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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
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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
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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
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What to wear: Caual
What to order: Beef Rendang
About: Laut in New York City delivers a vibrant and take on Southeast Asian cuisine, blending Malaysian, Singaporean, and Thai influences into a menu that feels both authentic and approachable. The flavors are bold with standout dishes like their rendangs and curries. The space itself is cozy and modern, making it a great spot for both casual dinners and small group outings. Service is generally attentive, and while it can get busy during peak hours, the overall experience remains well worth the wait.
4/9/2026
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What to wear: Dressy
What to order: The cod
About: Modern French seafood lovers should save up for this NY staple. The cozy, minimalist decor sets the mood for the four course menu of seafood (they also have the choice of vegetarian options that look amazing) that start raw, move to barely cooked, and finally to fully cooked options. If you are in good company, try to order different choices, in order for you to be able to try more dishes. My party was able to try oysters, octopus, scallops, cod, tuna with fois gras (house special), and skate to name a few. The service was impeccable and it would definitely be worth going back.
4/9/2026
John’s Pizza on Bleeker
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What to wear: Casual
What to order: The Sasso
About: The weather was beautiful the day we chose to stand in line for this old school establishment. The line moved quickly-about 30 minutes- and was still about the same length when we left. We ordered three of the many specialty pies and all were mind-blowing. The Sasso, named after the owner was a personal favorite and the highlight of the meal. A pitcher of RC Cola was a perfect accompaniment to the savory pies and made Johns Pizza of Bleecker Street an experience to remember and repeat.
4/11/2026
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What to wear: Casual
What to order: Toasted everything bagel with blueberry cream cheese
About: To eat at Essa Bagel is to feel like a local New Yorker. Perfect for an early breakfast before a flight or work, though there often is a line. When you step up to the counter, you order your choice of a fresh, toasted, or double toasted delight made into a sandwich or just topped with one of their many cream cheese options. There are a few small tables to eat at but it is just as easy to take it and eat on the go.
4/12/2026
Teen Gourmand 