New York City

Written By Porter Tolkin

It’s a unique time to write about New York because it’s not Sex and The City New York or The Devil Wears Prada New York, things are… well different. Knowing this, I hope sharing my recommendations from my time in NYC can inspire you to daydream about the adventures to come. 

Even though I was only in New York for two years it feels like home. When I walk through the streets there’s this indescribable feeling I get, this confidence and sense of pride. It truly sparkles! Since I think eeeeverything is the best (really ask Elizabeth, I do always say…“oh that, it’s the best!''), picking my favorites is quite difficult, so I’m going to try. 

I know this pandemic has been devastating for a lot of restaurants in NYC, two places very near and dear to my heart have closed permanently, Injera and Cienfuegos. Both of these places were full of life and I hope one day they do grace our presence yet again. My love goes out to them. 

So on to the good stuff, let’s get down to business.

For a fun little appetizer and a glimpse of my feelings towards New York, watch this video…


Now, a few of my favorite spots to eat, drink, sleep and see!

Eat

So, if you want to know where to spend most of your energy in New York, in my opinion, it should be on finding restaurants. Seriously, plan where you go around your next meal.  The city won’t let you down on its array of unique cuisine options.  

This list isn’t complete because I know there is so much more to add but I wanted to start with some of my top picks, in no particular order…

  • Two Hands Cafe - Nolita - An adorable Australian cafe (their cloud ceiling is in our pictures section), healthy and delish breakfast.

  • Ivan Ramen - Lower East Side - So fun, filled with cute cartoons and pictures. All of their ramens are delicious but my personal favorite is the Tokyo Shoyu.

  • Malateste Trattoria - West Village - Cozy and classic little Italian spot. You can’t go wrong with any pasta. It really feels like you got transported into Italy upon walking in the door. Cash only, FYI.

  • Mermaid Inn - East Village - Mermaid Inn has a special place in my heart as I’ve spent so many nights getting happy hour there with best friends. Happy hour starts at 5p, get as many oysters as you want to eat, the baby clam chowder and a happy hour cocktail. You also get a special little surprise at the end :) 

  • Cosme - Flatiron - Intricate Mexican dishes, order some tequila shots with tomato juice, their pumpkin seed salsa is incredible (my Dad makes it every Thanksgiving, not kidding), and I owe it to Cosme for my obsession with the Malin and Goetz Cannabis Candle, they’re all over the restaurant. 

  • Urbanspace Vanderbilt - Midtown - great food hall by Grand Central Station

  • Tompkin Square bagels - East Village - a must for a ‘New York’ bagel

  • Joe’s Pizza - East Village - Get the caprese slice

  • Sant Ambreuous - Soho - Order a cappuccino at the bar and pretend you are in Italy

  • iSodi - West Village - Best italian in the city, you’ll wait a long time to eat there but it’s worth it

  • Contenna - West Village - A tiny place in the West Village for great priced yummy pasta and wine

  • Llama Inn - Brooklyn - Beautifully decorate peruvian food spot

  • Momofuku - East Village - One of the most popular places to get noodles

  • Dan and John’s - East Village - I have a special place in my heart for buffalo wings and this spot is delicious

  • Veselka - East Village - A EV monument, a 24hr ukranian food spot, my favorite is the matzoh ball soup

  • Westville - East Village - One of the easier places to eat it has a make your own plate good for comfort food, with multiple locations, it’s easy and delicious 

  • Bar Primi - East Village - A beautiful restaurant with yummy pasta

  • Chip NYC - Coming from a chocolate chip cookie connoisseur, these are amazing

  • Eataly Roof Top - Flatiron - This place changes seasonally and they decorate so well, fun drinks, great food



Drink

There are bars all over New York City, from speakeasies to beer halls you can never go wrong with choosing a place to grab a drink on whim, here are some of my picks...


  • The Carylye - If you love Jazz music and want to feel fancy

  • Boom Boom Room - Top of the Standard Hotel, great city views, also for when you are feeling fancy

  • Lovers of Today - East village - a cozy and romantic speakeasy

  • Tippler - Under the Chelsea Market - cool vibes and good to take a group

  • Garfunkel’s - Lower East Side - beautiful speakeasy 


Stay

I have only personally stayed in a hotel in New York a few times so these recommendations are solely based off of my love for spaces and experiences. Their interiors are amazing and they are all well located. 


Do

Most things you do in New York, of course, are dependent upon the weather. Every season brings new relevant activities. When Summer rolls around the outdoor scene is full of excitement and the city is alive yet again but then once Winter comes, the beautiful lights come on, the coziness sets in and the smell of warm nuts fills the streets.  


  • Summer

    • Fashion exhibit at the Met 

    • Washington Square Park - go with a book and sit and listen to the piano man in the park 

    • Walk across Brooklyn Bridge to DUMBO, walk around, shop, etc, then take the water taxi to Williamsburg and go to Smorgasbourg 

    • Met Museum 

    • Moma Museum 

    • Golf balls at Chelsea piers

    • Walk the Highline 

  • Winter 

    • Ice skating

    • Window displays on Fifth and Madison Ave 

    • Christmas Markets

  • All year round 

    • Chelsea Market 

    • Top of the One World Trade Center 

    • FiDi Westfield Mall - then go to downtown Eataly for a class of wine and cheese 

    • Live music

Porter Tolkin
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