Travel Log - NYC
Everything I ate in New York - Spring ‘25
Democratic Socialist king Zohran Mamdani’s tremendous, inspiring victory spurred intrusive thoughts of moving back to New York. While the winters, hot-garbage summers, and distance from my beloved Southern California forbid this, my mind has been waxing poetic about my obnoxiously perfect trip to The City this past May after a wedding upstate.
Warm, borderline-summer days tempered with strong spring breezes; the city’s trees flushed with verdant leaves, Central Park lawns shimmering in technicolor hues. It made me pine for my youth in ways I hadn’t felt in years. But unlike my early-to-mid-twenties in NYC, when thankfully espresso martinis weren’t yet ubiquitous, I could throw some more dollars around during this trip. Drew and I were able to pack a lot into a short window, with some fine experiences but also some absolute hits. Here’s almost everything I ate in New York, in chronological order.
The Standard Grill (Meatpacking) - I can’t say I’d ever go out of my way to dine here, but when you’ve been sweating at Standard Biergarten for hours surrounded by people who couldn’t possibly be 21 yet, it’s one of few places that can easily seat a large group at 10pm on a Saturday. Martinis and seafood tower were outstanding, steaks were decent.
Russ & Daughters Cafe (Lower East Side) - Pickled fish is never my remedy for a New York hangover (that’s a BEC), yet I acquiesced to my husband’s demands. The Cafe opened in 2014 but the vintage aesthetic reflects R&D’s 110+ year history, with a diner-style countertop and booths and servers cosplaying as fish pharmacists in white coats. The pastrami-cured salmon is incredible, but at $24 for a bagel (which is always inexplicably subpar) and lox, and you’ll be left in disbelief at how little fish (3 slices) or cream cheese that gets you. My favorite thing about the Cafe is the Shrubs section of the drink menu, which uses vinegar-preserved fruit for a tangy, funky N/A drink. They also have killer bloody marys, but skip the egg creams.
Lola’s (NoMad) - My former sous chef at Gramercy Tavern Suzanne Cupps (a James Beard Award semifinalist!) opened her own restaurant that’s been named one of NY Time’s 100 Best. Lola’s very kindly buried my table of four in a mountain of stellar Filipino and Southern-inspired dishes. It’s hard to narrow down, but standouts included: Lola’s Martini with a pickled spring shallot that looked like a gorgeous Japanese flower floating in the glass. Roasted Oysters with scallion kimchi and rhubarb mignonette. Spring Panzanella Salad with kale, asparagus, and plump peas. Crispy Chicken Thighs with fermented hot honey and coconut vinegar. Heritage Pork Dumplings swimming in a silky ginger and garlic broth with greens. Brown Butter Miso Chocolate Chip Cookies with shots of oolong milk rounded out our incredible meal. Hugely impressed with Chef Suzanne and her crew bringing a wonderful concept and experience to life, I can’t wait to go back.
Balthazar (SoHo) - Perfect for a chic weekday breakfast in a gorgeous setting that you must be willing to overpay for. I had the best omelette of my life, followed by the worst iced cappuccino (although it looked gorgeous). The full English breakfast was a hit, as was my much-needed green juice.
Omakase Shihou (Shiro) (Upper West Side) - After a morning being stunned by the Superfine exhibit at the Met, we were almost tempted to grab an overpriced, mediocre lunch at Central Park Boathouse. Instead we had a spritz by the lake, then strolled across the park to what might be one of the best lunch deals in the city. A 12-course omakase for only $49 included 9 stunning pieces of nigiri (one with caviar) in a tranquil, peaceful upstairs hidden gem. It was a dream to stumble upon this place, highly recommend.
L’Artusi (West Village) - Post-Reddit rabbit hole in a fluffy bathrobe, I decided to eschew Gen Z West Village darling Via Carota for chic, eternal hotspot L’Artusi. Via Carota is excellent, known particularly for vegetables, but I wanted pasta, as carbs don’t count outside of Los Angeles County limits. Everything was fantastic: Perfect Wagyu Carpaccio with horseradish crema. Classic Burrata with rhubarb and berries. A light Little Gem with green goddess, peas, and frico. Tagliatelle bathed in bolognese bianco (!!!). Thick, chewy Garganelli with a decadent mushroom ragu. Closed out the meal with amaro and gelato, an absolutely perfect last meal in New York.
Non-food shoutouts: We had an excellent stay at the SoHo Grand. I got the best blowout of my life from MJ at Artistry with an Edge in SoHo. Lastly, we had the incredible luck to see the original cast of “Oh, Mary!” including thee Cole Escola! Go see it if you can!
