New York City {Where to Eat}

There was a lot of nostalgia eating on this college visit trip to the big apple.  We got to spend time with old friends we haven't seen in far too long and meet in real life new friends from the virtual world.  I revisited many places that I have loved from many New York visits over the years.

Kelly & Pings
127 Greene Street

I have been eating here, usually coming straight from JFK after an overnight flight from some African country, for almost 20 years.  My comfort food order is wide thai noodles and a Vietnamese lemonade. 

City Bakery
3 West 18th Street

This is another one of my real nostalgia spots.  After a long day of shopping in the Union Square neighborhood for a years worth of school clothes and kids birthday presents to take back to Zimbabwe, I would head to the City Bakery for coffee and a plate sized chocolate chip cookie.  

Two Boots

Years ago before there were hipster tea shops on Clinton Street and high rents in Alphabet City, a very groovy pal who lived in both New York and New Orleans introduced me to Two Boots pizza.  Spicy and fast this is my go to pick for a slice. 

Absolute Bagels
2788 Broadway  

I was told that these are some of the very best bagels in New York City.  That is a bold statement to make. The line outside seemed to confirm this.  Luckily we have a pal who lives directly across the street ad we could watch from the window for a lull in the crowds and not have to wait in a long line.  It had been over two years since I had had a bagel and I really, really needed this one to live up to expectations. The bagels are indeed very very good. 

Arties Delicatessen

2290 Broadway

This is the only place I buy black and white cookies in Manhattan   They taste best if you sneak them into a matinee movie at Lincoln Center. 

Katz's Delicatessen
205 East Houston Street

Yes, the table from When Harry Met Sally is still here and yes, the pastrami sandwich really is that good.  After a long day and literally walking about 100 blocks,  the sharp, crunchy pickles, the creamy potato salad and the piled high on rye sandwich were just perfection.  The neon signs and slightly bewildered Italian family at the next table were the cherry on top. 

Golden Unicorn
18 East Broadway

A lazy Sunday morning spent choosing dumplings and pork buns from carts is one of my favorite things to to in New York City.  My advice is arrive before 11:30 when there are still plenty of tables and plan on spending a few hours trying just about everything that passes by.  You will still be full at dinnertime. 

I did try a few new things this trip.

5 Napkin Burgers - Hells Kitchen
630 9th Ave @ 45th Street

Buzzy and loud, both the neighborhood and the burgers at 5 Napkin Burgers are awesome.  I had the original 5 Napkin burger served with a fragrant rosemary aioli. The Teenager loved his sushi burger with a fiery wasabi bite.  Another plus, the martinis are cold and strong.

Fishmarket
111 South Street

The downtown area of the city was hit badly by Hurricane Sandy in October of last year.  It is recovering, but still showing signs of the incredible force and damage the storm wrought.  Good pals have rallied around this local spot and have helped to  keep it open.  They also very generously invited the Teenager to accompany them on their regular music gig.  Mama in the kitchen sent out plates of sweet and spicy pork belly sandwiches and an incredible, peppery fish stew that hot the spot on an unseasonably cool summer evening.