This year instead of making a 2018 resolution, I decided to make a goal to do one new thing a week in the city. Whether it was walking into a new bodega, trying a new coffee shop or eating at a restaurant on my never-ending list of spots to explore, it could be big or small as long as it was something new.

Joe’s Pizza is a NYC favorite.

The Food

My list of restaurants, bars and food to try around the city is never ending! There are so many spots to explore. Here’s where I’ve tried so far, but please share any ideas in the comments!!

Joe’s Pizza – People call this the best slice of pizza in New York. To be honest, I’m not sure I’m totally convinced yet, but am always down for a quick $3 grab and go slice.

Kalustyan’s – This international spice and grocery store in the Curry Hill neighborhood of Manhattan is somewhere I could get lost in for hours!

Korean BBQ and karaoke in Korea Town – When my friend Danielle came to visit, we tried Korean BBQ where you cook the meat literally at the table. I definitely recommend this for visitors or groups of friends in the city.

Levain Bakery – I truly cannot say enough about these world-changing cookies from the Upper West Side bakery. They are the best I have ever had in my life and honestly are worth any amount of time spent in line.

Ludlow House – My friend Audree invited me to a New Years Eve party here and it was truly awesome. It’s a members only club, so if you can an invite, check it out!

Murray’s Cheese Bar – Split a bottle of wine and a charcuterie board with girlfriends at this spot in the West Village. A must-go for any cheese lovers.

The beauty of a fresh-out-of-the-oven chocolate chip cookie.

Maman Coffee – The most quaint coffee shop in Soho with a super-grammable aesthetic. (Just look at those printed coffee cups.)

Nom Wah Tea Parlor – This dim sum and dumplings spot is a classic spot in Chinatown and goodness did it live up to my expectations. I will never love a dumpling as much as I love theirs.

Refinery Rooftop – This midtown bar has an amazing view of the Empire State Building and it’s always on the list of best rooftop bars in the city. I thought it had over-priced drinks and a tourist vibe, so not my favorite yet.

Rosemary’s – A co-worker recommended this Italian spot in the West Village and it definitely is a gem. The wait can be long (no reservations!) but my friend and I got lucky with a spot at the bar. We hopped over to Small’s Jazz Club nearby for live jazz music and it was a quintessential NYC night!

Union Fare – I went to a birthday brunch at this restaurant that’s famous for their over-the-top croissants. Not only were the croissants amazing, but it was a perfect spot for a large group with a big picnic table in the back.

Rows and rows of cookbooks at The Strand.

The Exploring

There is always so much to do in the city and I love that about New York. From workouts to museums to exploring parks, I’ve gotten to see so much, but still have so much on my list.

AKT in Motion Workout – Ever since I saw Kelly Ripa doing this dance cardio workout, I knew I wanted to try it. I have to admit, I was underwhelmed, but my friend and I are going to give it a second chance at the NoMad location and see if it’s a different than our experience at the Upper East Side location.

Cherry Bombe’s Jubilee event at South Street Seaport – This conference bringing together women in the food world was super empowering. It was hosted at the brand new beautiful South Street Seaport right on the water. I didn’t even feel like I was in the heart of New York City anymore!

Metropolitan Museum of Art – I am working my way to each museum in the city, but the Met was a great place to start. I need to go back for a second visit because I couldn’t take it all in the first time!

Royal Palms Brooklyn – This shuffleboard club in Brooklyn is such a cool spot that makes you feel like you’re transported to a vintage Florida party. Great for groups or birthday parties.

Picnic in the Central Park – My friends and I brought wine, cheese and snacks to Sheep Meadow in Central Park the first day it was sunny and felt like spring. We spent hours hanging out on our blankets, listening to music and people watching.

Shadowbox – This boxing studio in Brooklyn took me out of my comfort zone to a new level! The high-intensity group boxing classes with music and mood lighting made for one of the hardest workouts I’ve done in a long time!

Gals in the park.

Smalls Jazz Club – Seeing a show here is a must-do in the city. The place is an intimate underground setting with fantastic artists. Get there early in the day to buy tickets if you can, or come about 30-40 minutes before the show to hang out in line for seats.

The Egg House – This egg-themed pop-up in the Lower East Side was slightly bizarre, but 100% made for Instagram. See a BTS here from Food Network.

The Health Nuts – My favorite health foods store in the Upper East Side that has any health-related product imaginable!

Strand Bookstore – This legendary bookstore is a easy walk from work and I got completely lost among the cookbooks one evening. Highly recommend.

Village Underground – This comedy spot is the sister of the Comedy Cellar and had an absolutely hilarious line up when I went. So many comedians with Netflix specials made appearances!

Visiting theSkimm HQ – I got invited to a dinner party at theSkimm before they revealed their brand new headquarters and it was such an honor to have a seat at the table. If you don’t already, get your daily dose of the news from theSkimm here.

I will keep updating you every few months with new additions from my summer adventures. So far, my list for the next few months includes going to a Yankees game, playing Bingo at The Standard, eating my way through Smorgasburg in Williamsburg, walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, seeing Mean Girls: The Musical and eating at westbourne, a hip new restaurant in the West Village.

What’s on your bucket list in New York City?

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela