Things I've Been Eating -- NYC

So last weekend, I gave myself a birthday present: 

From left to right: My two former roommates, my friend from
my study abroad program, and me!

I met some lovely friends from college in NYC.

It was a great time. Though I did not succeed in seeing a broadway musical like I wanted to, I had a ton of fun--the weather was GORGEOUS and in the 80s!--and it made me remember how much I love that city. Some day, I need to live there. Preferably before I'm 30.

Obviously, I took pictures of everything I ate and drank. It was all magnificent. Here are some highlights.

I met my old roommate at Port Authority and we went to her apartment in Queens. Since it was pretty late, we decided to go to a bar called Dutch Kills nearby. My friend described it as "kind of a speakeasy"--and it definitely had a 20s vibe to it! From the decor to the piano in the back to the way the cocktail servers were dressed. First I got a house drink (The Ultimate I think it was called?) and for my second drink, I told the bartender I was in the mood for something "fruity and girly." He didn't suggest things like I thought he would, but rather wasted no time whipping me up a Strawberry Cucumber Rickey--EXACTLY the kind of drink I was craving! It was sweet without being too sweet, definitely did not have a strong alcoholic taste, and was pretty strong. The drinks are pricey (though I'm not sure what the NYC standard is), but worth it. And the atmosphere alone is worth it. If you find yourself in Queens, I highly recommend Dutch Kills!

The next day I met my other former roommate for lunch. We were aiming for a true NYC brunch, but we both slept in for a bit too long and ended up having lunch instead. After wandering around what was either the Upper East or Upper West (I totally forget), we stumbled upon The Columbus Tavern. My friend and I ended up getting the Avocado BLT with fries and a few glasses of white wine. The sandwich was a great way to start the day and fuel up for all the walking we did! Since it was my birthday weekend I didn't mind being a little tipsy with the sun still out, but I think I'll stick to wine as an evening beverage from now on.

Avocado BLT at Columbus Tavern

After lunch we went shopping and met up with the friend I was staying with and my friend from the study abroad program I did in college. In lieu of a show, we went to the movies. We got our tickets for 50/50 and since there was a bit of time left before the movie started we decided to get some dinner nearby. I can't find a website for it, but near the theater was this Italian restaurant called Luca (in Yorkville). Originally I had wanted to just get something light and cheap, but once I realized the menu was pretty expensive for just about anything I decided to just go for it and get something fancy. Seriously glad I did. I got the Papardelle with Duck Ragu. It was fantastic. I've decided that duck definitely makes my list of Favorite Foods. If you can find Luca, I highly suggest it. The dipping oil for the table bread has roasted red peppers in it too, so fancy!

Delicious gourmet meal at Luca!

Finally, on my final full day in the city, I got to experience a New York Brunch! I got up before noon and met a friend who happened to also be visiting the city, and we got brunch at Agozar Cuban Restaurant in Greenwich Village. Their brunch special is fantastic: you get unlimited Sangria and a brunch entree for about $20 (can't remember exact price, between 20 and 25) from 12 to 4. I opted not to do this special (realizing from the day before that me and day-drinking aren't the best match) and just got the Huevos Rancheros, which came with one complimentary sangria. It was seriously one of the best breakfasts I've ever had. So flavorful, and just the right amount of spicy. If you're in NYC, go here. Be sure to make reservations if you're going later in the day--it was empty when I got there but packed when I left.

Blurry, yet awesome Huevos Rancheros at Agozar.

All in all, a successful and delicious weekend. I spent far too much money--seriously only I would spend time shopping at the same stores I can find at home, oy--but it was my little birthday present to myself and I had an excellent time. Someday I WILL live in NYC, but for now I'll be content with visiting my amazing friends. And I won't wait another whole year to do it, that's for sure!