Nothing can replace the feeling of standing on top of the Empire State Building looking out over the most incredible city in the world.  Ever since seeing ‘An Affair to Remember’, I’ve dreamed of what it would be like to meet my Cary Grant at this building in the sky.  Lucky for me, I already had my leading man with me for my first trip to this amazing place and it was beyond my wildest dreams.

I have to say my first time in New York City, completely amazed me.  I was like a child in a toy store who couldn’t stop looking up in awe of everything around me.  In fact, I’m sure I looked like the typical tourist to the locals but honestly, who can help it.  After coming home, this city was all I could think about and I’m sure I looked at my pictures a million times over.  So, when my husband and I were planning a vacation this year, it was a no brainer.  I had to get back!

We took our second trip a few weeks ago and I was sure to make a list of all my favorite places to revisit, many of them for the food alone.  Both times we’ve gone have been in the fall and I have to believe it is the most beautiful time to visit.  There is nothing like seeing the colors of autumn covering the city.  I am a lover of architecture, nature and anything old and Central Park combines all of these things so beautifully.  Everywhere you walk, you’ll find something out of a movie that will transport you to a completely different place in time.  It’s easy to see why I spent a couple of days getting lost in here on each trip.

I could spend days, weeks, months, in this wonderland and still never really see all of it.  That is the beauty of New York City.  Each time you visit, it’s as if you’re truly seeing it for the first time.  As if its pure beauty, history, culture and charm weren’t enough to seduce you, this metropolis houses the most amazing food I’ve had in my entire life.  From the generations old to the modern and new, these restaurants, chefs and craftsmen don’t disappoint!

So, let’s talk about the food…

NYC is home to my FAVORITE hamburger!  Now, you may not be a burger person, you may love your In N’ Out, your McDonald’s or your Whataburger.  You may even be loyal to your local burger place down the street, but you have never tasted something as delicious as a Shake Shack burger.  Never!

They know what they’re doing here, they don’t over complicate anything and they pay attention to the details.  Fresh meat, fresh toppings, shack sauce that will beat any special dressing anywhere.  When it isn’t something they make in-house, they always try their best to buy from local vendors and they make small changes to the menu to adapt to whatever city they’re in.  I will admit, it is trendy, it is the modern burger place, you do have to wait in line, a very long line at times, but it’s all worth it.  Although Shake Shacks are slowly taking over the East Coast and the globe for that matter, after eating at several locations, there has never been a difference in the food or service.  I always get the shack burger with cheese and my husband loves the new smoke shack burger with bacon and cherry pepper sauce.  It is always our first bite and our last bite when we visit.

Okay, enough about the best burger in the world.  How about the best bagel?  Of course, this is something New York is known for and my favorite place to order my everything bagel with cream cheese, is Ess-a-Bagel.  Again, there is usually a line, and while most people will say they won’t stand in line for food, I say, sometimes great things are worth the wait.  Perfectly toasted with a healthy dollop of spread.  Plain, simple and fantastic!

If you’re looking for something a little more decadent or sweet for breakfast, you must check out Doughnut Plant.  I love their shop on the Lower East Side, but you can find them all over in other stores of theirs and the many coffee shops, hotels and restaurants that carry their doughnuts.  The best doughnut I’ve ever had is their tres leches cake doughnut.  It is incredibly moist, with a slightly creamy center and it literally tastes as though you’re eating a piece of tres leches cake.  They have a top-selling crème a doughnut filled with vanilla custard and they crystalize the sugar glaze just like the famous dessert.  Luckily, since we’ve been to their shop in the fall, I’ve had my share of the different pumpkin doughnuts and they are all incredible.  Any time you go would be amazing since their signature is using house made, seasonal glazes with the freshest fruit.

Of course, you can’t come to New York and not eat pizza, and if you’re my husband, you want to eat it every single day.  You really can find decent pizza on every corner in NYC, but if you want the best of the best, there are a few exceptional standouts.  My favorites are Lombardi’s in Nolita, Artichoke Basille’s in the East Village, John’s Pizzeria in the West Village and Grimaldi’s in Brooklyn.  Lombardi’s is as classic as it gets and the pizza is all about the crust, the sauce and the fresh cheese, Artichoke Basille’s is famous for an incredible artichoke, white sauce pizza that will blow you away and John’s is that yummy, greasy, cheesy pizza you crave late at night. Our favorite is Grimaldi’s, not only for the pizza but for the experience.  To begin with, the pizza is authentic New York style with thin, flavorful crust, a sauce full of tomato flavor, fresh mozzarella cheese and crisp basil cooked off in their coal ovens and the line goes around the block.  The ferry ride from Manhattan to Brooklyn is worth it alone with stunning views all around including a breathtaking view of the skyline when you get off.  Now, there are Grimaldi’s popping up all over Texas, Arizona, Nevada and there’s even one coming to California next year, so they’re becoming more accessible, but the location under the bridge is a must if you get to New York.

There truly is great food everywhere you look in NYC, but the restaurants and shops in the East Village and West Village have a big place in my heart.  It’s so peaceful to walk through the different neighborhoods and see the gorgeous brownstones with all the character and loveliness they had over a hundred years ago.  I’ve spent days walking through these areas and they’re some of the most special parts in this big city.

One of my favorite places in the East Village, is Luke’s Lobster.  Everything is perfect from the bun, to the quality of lobster, to the amount of perfectly cooked meat, the butter to mayo ratio, to the old bay seasoning on top.  It is delicate and buttery and full of all the goodness a lobster roll should be.  If you love yourself, you have to try one of these, in fact you’ll probably want a second one shortly after because they’re so addicting.

For a romantic dinner, don’t pass up a chance to eat at Locanda Verde in Tribeca.  It is a restaurant focusing on authentic, rustic, Italian food.  You definitely have to make reservations in advance because it is a favorite of many locals and the tables book fast.  My favorite dish here is something so simple and lovely.  Toasted crostini, with fresh made ricotta cheese that has been whipped with sheep’s milk and topped with a little salt, herbs, pepper and olive oil.  It sounds deceptively ordinary, but it will make you think twice after one bite.  They are also known for their house made pappardelle pasta, with lamb bolognese and more of that yummy ricotta cheese on top.

So, how do you feast on this abundance of food without gaining a thousand pounds?  WALK!

Besides burning those calories, walking is the best way to really immerse yourself in all New York has to offer.  We walked for hours and hours every day we were there, but it’s well worth it and such an adventure to come across these hidden gems and beautiful views.  My favorite landmark is the Empire State Building.  It amazes me how it follows you all over Manhattan.  There are a million pictures of this iconic building from different views all throughout the city.

I can’t wait to explore more of this place on our next visit.  Hopefully, next time we can take a train upstate or make a day trip to Philadelphia.  Honestly, I’d be happy even if we didn’t, because it would take a lifetime to see all the beauty of Manhattan.  I was bewitched by the buildings, history, food, smells, people and vibe of this corner of the world.  If you haven’t had a chance to see her, make a plan to and if you have been there and have any suggestions of things I should check out, please let me know.

Goodbye for now NYC, until we meet again!