NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK
Honestly, all I ever do in NYC is eat and shop, so if you're looking for a cultural guide — I’m not your girl.
STAY
Arlo SoHo
Stayed here in 2019 - but since that fiasco with the racist girl in the lobby happened last year, I’ve not stayed there.
I’ll say that it was a beautiful hotel, minimal with a cute (free!) 5 à 7. Unlimited wine, beer and appetizers were a welcome touch after the long days spent walking around exploring.
Downside: super small (duh, it’s New York), but the main thing is that the bathroom is basically separated from the room by a glass wall, so it’s quite ~open to the elements.
Ludlow
Stayed here in a 2-bedroom suite and she’s cute — definitely loved the location and the bathroom decor. The rooftop is cute and no one uses it, so we definitely had a few apéros there.
EAT
ATLA
Although this was very good, it was quite expensive and the portions are small. Definitely, a mistake to have gone here on the first night after a day of travelling (aka starving).
La Esquina
I purposely didn’t film anything here because this is an experience you should live IRL (you know like living in the moment vs living to post about it kinda thing?) It’s definitely reminiscent of some Montreal speakeasies, so check it out if you’re in town and love Mexican food.
Bar Pitti
Authentic. Staff is honest (he flat out told me I should order another dish and to trust him on it).
The Grill
It’s giving Suits. It’s giving FiDi bros. It’s giving Patagonia vest over a dress shirt douchebaggerie. But it’s a great restaurant with awesome food and I love the cocktails here.
Milk Bar
Now that I’m no longer living in Toronto, I’m going to include this in the guide because BIRTHDAY CAKE.
Fiaschetteria Pistoia
Best caccio e pepe I’ve had in America.
Sadelle’s
As a snobby Montreal bagel connoisseur, I can’t admit that I love any NY bagel (I think we combust if we do, actually) — it’s a really good breakfast (get the salmon tower). The one thing I hate there is their coffee… lol and that seems problematic for breakfast.
Lombardi’s
America’s first pizzeria; I’m talking paper plates level simple, but ingredients are amazing and I’d go back for the Caesar salad
Joe’s Pizza
As featured on Spider-Man (like, Toby Macguire version). Quick and good, the perfect thing to grab in Brooklyn in between shopping.
Lil’ Frankies
If you’re familiar with Sugo in Toronto, it’s very similar vibes.
Jack’s Wife Frieda
A shoutout to Medi food just always being comfort in travel lol.
Have & Meyers
LOVED this place — quaint, candles, vino. Great Italian plates ideal to share. BRUH the caccio e pepe gnocchi… dio mio.
Carnita’s Burrito
Via Carota
Another spot to have cacio e pepe (lol)
Rubirosa
You can never have too much pizza?
Taqueria Ramirez
Taco spot in Brooklyn
SHOP
I feel like shopping and NYC are synonymous, but I really wanted to avoid the “spend-just-because-I’m-on-vacation” mentality.
For the most part, American companies/brands/retailers are also available in Canada, so that’s why a lot of my focus and therefore this guide is thrift and vintage stores.
Beacon’s Closet
One of my faves — can always find something great at a low price.
L Train
Stella Dallas
Sample Sales
Get Googling sisters and find sample sales while you’re there.
Metropolis Vintage
New York Vintage Inc.
Ritual Vintage
Screaming Mimi’s
East Village Vintage Collection
