The Smith in NYC

This is my favourite restaurant in New York. They've got three locations. You should probably go to one the next time you're in town.

I used to say that their filet mignon was my favourite thing on their menu (especially if you special order the truffle cream sauce listed amongst the pasta as a dipping sauce for this steak IF YOU WANT YOUR MIND SHATTERED), but since I've somewhat moved on from my love for steak (not totally, we're just on a break), it's really hard to pick a new favourite dish here. Everything I've tried (honestly) has been incredible. 

The best?

• Short ribs (they only make them on Tuesdays) are so fucking luxurious and wildly unforgettable, it's a sin to be there on a Tuesday and not order them. 
• Burrata. If you don't know what that is... yikes. It must be hard living a burrata-less life and frankly I don't want any more details of such an existence. One time, my friend Paul and I ordered three of these back to BACK (it was a hard time, I was going through stuff). If insanity had a taste, it would be of this burrata.
• Trout. Who the hell knew a fish could be this good? I didn't, and now I do. 
• Jalapeno cheddar grits are not just a side dish, they are a lifestyle choice, as far as I'm concerned. And I am, in no way, a fan of grits. These are unreal and beautiful and I force everyone to try them.
• Don't get me started on their brunch. I DON'T EVEN LIKE BRUNCH.

I've been here so many times over the past few years, it's always a good time. See the accompanying photos, all taken at this restaurant, for further proof. Notice the level of happiness and/or fullness.

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Spring 2012, Sarah in the chair downstairs outside the photo booth

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Autumn 2012

There's no excuse not to eat here. It can be noisy as hell, but goddam. Worth it.

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Summer 2013, Paul in the co-ed washroom

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Summer 2013, Nathan!

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Autumn 2013

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Summer 2014, Train!

White Star Lines - Pier 54 in NYC

There's nothing cooler to me than seeing remnants of old, old New York. 

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Pier 54

This is Pier 54, it's located south of 14th Street at the West Side Highway. It was owned by White Star Lines (and frequently used Cunard ships) and this is where the RMS Carpathia docked to unload the survivors of the Titanic.

If you look closely at the main beam, you can still see overlapping lettering identifying it as both a Cunard and White Star Line pier (the companies merged in 1934):

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Is it not cool as hell that this is still standing and VISIBLE after 102 years?! 'Cause I think that's insane and amazing. I don't know why I have such a fixation with Titanic-related stuff. I remember hearing about it when I was a kid and just thinking that it was such a crazy story. And then I found out that I had a great-uncle who worked in steerage on the ship, so that (of course) only made me more intrigued by the whole event. Anyway, it's so neat that this beam is still standing. 

Just to show you, this is what the building at the end of the pier looked like right before it was demolished in 1991: 

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Pier 54, in 1991

Obviously it'd be way cooler if THIS had somehow been restored and not torn down, but that's in the past now. It really looks like it was a beautiful building.

Astoria Greenmarkets

These are my two favourite markets to go to in Queens (Astoria, specifically).

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Does it seem crazy that they run until November? It that a normal market-ending time? I'm not complaining, but that seems too great to be true. 

Anyway, no big lectures here. You're either into supporting local farmers or y'aint. And most of the year - I don't really care to, to be honest. But if you cook a lot, then it makes sense to take advantage of the crazy fresh stuff at these kinds of markets during at least the summer months. 

The Singapore Sling at Momofuku Noodle Bar

DRINK THIS DRINK. That's really all I need to say about it. I'd put off going to Momofuku Noodle Bar for a few reasons:

1. I already have a Momofuku installation that I frequent and love - do I really need another?
2. They've obtained a grade B on their health inspection (unless that has changed recently?)
3. I don't really get ramen.

I managed to ignore all of those valid points when a friend of mine came to town and really wanted to go. I can be persuaded into pretty much anything, sometimes. 

Anyway, the noodles here? Good. Nothing to write home about. But the Singapore Sling? It's frozen and man oh man. Best thing they've got. 

Big Gay Ice Cream Shop

I finally got around to trying some Big Gay soft-serve ice cream and it was fantastic. Not crazy melty (like a typical Mister or Master Softee cone) and I somehow didn't end up with a huge mess once I was finished. 

People have been telling me to try these guys for awhile now. They used to only have a truck that went around Manhattan, but they've got two storefronts now in the East and West Village, so if you find yourself infront of one - definitely give it a try. (They also have locations in Los Angeles and Philadelphia.)

The Salty Pimp, before

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The Salty Pimp, after

I know it's gross and unhygienic, but I always wish I could re-dip my cone after I eat all of the dipped chocolate part off. If I ever make a lot of money, I'll buy my own damn at-home dipper and re-dip until I'm dead. God, that'll be the best.

To see a list of their fun flavours, go on over here. 

The Baked Potato Ice Cream at Cowgirl in NYC

All right, listen. I know this doesn't look like anything special. But you'll just have to trust me on this because this is the BEST DESSERT IN NEW YORK CITY.

It's on the dessert menu at Cowgirl (519 Hudson Street) and it's entirely worthy of your praise. It basically looks like a baked potato but it ain't - the "potato" is actually this hard-as-hell vanilla ice cream (and I mean hard) rolled in cocoa powder. I love it when it's hard like a rock like that. None of that soupy trash here. The "sour cream" is whipped cream, the "green chives" are coloured nuts and the "butter" is fondant icing. Essentially? Heaven on a plate. I swear to God you'll love it. I took my boyfriend here once for my birthday because this was what I was craving and he casually made some jokes here and there beforehand, but then he ate it and understood.

It's incredible. I'll forever be grateful to the great Paul for taking me here for the first time.

Fresh Food Dinner Kits at Union Square Subway Station

A startup called Fresh Routes will be stationed in the mezzanine level of Union Square (14th street) station beginning June 12th, selling "dinner kits" with all the ingredients to make a meal at home. Each kit will include "fresh vegetables, a bold spice blend and step-by-step instructions for preparing a seasonal entree." According to their website, the recipes are from local chefs, including alums of big kitchens like Jean-Georges and Momofuku Ssam, with materials sourced from local spots like Hot Bread Kitchen and Satur Farms on Long Island.

Some of the current kits available include a BBQ Chicken Skillet Salad with greens, avocado and other veggies; a SoHo Rice Bowl with black beans, peppers and DYI guacamole; and a Tuscan Cannellini Ragout with spaghetti, olives, tomatoes and white beans. Fruits and veggies don't come pre-chopped and you'll have to already own your own salt, pepper and cooking oil, but otherwise everything's included and is ready for the kitchen.

Until now, the kits could (and still can) be ordered online and delivered anywhere in Manhattan; the USQ pop-up will operate:

Monday to Friday, 8am - 9pm and Saturday from 10am - 5pm for the rest of the summer.

Kits average around $34 each and include four portions, so I'll assume that you'd buy these if you're cooking for more than just yourself (well, that or you love leftovers). Side salads, appetizers and desserts are also available to purchase and the company says there will be at least one vegetarian/vegan option available in each day's selection.

You might hear this option and think, "Why the hell would I pay $34 for one meal for a few people when I can just go to the grocery store myself and get anything I want for any recipe I want?" Well, I suppose that's a fair argument. But also, do you live in NYC and have that opinion? 'Cause in that case, I feel like you probably don't understand how hellish and time consuming it is to enter ANY grocery store between 4pm and 7pm on any weekday night. So keeping that in mind, this is a great option for this city. And when I try it, I'll be sure to let you know how it goes. 

Manhattanhenge

Manhattanhenge: when the sun aligns spectacularly with the NYC street grid.

For 2014 the dates for Manhattanhenge fall on May 29th and July 12th, when the setting Sun aligns precisely with the Manhattan street grid, creating a lovely glow of light across the backdrop of the city, simultaneously illuminating both the north and south sides of every cross street of the borough's grid. 

For these two days, as the Sun sets on the grid, half the disk sits above and half below the horizon. The day after (May 30th) and the day before (July 11) also offer Manhattanhenge moments, but at sunset, you instead will find the entire ball of the Sun on the horizon.

Half Sun on the Grid Times

Thursday, May 29 8:16 P.M. EDT
Saturday, July 12 8:25 P.M. EDT

Full Sun on the Grid Times

Friday, May 30 8:18 P.M. EDT
Friday, July 11 8:24 P.M. EDT

If you're going to check it out, then arrive a half-hour earlier than the times given above.

For best effect, position yourself as far east in Manhattan as possible. But ensure that when you look west across the avenues you can still see New Jersey. Clear cross streets include 14th, 23rd, 34th. 42nd, 57th, and several streets adjacent to them. 

Gallery Thursday Nights in Chelsea

Museums in New York can be amazing. They can also be pricey (unless you know where to go to pay no admission). If someone's visiting New York, looking for some non-touristy things to do, I will always tell them to go to Chelsea on a Thursday night because they will likely love it. I first went when I was twenty and I'll still agree now that it's such a good way to spend an evening in this city, 

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Every Thursday night between 6pm and 9pm, there are a ridiculous amount of (free) gallery openings in Chelsea. There is such a variety of what's showcased (one place could focus on electronic media and the one next door could be purely installation) and it changes so frequently that you'll rarely see the same thing upon two visits. There's also free wine and sometimes food at all of them, since, well they want you to come. You can take a look at what's scheduled ahead of time at sites like Art Cards or Meet Up - but that isn't really necessary to do since you can just pick a street to start on and walk around from there. Most venues are between 22nd and 27th Streets (and from Seventh Avenue to Tenth Avenue), but there are definitely some more spaces (less congested) spread along the outskirts of Chelsea.

The Paris Theatre in NYC

This is in my top three of favourite movie theatres still operating in the city. If you get a chance, definitely go see something here. They only have one screen, but every so often it'll be a good movie. And the curtain still opens and closes! It, obviously, doesn't have to - but it does! Which adds to the beauty, in my opinion.

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The fact that there's balcony seating is what makes it so lovely and appealing. And with Central Park so close by, this is just a romantic day waiting to happen. Check here for listings.