A Taste of New York City
Written by Meghann Richardson & Christy Chaney
Photos by Christy Chaney
This issue, we’re trading Kentucky’s rolling hills for the iconic skyline of the Big Apple: New York City! From the moment you step onto its bustling streets, you’re swept up in an energy that’s uniquely New York.
And when it comes to New York, the first (and best) place to start is always the food.
Bagels
In New York, mornings start with the circular wonder that is the bagel. We have two must-try spots. First up, Pop Up Bagel. With several locations across the city, it’s worth the wait in line. These little dough pillows come in groups of three, steaming hot in a brown paper sack. Add a side of cream cheese: plain, chive, or the rotating weekly flavor. Maybe you’re thinking that’s it, but nope. Part of the Pop Up experience is walking out into the city, opening the steaming bag, ripping apart the warm UFO, unceremoniously dragging it through the cream cheese, and devouring it like a monster in the street.
If you prefer a sit-down experience, head to Russ & Daughters. Anthony Bourdain was a fan of the original location, but they also have the cutest Russ & Daughters Cafe, where you can get more than a schmear. Since 1914, they’ve been serving smoked fish, caviar, and bagels — and a classic lox and cream cheese bagel here is pure tradition. The surprise standout that caught me off guard but now springs to the top of my list every time I think about New York? The lox, eggs, and onions. Salty fish, sweet onions, and soft scrambled eggs come together in perfect harmony.
Pizza
Pizza is a New York institution that can’t be summed up in a paragraph — but here’s the gist: get a slice. Get it anywhere. Whether it’s a thin cheese slice, a Neapolitan margherita, or a Sicilian square, you can’t go wrong. If it starts with bread and ends with sauce and cheese, you can’t miss in New York. Even the 99-cent slice has its charm. So, whether you hit up John’s of Bleecker, Lombardi’s, Scarr’s, Joe’s, Upside, Rubirosa, Mama Too’s, L’Industrie Pizzeria, Lucali, L&B Spumoni Gardens, or any other place that serves a pie or a slice, it’s going to be an experience you won’t soon forget. One thing’s for sure: after New York pizza, a hot-and-ready will never be the same.
Hot Dogs
When I go to New York, my sister Venmos me $10 for a hot dog — and each trip, I find a new spot. A Nathan’s cart and a stroll through Central Park is a classic combo. A “dirty water dog” is practically a rite of passage. Don’t overthink it — just do it.
You can upgrade your glizzy experience at Gray’s Papaya Famous Hot Doggery. Order two dogs topped with their sweet, tangy onion sauce (and spicy mustard if that’s your thing, but I hate mustard, so that’s on you) and pair them with a tropical papaya drink for the full experience. Take it to the sidewalk, and enjoy the people-watching.
If you need more texture, then you need to head to Crif Dogs. They serve “rippers,” deep-fried until the casing bursts. I’m partial to the Everything Dog topped with cream cheese, scallions, and everything bagel seasoning, but the Tsunami Dog and the Chihuahua Dog are both contenders because anything wrapped in bacon can’t be bad.
A few blocks away, the aroma of smoked meat leads you to Katz’s Delicatessen, where the pastrami is piled so high you’ll wonder how it all fits between two slices of rye. Open since 1888, Katz’s is as much an experience as a meal, whether you’re standing in line watching carvers expertly slice the meat or sitting elbow-to-elbow with strangers at communal tables. One bite, and you’ll understand why New Yorkers keep coming back generation after generation.
No New York food tour is complete without a visit to Zabar’s, the legendary gourmet market on the Upper West Side. More than just a deli, Zabar’s is an institution where you can find everything from smoked fish and knishes to artisanal cheeses and pastries. Walking through feels like a treasure hunt with aisles lined with delicacies and the unmistakable scent of fresh coffee beans (roasted in-house); it’s part grocery store, part culinary adventure.
Beyond the Plate
Of course, New York’s magic extends far beyond its food. Its soul is found in its history, art, and resilience.
A somber but essential stop is the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, a moving tribute to lives lost and the strength of a city that endured. The twin reflecting pools, set within the footprints of the original towers, invite quiet reflection even in the heart of the bustling Financial District.
Just steps away, the Oculus — architect Santiago Calatrava’s striking white transportation hub — stands as a symbol of rebirth, its ribs resembling wings stretching skyward. Inside, you’ll find high-end shops, restaurants, and some of the best people-watching in the city.
We also recommend the Chelsea Hotel Café, a laid-back spot perfect for coffee, people-watching, and soaking up the city’s eclectic, artistic energy.
And of course, no trip to the city is complete without seeing a show. The electric energy of SIX, the soulful storytelling of Hell’s Kitchen, and the raw emotion of The Outsiders reminded us why live theatre is unlike anything else. Each performance was a world unto itself, yet together they made our New York visit unforgettable.
When it’s time to rest, the city offers something for everyone: the timeless elegance of The Plaza and The Carlyle, the artsy vibes of SoHo and the Meatpacking District, or trendy boutique stays tucked into nearly every neighborhood.
New York truly offers something for every traveler. It’s a city that everyone should experience at least once — because there’s simply nowhere else like it. OL
