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Okay, so I’ve been in the Big Apple for nearly three weeks now and first impressions are good! I don’t start at my new teaching job until after Labor Day so, I’ve been enjoying getting to know my new surroundings. My scope has been narrowed in onto my Upper East Side neighborhood, but it’s just a starting point. As I visit around NYC, I want to be sure to share what I find with you. At the end of every month, I’ll be posting my New York update for the restaurants, bars, and whatever else we stumble upon. The beauty is that the material is endless and practically writes itself! Here goes nothing!
Coffee
- Variety (1269 Lexington Ave, UES): Variety has become one of my go-to coffee shops since moving to the UES. It’s right by the subway and has plenty of room to bring your laptop and get work done. Many-a blog post have been typed here already.
- Birch (171 E 88th Street, UES): I’ve been to a few Birch Coffee spots, but this location is by far the closest. It’s a great spot to pop in and grab a cold brew to go. I’m also a fan of their trivia tipping system.
- Brooklyn Diamond Coffee (349 W Broadway, Soho): David and I popped in here, desperately needing water, on a hot afternoon downtown, but when I say the words ‘New Orleans Style Cold Brew,’ I was helpless. In true NOLA fashion, they add a touch of chicory root to their coffee to give a chocolatey taste.
Drinks
- Uva (1486 2nd Avenue, UES): I just loved the wine bar in St. Pete and finding one that measured up was going to be a tall order. Uva rose to the challenge. Although it only opened in 2005, when you walk inside, you’re instantly teleported to an old world Italian restaurant, with the charm and menu to match. David and I sat at the bar, enjoyed a fantastic bottle of Malbec, and nibbled on bruschetta. It was like we were in Lake Como all over again! Major perks for them being open late, just in case you have a sudden wino craving.
- Kaia (1614 3rd Avenue, UES): Another wine bar, but totally different! We shift gears to a South African wine list with equally great food! In fact, they have been Michelin recommended for the past three years. I cannot wait to have brunch there ASAP.
- Infirmary (1720 2nd Avenue, UES): As you may know, New Orleans is one of my favorite cities and will always have a very special place in my heart. I often joke with David about he wasn’t listening when I said I wanted to move to New Orleans, not New York. When I came across this Cajun-Creole styled restaurant, I couldn’t have been happier. They have all of the classic NOLA drinks that make my heart happy (hello Hurricane), but the Mardi Gras Krewe inspired drinks were too darn good!
Food
- La Pulperia (1626 2nd Avenue, UES): We ran into this restaurant when I was having some major Latin American food cravings, as usual. The food is absolutely solid! I highly recommend the Hanger Steak, on the Las Tablas menu. You get 12 ounces of perfectly cooked steak and their five side items. The celery root gratin was my favorite.
- Selena Rosa (1712 2nd Avenue, UES): I’m making the quick jump from Latin American food to Mexican food for Selena Rosa. Mexican is my go-to cuisine and this place does not disappoint. The food was exactly what you need and paired perfectly with the obligatory mango margarita.
- San Matteo (1739 2nd Avenue, UES): You know a pizza joint is good when all of the staff and customers are speaking Italian. This hole-in-the-wall place serves some of the best pizza on this side of the Atlantic Ocean and made me feel like I was back in Italy. It has become a weekly stop for us and I’m making my way through their extensive pizza menu.
If you have any NYC foodie recommendations be sure to let me know! I’ve got a food bucket list a mile long already and I’m always looking to grow it.
Love from NYC,
Katie