NYC for the Weekend
As travel slowly sinks back into our lives and everyone is feeling more adventurous than ever, my friend Andrea and I decided to start our travels with a not-so-close but not-so-far trip to NYC for the weekend.
A short bus or train ride from Boston and we were there! It had been so long since either of us had traveled, so we were both ready to kick it somewhere different for a bit!
Saturday, July 10th
Stewart Hotel | La Bonbonniere | Rebel Coffee | Fig and Olive | Restoration Hardware | SundaySoho | FunnyPrettyNice | La Pecora Bianca
| Levain Bakery | Le Relais de Venise L'Entrecôte | Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge
Our first stop was for a little brunch moment at La Bonbonniere. Definitely a ‘no frills’ space, this place has all the classics. I got blueberry pancakes and Andrea went for the chocolate french toast. However, beware of the long weekend line from West Village brunch-goers! Not to worry though, grab a coffee as I did across the street and wave to the cutest pup next door and your wait time will be significantly more enjoyable.
An absolute must-see for me was this upscale Mediterranean restaurant which holds the same name as my two dogs. Though we didn’t dine here, I did have the chance to pop in and ask for some commemorative literature so I could come back home and show my family (and pups) about this place. The interiors were beautiful and the staff was so personable. I’m definitely going to be trying this spot on my next nyc trip!
the real fig + olive…
Lots of walking/window-shopping/exploring/store-hunting/thrifting/vintage peeking/sightseeing ensued here.
We stopped at this cute and trendy Italian cafe for an afternoon apertivo. Of course, I ordered my classic aperol spritz and it was such a good way to sit and cool off for a few before returning to our walk.
These cookies have been popping up on my Instagram and Pinterest feed for years! So when we walked by the bakery in SoHo, we just had to try it. I opted for the cashier’s recommendation of dark chocolate peanut butter and Andrea chose to fulfill her craving for oatmeal raisins. Let’s just say…we were in gooey cookie heaven. To see our actual reaction, Andrea’s NYC vlog link is here for you to enjoy all the yumminess.
After finally checking into our hotel and settling in, we got freshened up and headed out to a late dinner at my favorite Steak Frites spot. I went to this restaurant for the first time in Paris when I was 15, and it was here that I had my first glass of Champagne! The thing that I love most about Le Relais is that there’s one thing, and one thing only on the menu. Steak Frites, baby! They begin the meal with a baguette and a walnut salad, and then they serve you two portions of your steak and fries with their secret sauce to round out the meal. It was divine. Andrea and I left stuffed and smiling.
After we walked almost the entire way to our hotel, we joined the queue for the Moxy hotel’s Magic Hour. Be advised, the line is well worth it. Once you get to the top, it’s like a pink, glowing carnival with a moving carousel, music, and dancing. With views of the Empire State Building and plenty of photo opportunities, this was definitely one of the best things to do at night in the city if you’re up for a little excitement.
SUNDAY, JULY 11TH
Brooklyn Bagel | The High Line | The Vessel | Central Park | Loeb Boathouse | Ferry Ride | Fearless Girl Statue | Oculus | Word Trade Center
| Washington Square Park | Olio e Piu
For our morning munch and stroll, we headed to the highly recommended Brooklyn Bagel. I chose a classic, toasted everything bagel with plain cream cheese and it seriously was the best bagel I’ve ever had. Andrea got a scallion and lox bagel and it looked so refreshing. We ate while we walked The High Line into Hudson Yards to see The Vessel. It was a peaceful and quiet morning, perfect for a Sunday in the city.
CENTRAL PARK + THE LOEB BOATHOUSE
Next, we took the train into Central Park for the thing I was most looking forward to on our trip. We rented a rowboat to spend a little time on the water. Though it was a bit harder than we anticipated, Andrea saved the day with her pro paddle skills. Certainly a peaceful way to spend a gloomy afternoon, it was picturesque and relaxing! Afterwards we shared a small lunch of prosciutto + burrata at the Loeb Boathouse. If you are a Sex and the City fan, this is where Carrie falls into the pond with Big!!! The atmosphere was immaculate, especially with the ever-so-smiley piano player and friendly staff.
FERRY RIDE
FEARLESS GIRL STATUE + OCULUS + WORLD TRADE CENTER
This dinner was absolute perfection. I wouldn’t have changed a single thing. I was so impressed by every inch of our meal. I ordered the spaghetti chittara alla carbonara and it came adorned with a stunning egg yolk on top. It was my first carbonara ever, and it was wonderful. Andrea chose a classic Margherita pizza that was anything but common…in the small bite I had, I was blown away by the flavor combos. For dessert, we split a Nutella calzone as our chocolatey nightcap.
MONDAY, JULY 12TH
The Butcher’s Daughter | Taiyaki NYC | Roman and Williams Guild | Buffalo Exchange | Bondi Sushi | Penn Station
Our day three brunch was this hip and fresh vegetarian spot in Nolita. I started the day with their cold brew that was the strongest I had in the city…it was refreshing and bold. The avo toast with a poached egg was my pick and it made for an absolute beauty shot. Andrea chose a specialty plate of their chai french toast. It was such a nice location and matched with excellent people-watching views.
For a little pick-me-up from the heat, we got Japanese ice cream from Taiyaki. We usually go to the Boston Seaport location when were home, but we had to try it at its debut spot! I got a make your own with graham crackers and cookie crumbs…delish!
Pictured above…the most glamorous furniture store and my future plates. Then, a sneak peek at the clothes we ‘rescued’ from Buffalo Exchange, my favorite second hand store.
I had been seeing this sushi company all over social media, so when we needed a light dinner before we departed on the Amtrak, I knew this was the spot. I got the vegetarian box and it had the most unique rolls. My favorite, as a truffle fanatic, was the avo truffle roll. It just melted in my mouth!
PENN STATION - HEADING HOME
xoxo - stay safe out there
My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophiemailhot/
Andrea’s Vlog Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8M2psBqYoY&t=417s
Andrea’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreanaomi1127/