NYC IN 48 HOURS — EMILY

taking a bite of the big apple

I was sitting in my office on Thursday afternoon, when I suddenly got an itch to travel. On a whim, I texted Michael “we should go to NYC this weekend” and within a matter of hours, our hotel was booked, the car was packed, and dinner reservations were made. We had a truly unforgettable weekend, so I thought I would share some recommendations for 48 hours in the city that never sleeps!

DAY ONE

We began the day with brunch at a classic favorite that had been recommended to me hundreds of times by my local NYC friends, Jack’s Wife Freda. Michael and I visited the Chelsea location and absolutely loved the vibe. Mediterranean food is one of my all time favorites, so it was fun to see that twist put on American food. As every proper brunch does, we started with cocktails. Michael got his usual, an IPA, and I got the blackberry caipirinha, which was deliciously refreshing and bitter since I ordered it without any added sugar. As an appetizer (per Michael’s request), we then ordered the rosewater waffle, which was absolutely to die for. Usually, I would stray from ordering something like a waffle at a restaurant, but it was the most perfect appetizer. Atop the waffle, they add Lebanese yogurt and mixed berries, balancing out the sweet rosewater taste- definitely a must if you eat here! For my main course, I ordered Maya’s breakfast bowl. Inside, they mix red quinoa, kale, spaghetti squash, a poached egg, grilled tomato, radish, and avocado, making it the perfect option for something healthy and filling! Michael ordered the burger, which we probably wouldn’t get again if we are being honest, but everything else made up for it!

After a delicious brunch, we walked the streets of Chelsea and strolled back to Fifth Ave where we got into way more trouble than we should have (oops! but treat yourself, right?). After much damage was done, we turned to the “One Bite” app to find the perfect slice of pizza. Luckily, only a few blocks away from our hotel was Lazzara’s, ranked a 9.3! After “one bite” because “everybody knows the rules”, they gained a fan in Michael, however I’d have to admit, it was by no measure the best pizza I’ve ever had in the city! We then went back to the hotel, enjoyed some vegan eat by CHLOE cookies and a glass of Veuve to cheers to our weekend getaway - what could be better?

For dinner, we headed to Hudson Yards for our reservation at Legacy Records. This swanky restaurant could not have been better for a date night in NYC. The interior was flawless with muted gold, leather, and emerald accents. We enjoyed a bottle of Montepulciano red, ordered the cavatelli verde and honey lacquered duck, and I ended the evening with an oat cappuccino. Both entrees were unspeakably good, but the duck was absolutely to die for - definitely order if you eat here!

Post dinner, we met up with friends at Lavo’s night club, giving us a little throwback to our trip to Vegas, and naturally, ended the night with some more NYC style pizza.

DAY TWO

After a much needed morning sleeping in, we spent the day walking downtown and ended up at the ‘Top of the Rock’ with the best view of the entire city. As someone who visits NYC somewhat frequently, I couldn’t believe this was my first time seeing this view atop Rockefeller Center. Definitely my favorite “touristy” activity in the city!

To end the trip, we spent the remainder of the afternoon taking classes at the Peloton studio, and if you know Michael and I, you know we wouldn’t have had it any other way. For at home riders, or anyone who enjoys cycling, I STRONGLY recommend, making the trip to the Chelsea Peloton studio and showroom. The classes are high energy and the production that goes into each class is pretty exciting to see. Our fav teachers are Alex Toussaint, Ally Love, Cody Rigsby, and Emma Lovewell.

Before hitting the road back to DC, we stopped at by CHLOE once again for a quick bite to eat. We ordered the French fries (duh), the quinoa taco salad, the avocado pesto pasta, and some more cookies to make the four hour car ride a bit more bearable.

NYC, we love you and will see you VERY soon! xoxo

OTHER NYC RECS:

(a mix of places I’ve found on previous visits & follower recommendations)

ITALIAN

Lavo
Serafina
Vita Carota
Pasquale Jones (Neapolitan style pizza)
Pietronolita
Cotenna
Sant Ambroeus
Bar Primi
Old Rose
Aria West Village (Wine Bar, too)

french

Balthazar
La Mercerie
Le Coucou

brunch

Sadelle’s
Sarabeth’s
Norma’s
The Butcher’s Daughter

other

Quality Meats (Steakhouse)
Shuka (Mediterranean)
Shoo Shoo (Middle Eastern)
Gramercy Tavern (American)
Rainbow Room (Located in Rockefeller Center)
Catch (Seafood)
BONDST (Japanese)
Tao (Asian)
Mr. Taka (Ramen)
Park Avenue Spring (New American)

cocktails

While We Were Young
Public Rooftop (360 view of Manhattan)
Top of the Standard

speakeasys

Attaboy
Beauty & Essex
Bathtub Gin
Apotheke