Shivani & Ben
Things To Do
AMC 34th Street 14
Where it all started! If you're in the mood for a movie, stop by the theater where we had our first date watching Toy Story 4 (and our go-to on rainy weekends).
The High Line
A beautiful stroll along the west side of Manhattan. This is one of one of our favorite walks together with fun art installations, views of our neighborhood, and the Hudson River. At the end of the High Line, see Hudson Yards where we first met at L'Oréal!
The Frying Pan
A must-visit on a sunny day in the summer. The Frying Pan is a barge on the Hudson River, docked on the Chelsea Piers and close to our apartment. We spend as many summer evenings here as we can - great drinks, quick bites, and beautiful river views. We can't wait to see you here for our welcome reception!
Ichiran (Midtown)
Ramen is our favorite food, and this is our favorite spot to get it. This is the best ramen you’ll have in the U.S. (bold claim, but we think it’s true. New York is one of 3 cities outside Japan to have Ichiran!) This restaurant is a totally unique experience – you'll be seated at your own ramen “focus booth” with a form to fill out. Customize your dish – from the oil level, spice, saltiness, and your toppings – and once you submit your form, your ramen will come out in your private booth. Perfect for introverts and unwinding after a long day.
Jun-Men Ramen Bar
More ramen? More ramen. Jun Men might be our most frequented restaurant in New York. Just a short walk from our apartment, we stop by here all the time for our favorite comfort meal. Our order: Umami cucumber bites (mandatory), crunchy shrimp, & pork bone ramen. Ask for chili oil on the side!
The Grey Dog - West Village
Our go-to Sunday brunch spot and owned by a Michigan alum (Go Blue! Sorry Shiv...) The Grey Dog has a cozy neighborhood feel with classic breakfast options - but what makes it our favorite is all the cute dogs you'll see when you're here. Our order: Grey Dog omelette + Roasted turkey sandwich with apple and bacon jam (sweet potato fries + ranch on the side)
Barnes & Noble Union Square
Love books? Do you want to see A LOT of books? Go here. One of the largest bookstores in the world and also coincidentally where you'll find us most weekends. We also met one of our favorite authors, Leigh Bardugo, here last year!
Three Lives & Company
An adorable independently-owned bookstore we love to stop in when we're strolling through West Village. This has more of a curated selection in comparison to Barnes & Noble, but definitely worth a stop to find your next favorite read.
Roberta's Domino Park
Definitively the best pizza in New York City. It's not even close. Get the Bee Sting and thank us later. P.S. This is not the only location, but it's the closest to our venue. If you're in Manhattan check out Penn 1!
Our Favorite Spot in Central Park
Our little corner of Central Park. Just past Le Pain Quotidien in the park and directly north of Sheep's Meadow, this area has a perfect spot on the hill to people-watch and play with the cutest dogs ever. Bring a book and snacks!
American Museum of Natural History
Our favorite museum in the city. No amount of time here is enough - there's so much to see! Stop by the dinosaur section (our favorite) and the planetarium experience.
The Museum at FIT
The most fashionable museum in NYC! Check out Shivani's grad school alma mater and museum exhibitions showcasing historical & contemporary fashion. Plus it's free!
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - Lyric Theatre
One of our very first dates, and a spectacular show if you're a fan of Harry Potter! Make sure to set aside enough time to see both parts. Other shows on Broadway that we've seen and loved: Wicked, Chicago, Book of Mormon, Lion King, SIX, MJ and Hadestown
Tamarind Tribeca
The best Indian food in the city. Tamarind has classic Indian favorites and authentic dishes that are best when shared together. Our order: Murgh malai tikka, Pubjabi mutton and chicken tikka masala to split, & kulfi for something sweet (you can never go wrong with pistachio + mango)
Thursday Kitchen
Where we had our second date! This restaurant has Korean-fusion inspired tapas and cocktails in Capri sun-esque pouches that are so cute. Perfect for happy hour or a quick bite.
