Weekend Guide to New York City

The last weekend of July, my friends Kiki, Noelle and I met in NYC for a fun weekend of catching up. We had been talking about getting together for the longest time and finally found a weekend that worked for all of us. I've been to NYC quite a few times but I love visiting every time I have the opportunity. This was my second time visiting the city during summer and I have to say...the hot humid days were not my favorite, but they were the perfect excuse to cool off with ice cream and rose.

STAY
Noelle actually lives in New York, but we did get a room in midtown Manhattan just for fun. We stayed at the JW Marriott Essex House New York. The location was perfect! Right accross Central Park. The room was quite big and comfortable and the art deco lobby was absolutely beautiful. The area is a bit touristy but very convenient if you are wanting to visit the park, museums and The Plaza Hotel {more on that on the EAT section, my favorite!}.





Image courtesy of JW Marriott Essex House Website

On your way to dinner.

EAT
This is by far my favorite section to write :) I love food, snacks, coffee and everything in-between. We visited a few places that were just A M A Z I N G, one of the many advantages of exploring the city with a local. Here's a few suggestions I believe are worthy of your time during a weekend visit:

Image courtesy of The Plaza Hotel website.

The Plaza Food Hall

You had no idea this existed? Don't worry...me neither. That is until Noelle showed me the wonders of the basement at The Plaza Hotel. This concept is amazing! It reminded me a little of the Ferry Building Marketplace in San Francisco. They have every kind of food, dessert and drink you can possibly imagine. From lobster rolls to sushi, pasta, hand crafted chocolate and cupcakes. There's something for everyone! It is crowded and loud, but also fun, delicious and very convenient.

Jams Restaurant

This little gem was within walking distance of our Hotel. We had walked by the restaurant during the day and commented on how lovely the building was. Jams is inside 1 Hotel Central Park, another hotel located near the park. The cocktails were delicious, the food was tasteful and the dessert was to die for. Perfect for a little night out with the girls.

Sarabeth's  

Really really good {albeit, pricey} brunch. The wait wasn't too bad and the food was most definitely worth it. I'm a French Toast girl and Sarabeth's did not disappoint. The serving was HUGE {and I killed it...KILLED IT! haha} and the bread was a perfect combination of soft and toasty. I had my usual scrambled egg on the side and just water -I'm very picky about my coffee- and the bill came to $31.00 before tip. Yes, you read that right, $31.00 for an order of French Toast and a single scrambled egg on the side.  It made me thank the breakfast gods for $2.00 breakfast tacos in Austin HA!

Cafe Gitane

Ok, this place YOU MUST try when you're in NYC. It was another of Noelle's suggesttions and my goodness it was delicious! We shared an order of the  Moroccan Cous Cous and Avocado Toast. The meal of my dreams really. It is cash only and not the fanciest of places but the staff is very friendly and the food is tasteful. If you will try one of my suggestions on your next time in the city, this should be it.  



Fruit stands in TriBeCa.

DO

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Visit the Manus x Machina Exhibit if you can... it was breath-taking. The Met is donation based...I had no idea! Meaning you can pay as little or as much as you want. Just another little trick I can thank Noelle for.

And, from that exhibit, this was my absolute favorite...

A Christian Dior dress I had seen many years ago on the cover of a coffee table book at Anthropologie. To me, it is the most beautiful dress in the world. I remember thinking that it would make a gorgeous wedding gown. After seeing it live at this exhibit I realized my wedding dress has a lot of similarities to this dream gown. So incredibly beautiful.

Chanel

9/11 Memorial Museum

It is emotional, informative, sad and interesting. All at the same time. You'll need at least 2.5 hours.

Freedom Tower

Central Park

It's a no brainer if you are in the city. Great place to people watch too.

Magnum Icre Cream Bar in Soho

You create your own magnificent piece of edible art. Mine had two different kinds of flowers, white chocolate and gold leaves. Yum!

Walk the city, get lost!

I spent my last day walking around the city until I could not do it anymore because a storm rolled in. I find NYC so fun and interesting, I can get lost and explore little corners and lose track of time. Can't wait to go back and hang out with my hams once again.

Until next time,

N.