Big Gay Ice Cream Shop

What I Had: Salty Pimp
What It Cost: $5.00
Where I Was: East Village


In short...best ice cream I've ever had, possibly EVER.
A few blocks before I even got to the ever-so-famous ice cream shop, I would see person after person walk by with an ice cream cone and a face that just said "there's a party in my mouth right now." There was a bit of a line to even get inside, but it moved fast and before I knew it, the words "I want a Salty Pimp" were coming out of my mouth-- a phrase I thought I'd never thought I'd say. The whole thing is just genius if you ask me and I think it'd be just as busy if this cone was the ONLY thing on their menu. Go get yourself a Salty Pimp and see for yourself!


125 East 7th Street
(1st Avenue & Avenue A)New York, NY 10009
Big Gay Ice Cream Shop

Moustache

What I Had: Chicken Kebab Plate & Freshly Baked Pita
What It Cost: $11.00 & $1.50
Where I Was: Greenwich Village


The funky name is mostly the reason why I decided to have lunch here in the first place. I was pretty out of my comfort zone since middle eastern cuisine isn't what I tend to gravitate toward so I kept it safe and ordered the chicken. On the description it read

"chicken breast with cilantro, garlic and lentil puree"

which sounds kind of what you'd see on an episode of Chopped. To my surprise, it was so good I almost went outside and got passerby's to try a bite. Coming from someone who usually only manages to eat half a plate of food, I ate the whole plate and enjoyed every bit. Even that huge baked pita! If you're ever in Greenwich Village and feel overwhelmed by the smorgasbord of restaurants, head to Moustache! It's off to the side in a more peaceful corner, which is always a plus.

90 Bedford Street
New York, NY 10014
(212) 229-2220
Moustache

'Wichcraft Express Kiosk

What I Had: Chocolate Cupcake

What It Cost: $3.26

Where I Was: Bryant Park

I was in need of a very quick breakfast, or breakfast supplement because a cupcake hardly fits the description of breakfast... Anyway, I'm very glad I chose a chocolate cupcake over their other fancy breakfasts because not only was it really good, it had a cream filling! No long lines and right in my favorite park, it's hard to beat for a quick fix. Make sure you either eat this in secret or you're with someone who will let you know that you have chocolate all over yourself once you're done. Kind of messy, but still delicious.

11 West 40th Street @ 6th avenue

'wichcraft

Eisenberg's Sandwich Shop

What I had: Philly Cheesesteak
What It Cost: $9.00
Where I Was: Flatiron District


I'd have to say their slogan was probably my favorite part of the restaurant. "Raising New York's Cholesterol Since 1929" is pretty catchy.
This wasn't really what I was expecting when I ordered a Philly Cheesesteak, but I don't have any complaints. It's just another sandwich shop among the sea of sandwich shops that dots NYC, but it sure beats the Shake Shack line across the street if you're in a hurry.


174 Fifth Avenue,
New York, NY, 10010
(212) 675 - 5096
Eisenberg's Sandwich Shop

Wafels & Dinges

What I had: Liège Wafel with Nutella and Whipped Cream
What It Cost: $6.00
Where I Was: Central Park


Can you say BEST WAFFLE I've ever had?! I got the soft and chewy one after much debating. They have many different "toppings" and types of waffles that it's almost impossible to decide, but if Nutella is ever an option, you know it will be good. I've been on the lookout for their truck after seeing it on the show Diners, Drive-ins and Dives but apparently they have a cart permanently located right outside Central Park!


North-West corner of 5th Ave & 60th Street, 
Right at the gate leading to the Zoo.
Every day from 10am until sundown.
1 (866) 429-7329 for up-to-the-minute Truck Location
Wafels & Dinges

Ritz Diner

What I Had: Chicken Caesar Salad & Rice Pudding & Drink
What It Cost: $9.95
Where I Was: Upper East Side


All this for ten dollars? I'm guessing the "Wednesday Special" had something to do with that, but the whole menu was surprisingly inexpensive. The Ritz is a very homey diner and while they did take their time bringing out the food, it did taste delicious and the service was great. Their portions looked enormous so I overlooked their extensive menu and went for a salad (which, granted, was enormous as well).

1133 1st Avenue

New York, NY 10065

(212) 319-4993

Ritz Diner

Cafe O

What I had: Chocolate Gelato
What It Cost: $3.95
Calories: 240-270
Where I Was: Times Square


This is probably the only place that I've been to that really enforces the "no one over 12 years old" can have a kid-sized portion rule. Nevertheless, their small size, also called Wink, is relatively... well, small. Very convenient on-the-go ice cream stop, and very delicious!

130 West 42nd Street 

New York, N.Y. 10036

(212) 852-4900

Cafe O

Yianni's Gourmet Cafe

What I had: Brownie

What It Cost: $4.00
Where I Was: Street Fair

If you ever find yourself in a New York City Street Fair, look for Yianni's! They advertise being the "home of the world's best brownie" and boy are they right. Usually when someone claims to be the world's best, I brush it off. But there is something about this food stand that makes you want to try it. If you're craving a chocolatey snack, this brownie is perfect. They have all sorts of baked goods and the people are very friendly-- they even let you have samples!

Yianni's Gourmet Cafe

(347) 850-7310

Le Pain Quotidien

What I Had: Rustic Tuna, Hummus & White Bean Tartine (Sandwich)

What It Cost: $10.75

Calories: 570
Where I Was: Bryant Park

Aside from the fact that I can't for the life of me pronounce the name of this restaurant, the food was very good. I think this sandwich was made specifically for the type of day I ate it on -- beautiful, WARM, spring day. The tuna mixed with the hummus and white beans makes it such a fresh sandwich that does its job filling you up. The atmosphere inside the restaurant was very busy and loud (but what in NYC isn't busy and loud??) so I took my food to go and ate it in Bryant Park, right across the street (good luck finding a chair/table). I'm not one for vegetables or organic wheat bread, but this is definitely a warm weather must-have.


70 West 40th Street
New York, NY 10018
(212) 354-5224

Le Pain Quotidien‎