That Bagel Though!

UPPER WEST SIDE

Levain Bakery

I wrote about this bakery in another post but it’s worth a second mention.  To repeat the story of how I came to find this place… It was my 2nd to last day in New York (Wednesday) and my friend from Vancouver messages me and asks if I have heard of Levain Bakery. She has been following them on socials for a while and is always interested to know how it is and if she ever makes it to New York, a visit to the bakery will be the top of her list.

I bought two cookies, 1 for me and 1 for my friend. That’s right, this cookie made a very long journey to get into her belly. From New York, to Calgary and into my freezer, then 5 days I moved to Kelowna 2 weeks later my friend visited me in Kelowna where she finally got to consume her special treat. These cookies are gold. It weighed a ton with all the chocolate chips, perfectly balanced sugar and salty. If only they shipped to Canada. What say you Levain? Just this one time?

Midtown

OK, so the food was good let’s be clear about that…but this place is all about the experience of a fun dinner with entertainment. The staff are all incredibly talented singing and performing the entire day long. This place was packed…but not just with tons of people, I mean these tables are jammed in there, we were elbow to elbow to elbow.

Ellen’s Stardust Diner is a retro 1950s theme restaurant located in the Theater District. The diner is regarded as one of the best theme restaurants in New York. The diner also contains retro-themed memorabilia such as photos of many past Miss Subways on the walls, an indoor train, a 1956 Predicta television, and a “drive-in theater” screen that showcases performances from the 1950s. It was very popular.

The food was good and the portions were classically American sized…too big for my belly. We were never hungry that’s for sure.

Midtown

Dolly Varden

This was another place that I don’t know how my daughter found it. But it was just the funkiest vibes ever.  We went mid day and we only went for cocktails. WOW did they not disappoint.

On their Facebook page they describe themselves as: Inspired by NYC from the Gilded Age to the Roaring ’20s, Dolly Varden is two floors of creative cock.  I concur 100%. We were seated downstairs where the decor is eclectic and colourful and everything is plush with the seats covered in velvet and the cocktails were adorned with floral treatments.

My only complaint is that we didn’t try the food too. If ever I return to New York, my first stop will be at this Cocktail Bar and Lounge. Don’t miss out on this one.

Seriously, look at that cocktail tree😍😍

Greenwich Village

While We Were Young

I wrote about this place we lunched at in another post but it’s worth a second mention.

Officially my MOST FAVOURITE place we ate at. It’s super tiny with only a few seats, the vibe is sophistication without the snobbery. I have no idea how my daughter found this place but I am so glad she did. 

We both had the Fixed Two Course meal that included a Starter and an Entrée. I can’t stress enough how much I loved everything about this place. The food was on point, the service was engaging, the cocktails were heavenly, the vibe was soft and warm and had such a high brow vibe without the exclusivity. 

I don’t remember how many cocktails we had, 3 each I think. We couldn’t stop because they were delicious for one, but also so unique in presentation.  If you don’t go here for lunch you missed out 100%. Go check out their Instagram channel and see these amazing libation creations.