

While my friends went to get ice cream, I went to the bathrooms in Chelsea Market. I was waiting for them in a bookstore, killing some time.

*Hack: go to Chelsea Market for free public restrooms if you’re in the area & can’t find one.

And ya know, the world is so small.

Next thing ya know, I hear someone say to me, “Excuse me.”

& it is my good friend from my study abroad program! What are the odds?! She’s in banking and I had asked her if she was free to hang out, but she said she would be too busy. It just happened to be that we ran into each other!

She tells me she was gonna meet up with our other friend for drinks now at Le Bain at The Standard. It’s a place I always wanted to go so I was thrilled to join them & catch up!

Fresh Berries cocktail at Le Bain

While there, I see Dean from the Bachlorette (Rachel’s season)!! He was one of my faves & I had to control my staring aha. Right place, right time!

Overall, a fabulous weekend with pals! & the weather wasn’t too hot — hallelujah.

If you have any NY specific questions feel free to comment! Happy summer!