NYC Dining and Drinking

Living in New York City, I’ve visit countless restaurants, bars and clubs, yet I constantly find myself at a loss when people ask for recommendations. Therefore, today, I decided to organize my life and compile a list of all the cafes, restaurant, bars, and nightclubs that I have visited since coming to the City 2 months ago. Based on the list, I’ve frequented 50+ locales in the 60 or so days that I’ve been here—for an average of a place a day. That’s pretty incredible, or should I say ridiculous? NYC definitely promotes excess. Apparently this is how I’ve been able to get by without really cooking a real meal for the past two summers and for the last two months.

I plan to continue adding to this food list as I go along. I have visited many great places and have forgotten about them soon afterward—documenting will help keep them fresh in my mind. Come next time when someone needs a recommendation for a Burmese, a Jamaican, or an Italian eatery, all I have to do is to reference my list to make a personal recommendation.

I like to believe that that I’m helping to keep the economy afloat by living the all-American consumer lifestyle. This is part of living in NYC. Our apartments are too small to entertain guests, consequentially, our social life centers around restaurants and bars. Yet I would like to believe that I’m not as excessive in my shopping or eating out habits as everyone else. Ask anyone who knows me and they’ll tell you how I’m a huge advocator of meeting up to do something off the beaten track—I’m a huge advocate of making the most of the city’s events, from architecture open houses to film screenings to volunteer efforts. Maybe I should push even harder to meet for even more nontraditional reunions?

A few selected recommendations:
3rd Floor Café— Bar in K-town (entrance is disguised by a brightly lit elevator lobby)
Nyonya – Malaysian Restaurant in Little Italy (delicious Malay food)
Stout – Restaurant/Bar near Penn Station (a huge selection of beers and great all American food)
Annisa – Asian Fusion Restaurant in West Village (elegant and new American food. Female chef and all wines are from female run vineyards)
Il Corallo Trattoria – Italian Restaurant in Soho (great pastas)
Norma's – Breakfast Restaurant in Midtown West (sumptious brunch restaurant)
Billy's Cupcakes – Bakery Chelsea (cute unpretentious bakery)