Let's Hear It For...

During a run with my boyfriend last week, I strayed from my usual mishmash playlist and instead, opted for a repeat of one single song: “Empire State of Mind”. Yes, I am a fan of Jay-Z. But I’m an even bigger fan of New York City.

Like many people who grow up in small towns, I had always dreamt of discovering the city that never sleeps. No doubt, those thoughts were fueled by some of my favorite movies, like “You’ve Got Mail” and “One Fine Day” – HUGE Hanks and Clooney fan, thankyouverymuch – both of which took place in Manhattan, and both of which I played and watched repeatedly. I even carried around a purse that I thought only the chicest Manhattanites wore and aptly named it my “city bag”. Granted, it was nothing more than a black shoulder bag, but it made me feel worldly nonetheless.

Well, it took me all of 23 years, but last July, I finally made it! I’d love to say that I had been planning and saving up for months/years to make that perfect trip happen, but it was all quite spontaneous. Somehow, the stars and moon aligned for me in just the right way – and I’m glad it did, because perfect can’t even begin to describe my first time in “the” city.

It’s been awhile, but my memories of NY still feel as fresh as if I were there yesterday. Here are some of my favorites:

Taking in the gorgeous surroundings of the LES while munching on rice pudding and dipping my toes in the rooftop pool of our hotel

Dining al fresco on the sidewalks of Hell’s Kitchen

Witnessing a live window display at a SOHO drag shop

Rowboating in Central Park on our 7-year anniversary

Walking under the famous arches of the Brooklyn Bridge

Singing along to the best musical ever

Watching day turn into night at the Top of the Rockefeller

Good Eats

Whenever I travel to a new city, I’m always on the lookout for something unique to eat that I can’t normally find in town. Sure I may look touristy, talk touristy, and act touristy – but I definitely make it a point to eat locally. As much as possible, I prefer not to dine at chains [although I do like Olive Garden as much as the next person], only because big cities have so much MORE to offer, especially with ethnic cuisine. And considering that Maui doesn’t have much more than Asian, local, and seafood, it’s not that hard to find something new.

The first time I ever tried Indian in Seattle, I was quite apprehensive. It was strange and unfamiliar territory, and so gosh darn… pungent. But after my first bite of garlic naan and lamb korma, needless to say, I was an instant convert! Now, just hearing the word tandoori makes me salivate. Since then, my bf and I have been on a lifelong mission to try anything and everything at least once.

Sooo many of our best travel memories revolve around what we ate. Hence, my first trip to California in March will consist of me eating my weight’s amount of new and good food. I’ve spent hours researching and Yelping various restaurants in San Francisco and I’m as equally excited to sightsee the city Condé Nast named the best for 17 years in a row, as I am to savor each morsel of delicious ethnic fare.

Here are just a few of our hope-to-eats:

Aziza – Moroccan
Burma Superstar – Burmese
Café Jacqueline – French [soufflés]
Kokkari Estiatorio – Greek
Lavash – Persian/Middle Eastern
Paulette – Macarons
Pesce – Mediterranean/Tapas

I’m still on the lookout for quaint breakfast cafes and inexpensive dim sum, but I’m sure we’ll stumble across one or two while exploring town. I secretly wish a SF local/frequenter will stop by and recommend some other local haunts. Please, do divulge!