NYC

NYC has been home to me for the last 7 years. I don’t need to expand on all the great food, art, entertainment, and endless things to do in one of the greatest cities in the world.

Below are my go-to recommendations for the city with an emphasis on Brooklyn spots. I lived in various Brooklyn neighborhoods all 7 years of living in New York, so you could say I’m biased on the best borough in the city.

EAT

Keen’s - My favorite place for a dirty martini with blue cheese stuffed olives and a wedge salad (make sure to specify not chopped!). Personally, I prefer sitting at the bar but the restaurant itself is a bit of New York history itself.
Le French Diner - In my first year in NYC, I dated a lot of french men and always asked what’s “your favorite french restaurant in NYC?”. Their answer was Le French Diner. It’s a simple menu, with 5 items for dinner and a small wine list which happens to have some of my favorite bottles I’ve had in the city. It also only has 10 seats inside. The Infatuation, unfortunately, put the restaurant on the map a few years ago and now it's on everyone’s Lower East Side hit list. Get there early and snag a seat at the bar to watch the chef do their thing. And no, they don’t take reservations.
Lilia - Missy Robbins’ Italian eatery in Williamsburg never, ever disappoints. It’s the only restaurant I’ve been to multiple times in NYC and the quality is always the same. Hot tip: If you’re coming from out of town, be sure to make a reservation at least one month in advance.
Hart’s - This gem in Bed Stuy focuses on seafood and does it very well. It’s one of my favorite spots in the city and the flavors highlighted are what I always want to eat. Make the journey to Brooklyn and go to Hart’s. Have a Pét-Nat for me. Not sure what a Pét-Nat is? Read this article.
Ugly Baby - The best Thai food in NYC. If you’ve been to NYC a number of times and are looking for something different, head to Carroll Gardens and treat yourself to this locals-only spot. Note: You must reserve a spot in advance and you must do it on their Instagram page. Might sound strange, but just do it. What to order: The squid and egg dish.
Miss Ada - I love Miss Ada in Fort Greene for its inventive Mediterranean food (sweet potato hummus!) and delicious cocktails. It’s a casual spot that will have you feeling laid back and extremely happy with all the great food you’ve had to eat.

COCKTAILS

Long Island Bar - This was my go-to neighborhood bar while living in Carroll Gardens. It’s got old school vibes with new age cocktails. The Cheeseburger is the cherry on top to this perfect neighborhood spot. What to order: Dolores Del Rio, the cheeseburger and fries, end with a martini = a great night.
Temple Bar - Okay so the cocktails here are just okay, but it's all about the vibe at Temple Bar. This just makes you feel New York cool.
Barely Disfigured - Atmosphere 10/10, cocktails 10/10. Barely Disfigured was once an old brothel in Carroll Gardens that has been turned into one of the most interesting bars (re: there is a bed in the middle of the bar). What to order: The Harlot’s progress (must be a smoky liquor fan)
Bar Pisellino - One of the most beautiful bars in NYC with great cocktails to match. Head to Bar Pisellino in West Village when waiting for a table at Via Carota or just to people watch on Seventh Avenue.

The cardamom bun at Fabrique in the Meatpacking District

BAKERIES

Breads - Much to my advantage/disadvantage I worked above Breads at my first job in NYC on 16th Street. Most of my meager paycheck went towards Bread’s amazing pastries and savory treats. What to order: Chocolate Babka, Cheese sticks, chocolate almond croissant.
Fabrique - Fun fact: Fabrique’s cardamom bun is the reason I went to Stockholm for my 30th birthday. This Swedish bakery in Meatpacking delivers some of the tastiest pastries in NYC. Once you try it, you’ll understand why there is always a line out the door. Also, the coffee here is amazing too! What to order: Cardamom bun and a macadamia nut milk latte. Seasonal orders are the Semla Bun (during February/March before Easter) and the Saffron bun (served during the Christmas season).
Winner - If you find yourself in Park Slope, head to Winner. The bakery opened during covid, and quickly turned into a neighborhood staple. Truly everything is good here, but check their Instagram stories every Friday to see what goodie is on deck for their 3’oclock Saturday drop. Make a plan to head to Winner early in the day as they always sell out of their most popular items!

BRUNCH

Russ and Daughters Cafe - Russ & Daughters has long been a New York Institution for bagels and lox, and the cafe is no exception. I love the cafe for its old New York deli counter feel and the ability to order a huge bagel and smoked fish platter. It’s been closed during covid, but fingers crossed the cafe will reopen??
Chez Ma Tante - Chez Ma Tante is a European focused restaurant in Greenpoint that has the best pancakes ever. They’re crispy, buttery, and a must order. Plus, Greenpoint is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Brooklyn for some exploring after brunch.
Evelina - Evelina is a picturesque spot for brunch located in Fort Greene. Sit on the patio and watch the world go by while eating dishes such as Prosciutto eggs benedict with truffle sauce or a breakfast Spaghetti carbonara.

SHOP

Caserta Eye - Caserta Eye has the best collection of vintage sunglasses and eyeglasses in NYC. Fun Fact: Paul the owner often lends his one-of-a-kind vintage glasses to the stars for photo shoots or a walk down the red carpet!
Michelle Varian - A beautiful shop located in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn with unique home goods and jewelry. Curated and made by designer Michelle Varian.
Arcade Shops - This shop has an ever-changing collection of dreamy vintage pieces located at Industry City. Arcade Shops’ accessories and jewelry always have me swooning!
Kalustyans - Sugar, Spice, and everything nice. If you love to cook and geek out about spices and speciality salts, do yourself a favor and make a trip to Kalustyans. This place has everything, and you’ll want to take home a suitcase full of spices that you can’t find elsewhere.
Books are Magic - The name says it all. This quaint bookshop on Smith Street in Carroll Gardens is an oasis for book lovers. I love that the Books are Magic team puts blurbs about books they’re reading around the shop.

NYC has been home to me for the last 7 years. I don’t need to expand on all the great food, art, entertainment, and endless things to do in one of the greatest cities in the world.

Stockholm