Eating The Big Apple

In the spirit of celebrating our nation's birthday this week, I thought it made more sense to finish off this week writing about the U.S. instead of other countries, say, like Italy. So, even though there are still a couple posts left in the Spontaneous Weekend Trip to Rome series, I am ending this week by sharing with you a couple sneak previews from my next travel series: Eating The Big Apple.

I was lucky enough to visit New York City three times these past six months. Two were business trips for work, but one was a completely unexpected trip to the Saveur offices in Manhattan to celebrate my Best Food Blog Awards win (thanks again all for your support!).

New York is fun because you never know who you might encounter.

Like these men, who I saw in the window during a random morning stroll to the new Bouchon Bakery in Rockefeller Center.

Or this celebrity chef, who was wandering around saying hi to guests in his own restaurant. Of course I had to ask if I could see the kitchen.

Celebrities aside, there's still the never-ending diversity of interesting and really good food in New York, which is what I spent most of my time exploring.

Gospel Sunday brunch at a well-known Southern restaurant in Harlem, famous for its ultra moist and buttery cornbread (among many other things!).

Trying out Shojin Ryori (traditional Japanese Buddhist cuisine) at a two-Michelin star vegan Japanese restaurant by a new executive chef.

Our first time witnessing and tasting homemade soba noodles.

Discovering our current all-time favorite Italian restaurant in the entire U.S. - right here in New York.

Finally trying hand-pulled noodles from Chinatown.

A fantastic Italian find that pushes the envelope just a bit to serve creative dishes sprinkled with a touch of inspiration from other cuisines (like the bagel + lox inspired starter above).

After waiting in line for 45 minutes, tasting for the first time noodles from the ever-famous Japanese ramen chain.

Having drinks with Bryan's cousin at a cool, Japanese bar hidden behind an unmarked door of a normal Japanese restaurant.

The view from my train leaving New York.

Can't wait to share with you about these restaurants.

And just curious (I always love sharing celebrity stories) . . . what celebrities have you spotted or met before?