Are you a foodie? Do you judge a city by it’s food? I’m ashamed to admit that I do. Food plays such a big role in a community. It’s how people come together whether it be for work or play. It’s an expression of the culture and the community. It’s one of my favorite parts about traveling!
Are you a creature of habit or do you like to try new restaurants? I feel like I fall somewhere the middle. I love going back to old favorites, but there’s something so fun and invigorating about finding a new place. Every time I travel, whether with my husband or a friend, I seek out the local hot spots. I would much rather eat at a local favorite than a chain restaurant. I want to feel immersed in the culture and away from tourists. Yelp can definitely be a great resource for finding highly rated restaurants, but my favorite way is simply by walking!
It might sound crazy, but you’ll be surprised by the number of amazing restaurants you’ll find simply by walking. Whether you meet a local that tells you about their favorite place or you are drawn in by an amazing atmosphere or aroma, you will definitely find a place!
This past trip to NYC, my friend and I ate at 3 amazing restaurants by all 3 of these ways – word of mouth, google search, and an irresistible environment. All 3 restaurants were incredible, ones I would try again. In fact, we later found out that one of them was one of Taylor Swift’s favorite restaurants in NY!
Luckily for me, my friend Lauren had recently visited NY and discovered a local hot spot in SoHo – Ed’s Lobster Bar. Being a big fan of lobster – and martinis, I didn’t put up a fight. We went here our first night and oh man, it was good. If you like quaint restaurants and old marble bars, you’ll love this place. It’s planted right by Jack’s Wife Freda, another local favorite and I already can’t wait to go back.
The food is incredible. It has the most amazing muscle sampler if you like muscles and the lobster bisque is the best I’ve ever had. Lauren raved of the whole lobster she got previously, but we both opted for lobster rolls that evening.
If you have the opportunity to go, I highly recommend sitting at the bar. Order a martini – they’re incredible – and watch all the action and get to know the locals while you eat. This is how we found out about the most amazing after dinner bar for drinks – Mother’s Ruins.
This was an unintentional find, and maybe my favorite restaurant from the whole trip. It was a big rainy as my friend and I were hustling down — street on our way to a restaurant we found on a blog. As were were walking down the street though we passed the quaintest little restaurant. Flowers filled the window boxes and spilled down from the stairway. The windows were all open and the chandeliers – modern and vintage – were lit giving the restaurant a inviting, warm glow. Everyone inside seemed to be laughing and enjoying their meals. I wish I could say we analyzed the menu before committing, but the truth is, we were hooked before ever stepping foot inside.
Once we were seated and received our menus, we knew we had made the right choice. The restaurant was full and full of locals – always a good sign! The food was impeccable and the drinks were even better. The environment is calm, quaint, and energizing. You will love it!
If you like to linger at breakfast, this is your place. It has classic american breakfast options as well as french inspired meals. The coffee is amazing and the mimosa flight is a must! Oh, and this is also one of Taylor Swift’s favorite restaurants in New York!
There are several locations, but I recommend the location is Chelsea. It’s right by the High Line, which is a must do when traveling to New York. Also, it gives you the chance to work off some of those mimosas. Wink wink.
bodysuit: free people | blazer: free people | shorts: zara (similar) | shoes: sam edelman | sunnies: karen walker | bag: similar, similar
photography: fort lion studio
