NYC Eats: Chapter 1

Even though this is a pretty universally known fact, let me preface this entry with one statement- eating in New York is expensive.

Still, I work a full-time job and I'm not going to let myself starve, so I have the opportunity to a test out a multitude of new restaurants all the time. Naturally, I needed to use this blog as an outlet to provide the world with my top selections.

Like many things, the culinary scene of NYC abides by the typical phrase, "If you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere." To be brutally honest, if New Yorkers don't enjoy a restaurant, it fails instantly. While this means that the majority of restaurants have wonderful food and service, it is quite disappointing to discover that a dining spot has closed before i've gotten to try it.

This past week I found what has now become my designated lunch spot: Hudson Market. It's a millennial's dream- they have açaí smoothie bowls, cold brew coffee, create-your-own salads, all kinds of fresh fruit... the works basically. And it's conveniently located beneath the High Line, so I only have to walk up a few steps to enjoy my lunch surrounded by lush plants in the "concrete jungle."

Chelsea is quite a trendy area, so when my coworkers and I were searching for a sit-down lunch that was a slightly more upscale, it wasn't extremely challenging to come across. The Americano at the boutiquey Hôtel Americano, had a sleek patio area that was tucked away from street traffic, and gave a breath of fresh air to equally-as-fresh fare. If you're an avocado lover (which I 100% am), this is an excellent choice.

Summer is also what I deem the "season of the rooftop," because what New York City lacks in outdoor seating space has just been relocated to the tops of its incredible skyscrapers (and shorter buildings too, if you're afraid of heights like I am). Recently I visited Serra by Bierria, on the top of Eataly Flatiron. It was nothing short of fantastic, particularly because I knew the host, who managed to give me a seat inside the bar's coveted private "greenhouse." On a hot summer day you'll want to order the Negroni Popsicle, which will deliver a refreshing "ahh" moment at first sip.

These presently stand as the week's top choices, but I'll also give a shoutout to Misirizzi in Bowery and Tarralluci E Vino UWS- both have few tables, but give off the sultry vibe that calls for a hot date, a bottle of wine and a -cliché- shared bowl of spaghetti.