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5.29.2013

Sightseeing in NYC

Because it was my second time in New York, I had told myself to really enjoy NYC as New Yorker. However, there are always a few spots you just need to visit. And why not? A must-see is a must-see for a reason! So I made my choice of favorites and some places that I never visited before and ended up to do a little bit of sightseeing after all.


9/11 memorial
The 9/11 memorial was still being build when I visited 5 years ago, now it was ready and I was curious to see. And I must say, it was very imposing and really grabs you by the throat. The spots where the two twin towers stood, are now deep square waterfalls, with the names of all victims encrypted in the marble. Impressive to see. 



 


Brooklyn Bridge






The Apollo Theater in Harlem
(where I visited a show of Geri Allen)


Grand Central Terminal



The NYC Public Library 
(where Carrie gets stood up by Big)



Central Park & Strawberry Fields






The famous MET stairs 
(that features a lot in Gossip Girl)

5.26.2013

NYC Hotspots for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

I am pretty good at making it a day job to find the one good place for a healthy breakfast, the most beautiful terrace to sit outside during lunch and the place you can't miss to have dinner. That is why I always do some research before I leave for my trip. When heading to NYC, the tips were so elaborate that it was hard to choose. And do I have difficulties with that ;)! But I managed to get some favorite places in NYC already in one week! Under here my tips I am happily to share with you. Enjoy (warning: don't read when craving for food)!

The Grey Dog

I am a sucker for a big & healthy breakfast. It just is the most important meal of the Day and I really like to get my daily fruit during breakfast. If you are the same, please visit the cozy studentlike place Grey Dog. If you are with the girls, enjoy a yoghurt with fresh fruit and granola or the oven baked oatmeal in warm milk with fresh fruits. And no worries for the guys: they have great bacon & eggs or pancakes too!

The Grey Dog
90 University Place (and more places)
Subway: Union Square


Chelsea Market

After having breakfast, you could head up to one of the great markets that NYC offers you. The Chelsea Market is situated in an old factory, promoted as "raw and industrial". Although that was not really the case (it has more of a commercial shopping hall), it has its nice places. We visited Amy's Bread for a good juice, scone and breadstick with nuts and raisins.

75 9th Avenue
Subway: 14th Street 


Williamsburg Flea

If you really want raw and industrial, you need to be in Williamsburg. And if you are visiting, then do on Sunday when the Smorgasburg Flea Market is there. You can enjoy great sandwiches with hummus and grilled eggplant or a quinoa with avocado. Top if off with a chocolate chip cookie while you search for treasures at the different vendors. 

East River State Park 
(90 Kent Ave at N. 7 St.)
Subway: Bedford Av



B Bar & Grill

While walking in the streets around famous Bleeckerstreet, we came across this nice diner, that has a real 50's feeling to it. It felt a bit like we ended up in Happy Days. B Bar & Grill has an all 50's interior to enjoy when the weather is bad. But when Sunny, you can enjoy their enormous terrace. Pretty exceptional to find in New York! We enjoyed a caesar salad and some pita with hummus. Must go for a relaxed visit in summer!

40 E. 4th St. (At bowery)
Subway: Bleecker St.



Sea
We.Love.Thai.Food! And we love Sex And The City! So why not combine those two and visit this great Thai that performed in SATC once. It is named Sea (but in SATC it is called Raw, where Samantha meets Smith). We enjoyed shrimps with caramelized walnuts and some great dumplings.

Sea
114N 6th St, Brooklyn
Subway: Bedford Avenue


Back Forty West

In NYC it can be terribly cold and extremely hot. When the temperature rises, the New Yorkers cool off with a nice and fresh lemonade. You can get it in different flavors, but the plain lemon one is my favorite. We enjoyed it with a lemon poppy seed muffin in the middle of Soho in this great minimalistic place, Back Forty West. A young hipster guy with a good beard helped us out, some relaxing roaring '20s music was in the background and the guests next to us where some girls that seemed to sprung from a magazine and talked on and on about how fan-tas-tic there photo shoot was. Oh yes, we where def-i-na-te-ly in Soho!

70 Prince St.
Subway: Prince St.


Manna's

Ever been to a restaurant where you pay for the weight of your food? No? Can imagine, and also that it might not sound that attractive. But oh boy, you gotta taste some of the Soul Food at Manna's in Harlem then. It is a small cafeteria slash diner, where you can serve yourself at a walking buffet. Just grab a plastic box, shovel up anything you like (sweet corn, baked banana's, crab cookies, salad or mac and cheese), and pay at the counter for the weight of your box. Picture yourself sitting in the middle of Harlem residents, watching a NBA game while loving their food. An unique and authentic experience!

54 East 125th St. (& Madison Avenue)
Subway: 125th St.



Melt Bakery

New Yorkers like to stay healthy and thin. So instead of icecream, they eat frozen yoghurt. And it is de-lic-i-ous. Please grab lots of fresh fruits with it and preferably a pistachio sauce on top. And if you are in crave of some real ice cream, then get yourself an icecream sandwich at the Melt Bakery.

132 Orchard St.
Subway: Delancey St.


Juliette

My All Time Favorite. The place I visited multiple times while I was in New York for a week. It is a cozy cafe/restaurant, with a beautiful rooftop terrace as their key attraction. You haven't experienced NYC when you haven't been at a rooftop terrace. Also, it is situated in my favorite neighborhood: Williamsburg. With great food and even better lemonade. Nina Simone playing in the background and all young and fashionable people stopping by for a hours long brunch on Sundays. Great place to go sunbathing and people-watching, while enjoying your avocado & toast. No need to say more :)

135 N. 5th St.
Subway: Bedford Av.


5.17.2013

NYC Streetstyle

The yellow cabs are everywhere. The breakdancers at Union Square dance next to the chess players who you can challenge for money. East Village suits you with the raw NYC look, while Soho's colorful houses put a smile on your face. The Upper East side welcomes you with chic staircases to enter the posh buildings. And then, there is the astonishing view of the skyline of Manhattan.

Oh oh New York, how I have loved you again!

Enjoy my first streetstyle post to get into the NYC vibe. I will follow up with a sightseeing post, the hot spots for drinks & dinner and an insight in beautiful Williamsburg <3

Enjoy! XOXO