My Current Favorites in NYC

One of the best parts of moving to the Big Apple is all the exploring I get to do. Hands down. I have been in and out of New York City my whole life as my father’s side of the family is from the Bronx. However, our family visits back in the day consisted of visiting my grandparents, hanging out indoors, and spending time with family. We really did not do much sightseeing. To be able to approach NYC with a fresh, new lens as an adult has been such a pleasure. I definitely plan to write a full travel guide to the city, but that may take a while due to the vastness of NYC and all its amazing neighborhoods. I want to make sure I do that blog post justice. Several of you have asked me what I’ve discovered and what I am loving thus far, so I wanted to share in today’s post. Keep reading for my current faves in the categories of shopping, restaurants, neighborhoods, and more.

SHOPPING

Malcolm Shabazz Harlem Market – this market was definitely on my list of places to take my Mom when she was in town. We went with my Aunt and several friends after brunch one day and we pretty much all walked away with a shopping bag. Here, you will find stunning, authentic fabrics from various parts of Mama African, jewelry, fans, home décor, and so much more. There is a set of beautifully woven storage bins with my name on it. Will definitely be back for them once I purchase my home.

SoHo – this area is ICONIC for shopping and there are so many reasons why. This part of the city has a great mix of high-end retail as well as more cost-effective options. I’ve discovered stores in this neighborhood that I thought were only online: Mango, &Other Stories, etc. Nothing like perusing through and seeing what you can find here.

Bloomingdale’s – this flagship location on E. 59^th is one of my all-time favorite places to shop and visit. I love just looking at the beautiful edifice as I’m walking down Lex. There is a little bit of everything here, especially high-end retailers. There is a grown woman Christmas purchase with my name on it here.

Fifth Avenue – the retail district on Fifth is so stunning. So upscale. So chic. Plus there is an H&M that is huge and really not frequented as much as the other locations…which means lots of great finds there.

RESTAURANTS

Field Trip – my brother recommended this place when I first touched down. Y’all, the food here is Delicious with a capital D. Featuring rice-based cuisine from all around the world, the dishes are soulful and savory. Highly highly recommend.

Amy Ruth’s – soul food done RIGHT. As someone who is coming from Atlanta, I am a pretty tough critic when it comes to soul food. Amy Ruth’s got it right. The flavor and seasoning are done so well. And the portion sizes are huge. Definitely save room for plenty food when you come here. When I left after my first time dining in, I saw a line out the building to get in. Now I know why.

Red Rooster Harlem – Quintessential Harlem. The menu is packed with soul and nostalgia. Try the cornbread “cakes” and you’ll see what I mean. I also love there is a supper club right downstairs! I definitely plan to host an event there before I leave NYC.

B Squared Harlem – I love this place so much: the cute side street location, the ambiance, the seafood, the mac’n’cheese. And they do a really great brunch.

Sugar Hill Creamery – this ice cream shop has such eclectic and unique flavors. There is always something new on the menu to try. So. Good.

BAKERIES

Milano Market – one of my faves! The tiramisu is chef’s kiss.

Levain Bakery – come here if you really want a sugar rush. These cookies are iconic. They are super thick and very savory.

Magnolia Bakery – y’all already know how I feel about their banana pudding. I don’t know who’s Black grandma they found to get that recipe, but we thank her.

NEIGHBORHOODS

Harlem – hands down my favorite. The history of this area is absolutely palpable every time I walk up and down Lenox. And the brownstones? In my opinion, the most beautifully designed in the city.

SoHo – very trendy here. Love love the architecture.

Upper East Side – the brownstones are stunning and it’s so peaceful and quiet here. The trash is also way more under control.

Tribeca – very trendy here as well. Stunning cityscape.

PLACES TO SHOOT

Harlem Brownstones – offer such classic NYC shots.

Subway Stations – I love a good subway shot! The ones on 86^th and Lex and 96^th and Lex are clean enough to get some really beautiful imagery.

Central Park – such stunning architecture here as well. Very European-inspired.

SoHo – you can shoot here over and over and look like you’re in a different location every single time. Every corner and crevice has something different and beautiful to offer!

And those are my NYC faves thus far. I look forward to exploring even more these next 3 years and bringing you all with me along the way. I also look forward to getting off this island for a bit and venturing into the other boroughs. I just realized I have been so busy that I have not left Manhattan since I touched down.

As always, thanks for reading and I hope y’all have a great weekend! You can catch me on night float at the hospital.

xx,

Photos by Dadou Studios

Preset by Tina Smith