Our Favorite Spots
BO's Bagels
While Nina lived in NYC, she compiled an exhaustive ranking of over 30 bagel spots in the city. This is her favorite spot in Manhattan (although she has not tried the reincarnated Absolute Bagels). Get the blueberry bagel, which uses fresh blueberries. Or the cranberry bagel. Or the za'atar bagel. Or the...
Nonna Dora's
We used to have a monthly date night here. We would take the ferry from Long Island City, just outside our apartment, to the E 34th Ferry Pier. Imagine sitting on the ferry, sated, as you cross the East River glimmering with the reflection of the NYC skyline. George's negroni list includes no fewer than a dozen different variations and the gnocchi is unbelievable. Make a reservation ahead of time!
Los Tacos No. 1
Our favorite, cheap, weeknight meal on the way home from work. No seats, super fast, all standing. Order the vampiro if you wanna get fancy with it. No reservations needed.
MáLà Project
We ate here on our second date in New York, then ran back to our hotel in the pouring rain. Unbelievably delicious Sichuan dry pot. There are a few locations, but the East Village one is our favorite. Takes reservations.
Gramercy Tavern
Our first date in NYC! They have a very nice bar as well, if you want to dine solo and get a burger and martini.
Pastis
One autumn night, we dressed up and went to the now-defunct immersive show Sleep No More. Shortly after we discovered that Pastis makes one of the best burgers in the city. Smashburger style, double patty, perfect fries. Make a reservation!
Kossar's Bagels & Bialys
Nina's second-favorite bagel spot in Manhattan.
Roberta's
On our last night in NYC, we ate this pizza on our floor, surrounded by boxes, and drank red wine out of solo cups, as we stared at the skyline view from our apartment for the last time.
Sunken Harbor Club
Probably Alexander's favorite bar in the whole city. No reservations, so arrive early, before it opens, and be prepared to wait.
Chez Ma Tante
On many a warm day we would stroll here from our apartment in Queens. Their pancakes will change your mind about pancakes. Their pancakes are what pancakes would taste like in heaven.
Bagel Hole
This is Nina's all-time favorite bagel spot. Cash only, and no toasting allowed (there is literally no toaster here).