Flying from our part of the world to New York is made easy, well almost, by the many airlines now connecting through their home hubs out of Entebbe, Kigali, Bujumbura, Nairobi and Dar es Salaam and even Kilimanjaro and Mombasa. But spoiled for choice even that decision can be a hard one to make by the look of it.
My personal preference would include a stop over in Brussels, to equally sample the food for which the Belgian and European capital city has become so famous over the past few decades, and of course flying in one of the ‘King’s Seats’ on Brussels Airlines’ Business Class and starting a foodie trip with the classic ‘Savoir Vivre’ in the air, which has prevailed from the old Sabena days and was happily adopted by successor Brussels Airlines.
After stuffing myself with those delicacies in Brussels, and loading my bags with some of those deliriously delicious chocolates and pralines which they sell by the 100 grams – buy by the kilogram and don’t bother with lesser quantities – I would then fly on the daily Brussels Airlines flight on to New York and on landing whip out my Smart Phone to make immediate reservations to follow Maria’s footsteps through some of the eating places she selected during her last visit.
Read on if you are keen on food and if visiting the Big Apple anytime soon because her tips are hot …
Where to Eat in New York City–in 12-Hours
Posted: 19 Feb 2015 10:47 AM PST
New York. The Big Apple. The city that never sleeps.
But you did need to sleep and now you’re down to your
last full day in NYC. You came here to see a few sites,
maybe take in a Broadway production and…eat.
New York City is a gastronomical delight for any foodie.
There’s no shortage of restaurants and with 12-hours
remaining to enjoy some of the best, where to go?
Here are my picks for a truly indulgent NYC foodie-fest.
Breakfast 8 am Ess-a-Bagel
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| Ess-a-lot of cheese in that bagel |
This may not be the most “upscale” joint to grab your
breakfast from, but if what you’re after is one-great-bagel
, this is the place. There are 15 different bagels to choose
from and a whole host of cream cheeses to smother into
it. I was so overwhelmed by the selection, I chose a plain
bagel with plain cream cheese, which of course,
screamed, "Newbie." Grab a table by the window for a
clear view of the entire restaurant, and watch the world
come and go. For a truly New York experience in a great
people watching place, it’s two thumbs up for
Ess-a-Bagel.
Morning break — 10:30 am McNally and Jackson Café
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| Order here |
After an hour of getting lost within the bookshelves of
this downtown Manhattan bookstore, review your buys
with a drink and snack at one of their communal tables.
Chat up a local. It’s the best way to learn about a new
place.
Lunch 12:30 pm Southgate Bar and Restaurant
 |
| Reuben served as sliders |
This modern and trendy restaurant is located inside the
Marriott Essex House, directly across the street from
Central Park. The menu features American comfort
food, prepared with style, based on classic French
technique. I shared a Reuben sandwich, which is
accompanied with finely sliced pickled fennel and
mandarin orange pieces. The sandwich is presented as
‘sliders’, in buns that were soft and sweet. The meat was
thinly sliced and incredibly juicy. It was by far the best
Reuben sandwich I have ever had (and I’m not just
saying that). Lunch was completed with an Illy coffee
and a slice of New York cheesecake. When in New York…
Afternoon break 3:30 pm Bar at Clement
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| Photo via newyork.peninsula.com |
Located off the lobby of the Peninsula Hotel, this is a
classy and elegant locale for a mid-afternoon break.
Originally opened as the Gotham Hotel in 1905, it went
into bankruptcy in 1908 partly because it could not
acquire a liquor license, as it was too close to The Fifth
Avenue Presbyterian Church. Times have changed.
Today, unwind and plan ahead for your evening in
New York City, as you enjoy an afternoon cocktail in
one of the most elegant hotels in NYC.
Dinner 8 pm Smith and Wollensky
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| Don’t forget the steak sauce |
This steakhouse was once referred to, by Ruth Reichl,
then-restaurant reviewer for the New York Times, as
“A steakhouse to end all arguments.” She wasn’t
kidding. If you are not carnivorous, don’t go. If on the
other hand, you dream of the perfect prime rib served
with buttery vegetables and warm petit-buns on a
silver dish, then this is your place. The servers are
attentive and friendly, taking time to joke with you as
they hustle trays weighed down with food through
the crowded dining room. At least once, make it to
this New York City institution.You’re in New York.
Don’t forget to take home a bottle of their own steak
sauce.
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| Grand finale: New York Cheesecake |
