A Taste of New York City: The Elizabeth Baugh and Rachel Dozier Edition

Alright, let’s go with the first line from the U2 song: “In New York, freedom looks like too many choices,” and when it comes to food in the Big Apple, that’s definitely the case.  Luckily, Megan and I had help navigating through the many restaurant choices.  Elizabeth and Rachel (Megan’s friends) have lived in the city for about three months now, and during our adventure to NYC, our incredible hosts offered to take us around to all of their favorite places.  We had the New York City staples: bagels, pizza, and hot dogs…plus many calories more.  I have pictures of some of the meals, but not all. Sorry, guys!  Consider it a favor........you'll want it all. 

Day 1

Breakfast: A freshly baked cinnamon raisin bagel toasted and topped with a mound of delicious cream cheese from Bagels.  Yes, Bagels.  Because the waiting area in the bagel place is about the same width of a bathroom stall, we took our bagels to the eighth floor of the Marriot to sit in some comfy chairs next to a futuristic elevator, quite reminiscent of Charlie’s glass elevator.

Lunch: A juicy cheeseburger topped with special Shake Shack sauce, lettuce, tomato, mayo and served with crunchy golden brown fries.  This place is so popular that you literally have to elbow your way into a seat.  If you go to JMU, think D-Hall on Grilled Cheese Thursdays. 

Snack: At Serendipity 3, an oversized goblet filled with peanut butter frozen hot chocolate with a heaping spoonful of homemade whipped cream and chocolate shavings on top.  During our hour-and-a-half wait to get in, we explored a street-side bookshop and Central Park.

Dinner: After seeing Nick Jonas, we enjoyed yummy appetizers and a fair share of Blue Moon at Southern Hospitality, Justin Timberlake’s Restaurant.  Megan and I split tender chicken fingers with a delectable honey mustard and a pulled pork quesadilla topped with jalapenos, tangy sour cream, and homemade guacamole.

Day 2 

Breakfast: Sliced apple dipped in peanut butter from Elizabeth and Rachel’s kitchen.

Lunch: A fluffy omelet stuffed with grilled shrimp, tomatoes, and feta served on top of bacon and topped with a spicy tomato salsa accompanied by a crisp spring mix and spinach salad tossed in a slightly-sweet vinaigrette…served with endless mimosas at a trendy brunch bar called Bondi Road in the Lower Eastside, my favorite locale in the city. <3

Dinner: Cheesy New York Style Pizza loaded with pepperoni on a soft and delicious crust from Brooklyn Pizzeria.  Luckily, the man with the tattoo on his face quit following us when we reached the restaurant.

Day 3

Breakfast: A Dunkin' Donuts donut topped with vanilla icing and rainbow jimmies, which we picked up the previous day on our way to the corner of Gramercy and Irving, the location of my dad’s former apartment building.

Lunch: Delicious Thai from Spice, a NYC Thai chain: Ginger pineapple chicken in a light brown sauce accompanied by the freshest red peppers, green peppers, and mushrooms with a side of rice and a Thai Iced Tea.

Dinner: The Recession Special at Gray’s Papaya: for $4.95 two hot dogs topped with spicy brown mustard and orange drink.  I don't have a picture of my hot dogs, but here's a picture from the restaurant.  Talk about colorful.