Lombardi's Pizza

A trip to NYC is incomplete without visitng one of their famous pizzerias.  First, there is the debate between Chicago-style pizza and the New York-style pizza.  (I prefer NY style.)  Then, there is the debate among Giodano's, Gino East, Lou Malnati's, Grimaldi's, Lombardi's, etc. of whose pizzas rein supreme. (clearly Iron Chef poisoned...)

I haven't been to Grimaldi's yet but I like Lombardi's enough I will go everytime I visit NYC.  The location is perfect after spending a relaxing afternoon in SoHo.

Rice to Riches

This is a desserts place that sell rice puddings in Nolita.  I have to be honest, I am not a big fan of rice puddings.  However, I know a lot of people who love this place.  Personally, I love the cheeky signs they put up in the shop.  I took my mom and brother here on separate occassions and we all had a good laugh.  I will continue to come back here just because of the signs... (and also because this shop is on the way to my favorite pizzeria!)

"Sleep till you're hungry, eat till you're sleepy"
That's my motto!

Momofuku Noodle Bar

There are so many eateries in NYC and most diners have been spoiled by the best of the best.  It is hard to to succeed in this city and even harder to maintain the success.  Momofuku is a success story in my opinion.

Dominique Ansel Bakery

If you have heard of cronuts, you probably have heard of Dominique Ansel Bakery.  The line for cronuts starts as early as 5 am. (insane!)  Honestly, as much as I love food, I don't understand why people would line outside a bakery at 5 am for a cronut when it's minus ten degrees Celsius outside.

Chelsea Market & the Lobster Place

Believe it or not, Chelsea Market was an alternate destination after I (barely) missed the Yayoi Kusama exhibition at the David Zwirner Gallery... It turned out to be a favorite for both my mom and I... You can't go wrong by taking a housewife and a foodie grocery shopping...

Shake Shack (Grand Central Terminal)

My friend recommended this place to me and it's been on my list for a while.  Finally tried and it was delicious!  They have a number of stores in NYC and I went to their Grand Central Terminal location.  Good things come to those who wait :)

Joe's Shanghai (Midtown)

I used to love Joe's Shanghai's soup dumplings.  It's a must-eat every time I visit NYC.  Perhaps I am spoiled by the soup dumplings from the likes of Din Tai Fung after I moved back to Asia but I can't believe I used to love their soup dumplings here.  I was so disappointed.  My mom was not impressed either...I am not sure if it has to do with the fact that I always go to their Chinatown location for the soup dumplings but it's a meal not worth the calories...

Menkui Tei

It's a misnomer that eating out in NYC is expensive.  Of course, it's home to many world's best and Michelin-starred restaurants.  However, there are many cheap eats to moderately priced restaurants in town also.  NYC caters to every budget :)

Cake Boss Cafe (Times Square)

Even though I did not watch any episode of Cake Boss, I knew of this place.  When I passed by the shop per chance in Times Square, I went in for a cupcake!  Apparently, I wasn't the only one making a pilgrimage as this place is packed!

Keens Steakhouse

When it comes to NYC steakhouses, the most famous one I know is Peter Luger's. However, I have heard that it's full of attitude and the food there is overrated. So I am happy to discover this low key chophouse in the heart of Mid-town.

According to their website, Keens Steakhouse was a part of the Lambs Club, a famous theatre and literary group founded in London prior to 1885. Back in the day, Keens was a lively and accepted rendezvous of the famous. Actors in full stage make-up would hurry through the rear door to “fortify” themselves between acts at the neighboring Garrick Theatre.

I forgot to take a picture outside...
(Photo from the internet, no copyright infringement intended)