New York City Eats

They don't call it "New" York City for nothin'! No matter how many times I visit, it never gets old! I see and do something new every single time I'm down there; there are new adventures waiting around every corner.

I consider myself lucky because I've made so many memories in the big city that some people dream of visiting just once! Growing up in upstate New York means I made the few hour drive, bus or train ride a countless number of times. I've been there for day trips, baseball games, school trips, museum visits, hotel stays, weekends staying with friends, sunny days in Central Park and everything in between. Central Park alone is like a whole new world each time, depending on what street you enter from!

This past weekend I got to spend a cozy fall weekend visiting with friends; I stayed at the Renaissance New York Hotel 57. The location (Upper East Side) couldn't have been better; it was just a couple blocks to Central Park! We lucked out and scored a sunny day for peeping the fall leafs too!

We enjoyed two unbelievably delicious and unforgettable meals that I want to share with you; it sure pays to have friends who are local to the area and know the real deal spots to eat!

Blake Lane NYC: 

We caught up over a phenomenal brunch before taking a long stroll through Central Park. Blake Lane is small and cozy but they fit a lot of tables inside. It was busy, but I was pleasantly surprised because the wait wasn't as long as I've waited at other brunch places in Manhattan! I opted for a non-alcoholic hibiscus leaf, ginger and cinnamon drink served hot, which was great for a cool fall day. I shared the deviled eggs and a yummy acai bowl with my love(I originally became obsessed with acai bowls on our trip to Hawaii, which you can read about here-->Oahu Hi Life ). I got the rice and beans dish, which was delicious but not all that flavorful. I was happy to start off the day on the right foot with some healthy options!

Sushi Of Gari:

We had a large amount of different cheeses from a bodega around the corner(THE BEST) and a couple bottles of wine at our friend's house in the evening and it wasn't until after 10pm that we realized that cheese doesn't cut it as an actual meal. So, we made our way to Sushi Of Gari for a late dinner. It closes at 10:45, so we made it just in time. The service was great and the rolls were really good quality! Even my boyfriend was impressed and he's a sushi snob these days because he goes to Japan so often for work. I wish I had photographic evidence of this meal, but I think I ate it too fast to even consider stopping first to take a picture(I'd say that's a good sign!:) 

I love Manhattan because each neighborhood has their own hidden gems. As always, I can't wait for my next trip!

~Grateful Travels~