Get your Xi’an on.
Ever since we discovered Xi’an Famous Foods via Bourdain’s No Reservations, we make it a priority to go at least once on every visit. The famous cumin lamb noodles are heaven on a plate, and I don’t even really like lamb (except for Xi’an and Pedro’s House of Lamb, of course).
Ess-a-Bagel a few years ago, and the Japanese side of me is always curious when there’s a line out the door for a food. The bagels are pillowy, warm dough balls – the plain with strawberry cream cheese is my favorite. There are a ton of options, and the helpers behind the counter will suggest you get one cream cheese per person, and they are generous with the portions). Tip: If you’re just looking for a warm, toasty bagel and some cream cheese, skip the long line. Go through the door on the right and straight to the express line in back. If you are looking for a sandwich or salad though— sorry, you have to stand in line. 831 3rd Avenue (between 50th and 51st Streets).
Bouchon Bakery (the casual Bouchon) and grab a “Thomas Keller Oreo” and an iced tea.
Eat Somewhere Impressive and Memorable Like Per Se.
This is one of those places where I tell myself I just want to eat there once, but that I dream of going back to because it was just SO impressive. I had read this engrossing, slightly gossipy novel about the entire operation, including tidbits about Keller himself. I would totally recommend it (it’s probably available to borrow at your local library on Kindle!) — it’s called Service Included” by Phoebe Damrosch if you’re interested. Anyway – I think Per Se is worth a return visit. Who wants to come with?
Try the New York Institutions! They’re Famous for a Reason.
This includes eating hot dogs from Gray’s Papaya, having lunch at Tavern on the Green under twinkle lights, and getting a reuben and matzo ball soup from Katz’s Delicatessen (the apostrophe-s is silent). Sandwiches run about $20-25; matzo ball soup ($7.45). The pea soup was not my favorite. Beers ($10). 205 E. Houston Street, New York NY 10002.
On the way back to midtown, satisfy your sweet tooth with Christina Tosi‘s famous “cereal milk” soft-serve, compost cookie, or crack pie at one of several Milk Bar locations. Decidedly not for the sugar-averse. We took home a slice of crack pie and some cookies for my brother (the world’s best house and cat sitter, and also – thanks mom!). We visited the East Village location – 251 E. 13th Street, New York, NY 10003
Slurp up Some Noodles.
I am pretty much always in the mood for noodles (and our daughter adores “noo-doo”s), so we set out to find some ramen or tsukemen. After some google mapping, we headed for Momosan Ramen & Sake – a new venture by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. It was fairly busy but we were able to get seated immediately (after storing our stroller by the hostess stand). The restaurant did not have any high chairs available– the only option was a strapless booster seat designed for older children than mine (Jules was 16 months at the time). I sat her on my lap. Pick from tonkotsu, tantan, or tokyo chicken ramen ($11-14) or opt for tsukemen, which comes with tonkotsu soup dipping sauce on the side ($15). 342 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016.
Joe’s – it’s an institution. 7 Carmine Street, New York NY. Other locations on 14th Street, on Broadway, and in Brooklyn.
For a creamy/alfredo-y slice instead, try a slice of Artichoke Basille’s artichoke pizza ($6) and wash it down with a Modelo ($6). 111 MacDougal Street, New York NY 10012.
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