Food is one of my favorite ways to explore a city, so when Jake and I flew to NYC this past Spring, it comes as no surprise that our entire itinerary revolved around the reservations we made. Here's a peak into our time in the Big Apple, bite by bite.
FRIDAY
BREAKFAST: The Butcher's Daughter
581 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014
We love active mornings on our trips, so we started our day with a light breakfast at The Butcher's Daughter before weaving our way through the streets of West Village. The cafe was quaint, quick, and nearby lots of shops we wanted to see.
Menu Must Try: The Best Egg Sandwich / Crab Cake Benedict
LUNCH: Rosemary's
18 Greenwich Avenue, New York, NY 10011
The hum of the lunch time rush at Rosemary's was an energetic introduction to the food scene in New York City. The restaurant was full of light, pathos plants, and the comforts of a warm plate of freshly made pasta.
Menu Must Try: Chopped Salad Siciliana / Rigatoni Alla Arrabbiata
COCKTAILS: Banzarbar
18 Greenwich Avenue, New York, NY 10011
Tucked away down a private alley, and up several flights of stairs is the elusive - and very sexy - Banzarbar. This cocktail lounge seats 14 people with chairs lining the bar for an intimate imbibe experience. The menu is crafted by the bartenders themselves and aligns with the seafaring theme the cocktail lounge is tailored to.
Menu Must Try: whatever your server recommends!
DINNER: Beauty & Essex
146 Essex St, New York, NY 10002
Beauty & Essex is a cheeky little spot hidden behind what fronts as a pawn shop. Once you walk through the back door, you are transported to a dark and vibey dining experience with playful twists on American classics.
Menu Must Try: Grilled Cheese Soup Dumplings
photo courtesy of the Beauty & Essex website
SATURDAY
COFFEE: Cha Cha Matcha & Gasoline Alley Coffee
327 Lafayette St.
Another light breakfast on the go as we walked the streets of SOHO towards Washington Square Park. If matcha isn't your thing, there was a cute coffee shop right next store (that Jake very much enjoyed!).
LUNCH: Shoo Shoo
371 Broome St.
This corner restaurant boasts simple, yet mouth watering, Middle Eastern cuisine that put it on the top of our "must go back" list. Shoo Shoo is nestled near all the action in SOHO and makes for the perfect lunch stop during a day of shopping!
Menu Must Try: Shoo Shoo Warm Hummus / Shook Shooka / Schnitzel Sandwich / Herb Fries
SUNDAY
BRUNCH: La Mercerie
53 Howard Street
Our final stop for the weekend was a French inspired brunch spot called La Mercerie. The very first thing you'll notice is the stunning Parisian style along with the eager line of people waiting to be seated. Everything on the menu looked fabulous - but we especially enjoyed our cream puffs topped with hot fudge at the end!
When you're done with your meal, take a waltz through their curated store in the back or their reading lounge down below.
Menu Must Try: Profiteroles Au Chocolat
