everyone has an opinion. here’s mine.

Teen Gourmand

New York City

Second Avenue Deli 

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What to wear:  Casual 

What to order: Matzo ball soup with half sandwich 

About: Second Avenue Deli in New York serves up some of the finest comfort food in the city, and their matzo ball soup is nothing short of iconic. The soup’s broth is rich and savory, with the matzo ball itself light and filled with flavor. I like to order it with the lean corned beef sandwich- a towering masterpiece, with the beef sliced fine but piled high. The side of pickles add a tangy, mouthwatering crunch perfect to balance the richness of the beef and soup. Better together, these two dishes epitomize classic NY deli fare, and every visit to Second Avenue Deli feels like a nostalgic trip to old-school New York.

9/30/25

Better Together

Aquavit 

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What to wear:  Semi Dressy 

What to order: You’re in the Chef’s hands 

About: Aquavit in New York City offers a refined and modern take on Nordic cuisine that feels both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition. The tasting menu is outstanding with dishes like the Meyer lemon langoustine delicately balanced in flavor and beautifully plated. The atmosphere is sleek yet warm, making it perfect for both special occasions and serious food lovers. Mocktails were delicious and paid homage to the culture being represented in the menu. Service is attentive and kind, and quite interactive -having a lot of the dishes plated table side. The signature  dessert, arctic birds nest, starring strawberry and chrysanthemum is unique and flavorful, and a delight to behold. 

8/30/25

Skål

Sant Ambroeus

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What to wear:  Semi Casual 

What to order: Pancakes with fruit

About: Sant Ambroeus, New York, New York. Located on the Upper East side of Manhattan this European style jewel box has excellent coffee and fresh, tasty pastries. Dine in or carry out from the coffee bar, their Viennese coffee is rich, and the cappuccinos are creamy and well-made. Yogurt with all the fixings is beautifully presented and tastes fresh and healthy- there is even a vegan version if needed. I tried the pancake with fruit – it was dense and rich and too big to finish even though I came hungry. Everything looks and tastes like it was made with care.  Sant Ambroeus is a great place to take a few minutes to relax and pass the time with a coffee and friends. 

8/31/25

Take Five