Its been a while since we posted our How to eat like a Local in Paris Blog Post. It was about high time wewrote another one about New York after living in East Village with this amazing fellow.
(Recycle or die!)
So here we go.
Weekdaysfrom 4-6 Jeffreys Grocery (172 Waverly Pl, New York, NY 10014) serves unbelievably fresh Oysters for $1 US per oyster. They offer a wide selection from all different countries and parts of the sea and all sorts of accompaniments to suit your fancy.
Try the famous Shake Shack (Various NYC locations Including Madison Square Park) Addictive Burgers if you are willing to wait for at least 30 mins in line for lunch and no guaranteed seat during any time of the day.
Yes they seriously are worth the wait and no, there is no time you can go where there is no line.
Suck it up or head to Burger Joint (119 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019) A no frills cash only diner where there is Just as brilliant burgers (better shakes!) and a small yet mighty menu written down on a piece of cardboard. You can also order one humongous pickle to munch on while you wait for $1.45 US. Bargain.
From the creators of sister cafe Maman (which is worth a visit in itself – 239 Centre
Street, New York NY 10013) is a tiny take away only spot named Papa Poule (189 Lafayette St, New York NY 10013) Serving proper rotisserie chicken, delicious sauces and various sides and scrumptious home made Oreo among other brilliant attributes.
No seating apart from a small bench outside so be prepared to get cosy if you want to eat it while it's piping hot.
The chicken is well seasoned, heavy on the herbs and moist to perfection. Our succulent chicken was stuffed with aromatics such as fresh thyme and rosemary, garlic cloves, a bay leaf and whole peppercorn which gave it such rich flavours. Try it!
Frank in East Village (88 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003) is a must stop for Seasonal Italian fare.
We drove into New York City and I pointed this place out in the car and we wandered in the next day. Even though it was on the main stripit still carried that kind of quirky quaint style and decor that you know was never meant to be intentional.
The foodchoices are written in loose sprawl writing on a chalkboard and cooked quickly on simple plates whilst you sit upon your mismatched chair.
Franks truly delivers you that Italian nonna you so desperately desire, with melt in your mouth pasta and fresh locally sourced ingredients.
It is not only an authentic piece of what the East Village in New York was and IS always supposed to be, its also a little trip to Italy and beyond.
If you find yourself in Chinatown head to Wok Wok (http://www.wokwokny.com/ 11 Mott St NewYork, NY 10013) Best laksa in New York city!
Try theWhite Curry laksa which is served milky white and after a stir or two it develops into a beautiful golden colour.
Take a walk around in this tiny city within a city and pick up some cheap fresh groceries or misspelt T-shirts.
Also Dough Donuts (Various Locations http://www.doughdoughnuts.com/) is definitely worth a visit for housemade donuts with inventive glazes & fillings. I recommend the Chocolate Earl Grey and the Passionfruit. Fingerlicking good!
The Ukrainian Villageholds some wonderful dining experiences such as Caracas Arepa Bar (93 1/2 E 7th St New York, NY 10009)
What isan arepa? Basically a Venezuelan stuffed pita pocket and one arepa will fill you! Don't be deceived by the look of it.
I'vetaken so many people to this little hole in the wall, and everyone is always amazed they hadn't found this place sooner.
Mypersonal favourite being the La Surena - Grilled chicken and chorizo, with avocado slices and spicy chimi-churri sauce.
Highlightsof things to do for the non tourists are:
UCB
Theatre (https://east.ucbtheatre.com/ 153 East 3rd St. New York, NY 10009) Make sure you buy tickets in advance. For around $10 US a show you are faced with some of the best comedy acts in the US often featuring writers of Saturday Night live, Late Night with seth Myers, The Daily show and much more! all for the price of a fancy burrito!
Head to Smorgasburg in Brooklyn (www.smorgasburg.com) A Buzzy seasonal outdoor foodie market on Saturdays, offering 75+ incredible food vendors & city skyline views. Foodies dream! Catch a peek of the Brooklyn Bridge and have a little wander through the interesting and colourful neighbourhood that is Williamsburg. The High Line (New York, NY 10011) is an alternativetourist attraction for those who love nature growing beneath thecracks of the city. The High Line is a 1.45-mile-long New York City linear park built in Manhattan on an elevated section of a disused New York Central Railroad spur called the West Side Line. The long walk is serene, bring a good book and grab a bench to sprawl outon the sunshine and soak in the original concrete jungle.
Home is wherever Im with you.
