FOOD: Tea at the Plaza

Every girl's dream - obviously to be Eloise and to spend her days skipping through the Plaza Hotel with her pet turtle. While I don't see this fantasy of mine becoming a reality anytime soon, I realized tea at The Plaza was a tangible alternative. Claire and I entered The Palm Court, feeling as through we were transported to London. Unlike tea time in London, The Plaza offers four different tea time options (New Yorker tea, classic tea, chocolate tea, and Eloise tea). Claire decided on the New Yorker, which included such items as a pastrami sandwich, black and white cookie, canoli, and other typical NY goodies. I opted for the classic tea for the macaroon, cucumber sandwich, and other such tea time novelties. Of course tea at The Palm Court isn't for those trying to save money, but for our last day in the city it was the perfect splurge.

We felt quite glamorous seated in The Palm Court, sipping our tea with a dash of milk. Positioned at the table closest to the Eloise portrait, we were able to view gaggles of teeny boppers pose with Eloise for their taste of a dream. Downstairs among The Plaza shops is an Eloise store which is the epitome of every girl's dream - dress up room, tea area, beanbags and a tv, and loads of pink tutus. Even if I'm too old to partake in such festivities, tea at The Plaza is fine by me!

-Miraya

FOOD: The Halal Guys

I tried quite a few food trucks this summer, but The Halal Guys was one of the only I made a second trip to. Located conveniently at 53rd and 6th, The Halal Guys makes for quite a satisfying lunch - and dinner too if you have the will-power.

Unlike the other halal trucks positioned on almost every corner of the city, The Halal Guys boast "we are different" and I must agree. Even the smell of the random halal trucks sickens me and the meat looks dirty, but walking past The Halal Guys I'm instantly tempted. Their menu includes plates of lamb, chicken, or combo (lamb and chicken) poured over seasoned rice, lettuce, pita, and doused in creamy white sauce and spicy red sauce. The portions are overwhelmingly good for the $6 cost. The first time I had the goal to save half for dinner but enjoyed it too much to stop, stuffing my face with the addictive spicy sauce until I felt I might explode and only a few bites were remaining. The second time around I forced myself to be more disciplined, splitting the bowl in half and stretching my $6 to last a lunch and dinner, needless to say I was quite proud. The Halal Guys is perfect for an empty stomach at lunch or eating on a budget. Your bowl is stuffed with quality meat, definitely getting your bang for your buck.

-Miraya

FOOD: Bagels

The best bagel is a heated topic among New Yorkers and after careful research I narrowed down that Ess-A-Bagel and H&H Bagel were the top contenders. So obviously I took it upon myself to decide which deserves the title of best NY bagel.

Ess-A-Bagel: When I walked in I was surrounded by cute old Jewish couples and instantly knew I was where I belonged. I ordered an everything bagel toasted with olive cream cheese and an iced coffee. The bagel was giant, I mean we're talking about the fluffiest, biggest bagel I've ever laid eyes on. One of the employees asked if I needed a bag to take half to go, but after I took my first bite I knew no bag would be necessary. The spices and salt coating the bagel erupted in flavor and heavenly mixed with the creamy olive spread. It was a fantastic bagel and I devoured the monstrosity quite quickly. Despite Yelp reviews which warned against the coffee, I didn't mind the iced coffee. Definitely wasn't one of the best cups of java I've ever had, but not too bad either. I left feeling very satisfied by the true NY bagel. It really is something about the New York water that gives bagels in the city their unique fluffy texture.

H&H Bagel: Located in the Upper East Side in the heart of thrift shop heaven, H&H Bagel will now always hold a special spot in my heart. The staff was unbelievably friendly. I was persuaded to order a lox sandwich with tomato and an iced coffee. My meal ended up being over $10 which was a shock, but it was quite a significant amount of lox between the bagel. The everything bagel was warm, fresh out of the oven, instantly raising the bar above Ess-A-Bagel. The bagel itself wasn't as overwhelmingly large as the Ess-A-Bagel, but size isn't everything. The warmth of the H&H bagel made me fall in love. Unlike Ess-A-Bagel, the H&H employees told me which bagels were freshest to ensure I had the best experience. The lox was flavorful and filling and the iced coffee was phenomenal. Overall, H&H wins in my book. I even made a second stop there to get a dozen bagels to bring back to California with me!

All bagels are not alike, and when it comes to New York, H&H Bagels takes the cake...or should I say bagel.

-Miraya

FOOD: Amorino Gelato

The first time I walked past Amorino Gelato I was blown away to see a line down the street and wrapped around the corner. I assumed it must some pretty incredible gelato for people to stand in line for so long and instantly added it to my list of places to try. Shortly after I discovered that the reason the line was so long was I happened to walk past on their grand opening and they were giving away free gelato to all! Now, even at over $5 a pop the line is still always long.

The draw to this Europe originated gelato shop is the beautiful flowers they create from your flavors. First you select your size of cup or cone and then you can pick as many flavors as you desire and they scoop and mold them into a perfect flower. I've never challenged them with more than 4 or 5 flavors, but I've been told they can mold all 20 something flavors into a single flower - quite impressive.

Of the few times I've been I've been most pleased with the fruity flavors, which are refreshing and perfect for a hot summer day. Next, I'll have to check out the Amorino Gelato stores in Europe, perhaps one of the two in England or some of the forty-three open in France! Obviously these people know what they're doing.

-Miraya

FOOD: Katz Deli

Pastrami, rye bread, pickles, oh my! Every time I come to New York, Katz Deli is a must for me. I finally got the chance to go this summer and it was as delicious as I remembered. I ordered one sandwich for myself and was so stuffed after just half the sandwich, but the other half made an excellent dinner the next day. You really haven't tasted pastrami until you've been to Katz, home of the film When Harry Met Sally.

-Miraya

FOOD: L'Artusi

Good food and great conversation makes for the best dinner, and that's what I had at L'Artusi with my friend Karen who I used to intern with in San Francisco. Our dinner started as we walked up the stairs passed the row of perfectly placed candles. It was as though we had entered an upscale Italian bistro right out of a home decorating magazine.

We were greeted with tasty bread and rich olive oil. With so many divine pastas on the menu it was hard to pick just one. I decided on the Cappellacci (summer squash, ricotta, parmesan). It was very decadent and almost tasted like a dessert. Karen ordered Orechiette (sausage ragu, tomato, ceci, radicchio). We basically guessed on what to order because we didn't know what half of the words on the menu meant. But we were both very pleased with our decisions. 

The dinner was on the pricer side, at about $16 for a small serving of pasta. But the flavors were so rich I was very content with the size. The bar downstairs was quite crowded and after we left dinner it filled up even more. Located in the West Village, L'Artusi is a hip afterwork drink spot or dinner date. 

-Miraya

FOOD: Prosperity Dumpling

With 4.5 stars on Yelp from 750 reviews, I knew Prosperity Dumplings would be good. Tucked away in Chinatown with a very unwelcoming front (notice the upside down OPEN sign), this is a spot only locals or Yelp users would discover. Brandon had been here before and recommended the 5 dumplings for $1, which was an awesome tip. It's a very small restaurant with tons of people cranking out food in the back. Thanks, because it's good and definitely deserves its high Yelp ratings.

Brandon's 10 dumplings for $2 covered in sauce.

-Miraya

FOOD: Brindle Room

Our friend John had heard about The Brindle Room in East Village and we went there for dinner together the other day. Claire and I both ordered Moules Frites, which are mussels and fries, and they were divine. The prices weren't too expensive, but not particularly cheap either. But for $14 I got a giant bowl of mussels and a tasty pot of perfect fries. I was quite happy. Claire and John also got the special as an appetizer, fried clams with guacamole on top. John got the seared salmon and Aislinn ordered a kale salad. I treated myself to a refreshing glass of fresh sangria and John sipped a glass of white wine.

The Brindle Room is a great place to come with a few friends because it's a very intimate setting. The noise level was pretty loud, but we could all hear each other alright. Looking online now I see they are famous for their donuts, so I might have to stop back there for brunch to try a homemade donut. 

-Miraya

FOOD: Rai Rai Ken

Brandon was craving some ramen so we went on a hunt in the East Village and according to Yelp, Rai Rai Ken was the best. As someone who has only tasted a few bowls of ramen in my life, I was pleased with the Miso Ramen (soy bean based noodle soup topped with beansprout, cabbage, onion, crispy garlic, chicken and scallion) which the waiter said was their most popular. Brandon however wasn't as easy to please and said it lacked flavor. The restaurant is very small with only tables at a bar facing into the kitchen. We luckily got two seats in a corner but I can imagine having to wait a long time when it's busy. 

Rai Rai Ken has 3.5 stars on Yelp which I say is fair. It was pretty cheap and fast and it hit the spot. Wasn't the best meal I've ever had, but for a weekday dinner it was fine by me.

-Miraya

FOOD: Grilled Cheese Please

Grilled cheese is definitely one of my comfort foods. So when I heard there was a grilled cheese food truck I just had to try it! And then when I saw Gorilla Cheese parked by Union Square a few blocks from my apartment I knew it was destiny.

They make the classic grilled cheese with cheddar, gruyere, or mozzarella, as well as specialty sandwiches. I got a #7 (fresh mozzarella with smoked turkey and tomato on multigrain bread). It was $8.50, which I can't say is a good deal, but it's a pretty normal price for New York. Claire got a classic grilled cheese with cheddar. Aislinn decided on the Mac & Cheese cup, which was only $3 for a cheesy cup packed with noodles.

Follow them on Twitter @gcnyc1 to stalk their whereabouts. Our food journey continues, one food truck at a time!

-Miraya

FOOD: Land Thai Kitchen

I ventured to the Upper West Side with my friend Doreen and we tried Land Thai Kitchen for dinner. We waited outside for almost an hour as plates of delicious smelling food surrounded us on nearby tables. By the time we got to sit down and order I was basically drooling on the menu, everything sounded so good.

I ordered the Wok Ginger & Garlic with Shrimp, which was delectable. Paired with a glass of wine and lovely company, it was a charming dinner.  The neighborhood around Land Thai Kitchen is filled with many other cute restaurants that I must try soon. But maybe I should be blogging about something other than food... nah.

-Miraya

FOOD: Dining at the Jane Hotel

Who knew hotel food could taste so great? Cafe Gitane in the Jane Hotel defy all expectations of hotel restaurants. I went with a group of friends and we shared some Petit Plats to start off our meal - Brie and Apple and the Avocado, lemon juice, olive oil, chiliflakes on seven grain toast. While the servings were pretty small for 4 people to share, it was a nice tasty few bites of each item.

Bryan ordered Moroccan couscous, one of their specialties. And I got Salmon Pot Pie, which was nothing like I was expecting. Instead of creamy, dense pot pie it has delicious layers of fresh salmon crusted in crispy batter and olive sauce. Claire got a baked pasta and Aislinn took the healthy route with a salad.

Apparently the Jane Hotel is not only known for their food but for their night life. The bar is frequented with celebs, such as Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. While the food was tasty, the thought of meetings the infamous Olsen twins is enough to make we want to return to the Jane Hotel.

-Miraya 

FOOD: Momofuku

Momofuku is quite famous in New York City. There's a Momofuku noodle bar, milk bar, and three other restaurants as well as cookbooks for sale in every bookshop. Momofuku noodle bar is the cheapest of the bunch so I decided to give it a shot.

I ordered the Smoked Brisket (chilled somen noodles, thai basil, soy egg). It was different than anything I'd ever tried before, the mixture of noodles, meat, egg, and crispy cucumbers. The exotic tastes were surprisingly tasty. It was a hot day and the cold noodles were refreshing. Plus, the hip environment of the Noodle Bar added to the experience and I was accompanied by my good friend Surya, so dinner was filled with great conversation. Surya, who is a vegetarian, ordered basically the only vegetarian option of the menu, Ginger Scallion Noodles (pickled shiitakes, cucumber, cabbage). Her dish was jam packed with ingredients. Neither of us finished our large noodle bars, but we enjoyed every bite.

We finished off the night with dessert from Momofuku Milk Bar. We shared an order of pretzel cake truffles, which tasted just like a chocolate and pretzel explosion. The Milk Bar serves all kinds of truffles as well as cakes and ice cream and sundaes. Guess I'll have to make a stop there soon!

-Miraya

FOOD: Baked Goods on Wheels

It's been a long day of work and I need a little treat, so I check my Twitter for any food trucks near by. Perfect, Treats Truck is parked just a few blocks away! So I scurry over to get a yummy snack.

I'm totally torn between the lemon bar and a rice crispy treat, but when I see the rice crispy treat with pretzels and peanut m&ms I'm sold. It was simple and comforting, just like a homemade goody. I'm not sure it was worth the $3, but it did really hit the spot, especially since I won't be able to make rice crispy treats in my apartment this summer.

Treats Truck has little samples at the counter, which are quite delectable. They also have a punch card that gives you a free treat after you buy 10. Not sure I'll make it to the truck 10 times this summer, but mmmm just looking at the pictures make me want another!

-Miraya

FOOD: What's an arepa?

I recently discovered arepas, which are Venezuelan corn-flour rounds. Caracas Arepa Bar serves up many types of arepas as pitalike pockets with various different goods inside. On 7th St. right below St. Mark's Place is the cozy Arepa Bar next door to a takeout restaurant. Claire and I patiently waited for a table and wedged our way into the crowded restaurant for a tasty arepa.

I ordered an A10 (guayanes cheese, fried sweet plantains, avocado slices). The crispy smooth inside was a delicious combo with the crunch of the fried arepas. Claire got an A8 (shredded beef, black beans, salty cheese, sweet plantains). She salivated over the sweet and savory explosion of flavors. The arepas were pretty small, and I almost wanted to order another one. But I resisted the urge and just savored the delicious bites I had remaining. We topped off our arepas with a sugar cane and lime soda and fresh pineapple juice.

-Miraya

FOOD: Upper East Side Lunch

Strolling along 5th Avenue past the beautiful shops and drooling at the gorgeous clothes works up an appetite. Claire and I Yelped nearby cafés and found the darling Via Quadronno on East 73rd St. between Madison and 5th Ave. The bright green door opens to a true Italian café, complete with a gelato counter in the front.

We were seated in the back next to a fabulous Italian couple enjoying multiple courses of delectable food. The café has a European vibe and is filled with a very Upper East Side crowd. The prices on the menu were fairly reasonable considering the location and customers who frequent there.

I started with a cappuccino because Via Quadronno is famous for their unforgettable cappuccinos. Claire ordered a fresh squeezed grapefruit juice. To eat I decided on a Soppressata Veneta, which is an Italian salami Panini. A Panini with only one ingredient sounded quite plain, but Yelp reviews ensured me that it would be delicious. Claire ordered Pate al Porto, port fois gras pate on an open-faced sandwich. The dishes were rather small for their price, but that should be expected for the Upper East Side. We felt quite fabulous sipping our drinks and nibbling on our Paninis.

-Miraya

FOOD: Hot Spot for Dessert

Pineapple Tiramisu, Chocolate Green Tea Truffle Cake, Mocha Maldon Salt Caramel Cupcake, Ovaltine Ice Cream, Thai Tea Float….oh my. You know how sometimes you just want to skip dinner and go straight to dessert? Well at Spot Dessert Bar dessert is all they serve and dessert is all you will want.

Located at 13 St. Marks Pl, Spot Dessert Bar is tucked under another restaurant, hiding the marvelous goodies from those walking by on the street. Claire and I uncovered Spot and we went down the stairs, entering the quaint lounge dessert bar. Our eyes were instantly drawn towards the counter, which displayed colorful cupcakes, crispy cookies, and an immense selection of ice creams and sorbets. All the desserts are inspired from innovative sweets from Asia as well as classic American desserts. Each exotic desserts is made in house daily. We analyzed the menu for some time before we ordered.

We decided on a Chocolate Green Tea Fruit Jam Cupcake, Cookies and Cream Cheesecake, and Coconut Sorbet with Macaroon toppings. The Chocolate Green Tea Fruit Jam Cupcake was unlike any cupcake I’ve ever tasted. It appeared a chocolate cupcake with green tea frosting, but stabbing my fork in the chocolate resulted in an oozing fruit jam explosion. The Cookies and Cream Cheesecake is made with a layer of crunched cookies and topped with exquisite cheesecake. The creamy coconut sorbet with the crunch of the macaroons was out of this world.

After we thoroughly enjoyed our treats, we were informed by the manager who was sitting next to us that we should have ordered the dessert tapas deal, which includes any three of the dessert tapas for $21.95. Two of their most popular tapas are the Yuzu Eskimo (blackberry, raspberry, oreo, chocolate) and White Miso Semifreddo (olive oil cake, almond, raspberry sorbet). Needless to say, we will be returning soon.

Spot has cute tables for two, perfect for a date, or long tables for an outing with friends. They even offer treats to go, for that long day where you just need something sweet. There is even a SPOT VIP Card, which gives you one stamp for every $7 purchase; once you collect 10 stamps you receive one free item of your choice. That’s one sweet deal!

-Miraya

FOOD: 4th Street Oasis

In the busy city of New York every girl needs a little break from the noisy streets and hectic lifestyle. Some find their oasis strolling through Central Park or at the gym while others get a mani-pani at a local salon or pop into their favorite shop. When Claire and I strolled down 4th St. I caught a glance of the retro oasis B Bar and Grill. Behind the blue wooden doors is a magical garden with happy customers enjoying tasty food.

Claire and I entered through the front door at 40 East 4th St. and were given the option to sit indoors or outdoors. Although I rarely decline the chance to sit in retro diner booths, the string lights and green trees outdoors looked too perfect to pass up. As we walked out to the garden I felt as though we entered another era, when girls wore poodle skirts and frequented American diners. We were seated in a corner that was filled with colorful flowers and lush trees. As I sipped my iced coffee I completely forgot I was in the middle of a chaotic street in New York City. Once my BLT with avocado arrived I realized I had just discovered my NYC oasis. The crunch of fresh bacon with smooth avocado mixed with the crisp of homemade waffle chips beats a stroll in Central Park any day. Claire munched on a Bowery beef burger topped with pepper jack and mushrooms with a side of french fries. Each of our lunch items was reasonably priced at $10, which we found a great deal for a nice lunch in the city and includes the ambiance of the outdoor garden.

For a casual lunch, dinner date, or a night out for drinks, B Bar and Grill will not disappoint. They even host private events in their outdoor garden, which is a magical place for a business holiday party or launch event. So head down to 4th St. to enter the oasis known as B Bar and Grill.

-Miraya