Birthday Trip to New York (to see Hamilton!!!!)

It's no secret that we love New York. We go at least once a year, and even spent a month there last summer (home exchange, FTW!)

Something you may or may not know about me, is that I absolutely LOVE going to the theater. Love it. I've seen a lot of shows on Broadway, London's West End, and a few traveling shows (and even one in Vegas) and they were all incredible! I love musicals, but I truly just love the way the theater makes everything so magical. They make everything so vivid, even without elaborate set changes and only a small number of people to play dozens of roles! How do they do it?!

About 18 months ago, I (along with most of America) became OBSESSED with the Hamilton soundtrack. It's one of the most innovative things I've ever listened to in my entire life. I knew I had to see it live. With our month in NYC approaching, I knew I could try for the lottery, but it was unlikely I'd win. So in June, I took matters into my own hands and bought tickets --- for March 2017. Yes, a solid 9 months in advance. So I knew we'd have an NYC trip for my 31st birthday!

SO yes, that's the entire reason we booked this trip. We had a home exchange we needed to use up anyway, so it was the perfect time. And if you have the chance to buy Hamilton tickets, do it. One of the best I've seen!

View from the Highline. I love those long, straight avenues :) 

The view from our 41st floor TriBeCa apartment was incredible! I've never had such a great view of the city.

New favorite brunch place - Maman TriBeCa. Such an inventive menu. The decor was very French Country but done so beautifully.

I love Lower Manhattan. 

More of our view - we could see the sunrise over Brooklyn. Amazing!

Other new favorite brunch - Bubby's. Apparently this place has been here a long time, and there's a reason. Get the pancakes. You won't regret it! (because I regret not getting them) Their huevos rancheros was also one of the best I've had!

An old man offered to take our picture on the Highline - he took 4 pictures, and the other 3 had his finger in front of the camera completely :) 

AAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

We had dinner at VBar Seaport and it was delicious. They had a great mezze plate and pasta, it was perfect for a rainy, cold night. 

Our final brunch was at the Butcher's Daughter in NOLITA. It was fresh and vegetarian, perfect for me! :) 

Our trip was awesome. The weather wasn't my favorite (40 and rainy), but that's "spring" for you. I did all of my favorite New York things - saw a show, got my nails done, had bubble tea, wandered downtown, had pizza by the slice, saw friends, and ate and drank a lot of great stuff! 

Then, after 3 days, we hopped on a plane to LONDON! To be continued....
xo

Where We Ate: New York City Edition

We ate a LOT of food in New York in July. After all, we were there for 30 days. During the week, we walked to get coffee each morning, at breakfast and lunch at home, and went out for dinner to cut back on our spending (even though our lodging was completely free!) There were a few weekday bagels, but I'd say that's par for the course. :)

You'll notice a lot of these restaurants, especially the coffee shops, are in Crown Heights, Park Slope, and Prospect Park. Mainly because we were staying in that area. We also ate a lot in the East Village - because there is so much great food! I actually prefer Lower Manhattan to Midtown or UES/UWS (no matter what Gossip Girl taught me). 

Anyway, here are photos & links to each restaurants website if available. We definitely enjoyed eating our way around New York.

Berg'n - Crown Heights

A really cool food hall with tons of different vendors & a great bar!

Harlem Public - Harlem 
Awesome pub with good burgers & beers on tap. Great outdoor patio.

Tinto Coffee Shop - Crown Heights

Percy's Pizza by the Slice - Greenwich Village

The Greek - TriBeCa
Delicious greek food. Absolutely loved our meal here!

Bergen Bagels - Park Slope
Favorite bagel spot in Brooklyn!

Gorilla Coffee - Park Slope

Near Bergen Bagels - great iced coffee.

Balthazar - SoHo
Traditional French patisserie. Amazing brunch!

 Doughnut Plant - Park Slope
Donuts - 'nuff said.

Shake Shack - Dozens of locations
I am particularly fond of their veggie option; a mushroom stuffed with cheese and deep fried (not even a little healthy, but a lot delicious!)

Camp - Boreum Hill 
A fun bar that looks like a cabin in the woods, that also has board games!

Konditori - Prospect Heights
One of my favorite coffee shops - I loved their espresso & tonic. It reminds me of Steadfast Coffee Soda here in Nashville!

Caribeana Coffee - Crown Heights 

Hotel Chantel - Lower East Side 
Loved this restaurant. Rooftop, beautiful & great food.

by CHLOE. - West Village
All vegan. All delicious. Full of white girls in Lululemon. 

Sit & Wonder - Prospect Heights

Breukelen Coffee House - Crown Heights 
A favorite for Iced Coffee near our place

Krupa Grocery - Park Slope
A fun find! Delicious food.

Brooklyn Roasting Company - DUMBO
Super cool vibe and they roast in house.

marker coffee - Crown Heights

Lula Bagel - Crown Heights

Tom's Restaurant - Prospect Heights
For all of the Seinfield lovers out there. Great traditional diner (we had breakfast).

Please Don't Tell - East Village
One of the cooler speakeasies out there. I'd suggest calling and making a reservation, it's unlikely you'll get in otherwise.

The Eddy - East Village

Joe's Pizza - Greenwich Village
The best! The original!

Miriam - Park Slope

One of the best meals we had in New York. Israeli brunch! I want to go back. 

Maison Kayser - Brooklyn Heights

Butter & Scotch - Crown Heights
Great dessert if you want something sweet! 

Vivi Bubble Tea - Chelsea
My first experience with boba tea -- I have been craving it ever since! So weird but so tasty.

Breukelen Brasserie - Crown Heights

Fraunces Tavern - Financial District
One of the oldest places in NYC! It's been a tavern since the 1700's! Worth dropping in for a beer.

Hungry Ghost - Park Slope/Prospect Heights

Nagel's Bagels - Crown Heights

Nathan's Hot Dog - Coney Island
I didn't eat anything here, but Matt did! 

Cookshop - Chelsea
I've been here a few times over the years, but it's always delicious. Make a reservation for brunch if you can.

10 Below - East Village
Thai ice cream! We had no idea when we walked in... we thought it was a normal froyo shop. It was such a fun experience.

Levain Bakery - Upper West Side
BEST COOKIE I'VE EVER HAD. No lie. It was huge and delicious, and somehow the chocolate chips were still warm and gooey inside two days later when I finished it (seriously - HUGE).

Lazy Ibis - Crown Heights

Royal Palm Shuffleboard Club - Gowanus
This place was so fun. Shuffleboard, great bar, and a food truck if you're hungry (reminds me of Pinewood Social in Nashville)

Roof at Park South - NoMad
Great rooftop bar with an amazing view!

Other places we ate but I never took a picture!
The Halal Guys - East Village
Bluestone Lane - Financial District
Hearth - East Village
Manhattanville Coffee - Crown Heights
Little Zelda - Crown Heights
Think Coffee - East Village
Chavela's - Crown Heights
Sweetgreen  - Chelsea
Prêt a Manger - All over!

There is SO MUCH GOOD FOOD in New York - that's half the fun of visiting! The only problem with writing this blog post, is now I'm hungry. How quickly do you think I can get to Levain Bakery?

Where are your favorite spots in NYC?
xo