HealthyBea

My Week Back in NYC

I was back in my favourite City for 7 days last week (yes, NYC officially wins, though I still love you, London – don’t worry)! My husband and I were in town for the gorgeous wedding of our two very good friends (one a fellow Fordham grad who explored New York with me when we were just young lads in Uni). 

I am very grateful that my team was flexible in allowing me to work out of the Hudson Square office for the 4 days leading up to my friends’ big day. I took advantage of the opportunity to experience my dream NYC life for those 4 days and weekend prior. So, whether you’re traveling to the City soon and need recommendations, live there now and could use some inspiration, or are just curious what I was up to, this post is for you! Below you will find some highlights of my trip, including an honest assessment of my eats, workout classes, and sites. Hopefully you enjoy as much as I had fun writing! 

Two Notes:

• Many of these meals were for work. I certainly would not have eaten out so often had I enjoyed each meal on my own 
• I bolded each of the establishments that I recommend and cannot wait to visit again 🙂 

Honest Assessment of NYC Businesses

Saturday

• Stumptown (Coffee):
  • Location: West 8th after walking through Washington Square Park
  • Purchase: Matcha latte, regular latte, and coffee beans.
  • Thoughts: Their matcha isn’t spectacular, but my husband enjoyed his latte aside from the fact that he thinks milk in the US is too sweet. The beans were a gift, but I am assuming they’ll brew some wonderful coffee. Lovely packaging, at least! 
• Trader Joe’s (Food Shop):
  • Location: 233 Spring Street 
  • Purchase: Dark chocolate peanut butter cups, dark chocolate sunflower seed butter cups, sunflower seed butter, NEW dark chocolate pistachios, Perfect Bars for breakfast, 85% plain dark chocolate, gluten free pumpkin pancake mix.
  • Thoughts: My happy place as per usual, but I was disappointed I couldn’t find Perfect Bar’s seasonal pumpkin flavour. No surprise, the store was pleasantly deserted in the morning and insanely packed in the afternoon…yes, I did drop by twice in one day! 
• Bonberi Mart (Food Shop):
  • Location: 321 West 11th Street
  • Purchase: Seed + Mill Halva Coated Pecans, Date Better x Ground Up Collaboration Snickerdoodle and Almond Butter Stuffed Dates Covered in Dark Chocolate.
  • Thoughts: LOVED! First time here and it felt like the Erewhon of NY (not that I have ever been, but if you know, you know). The shop greeted me a block away with the warm scent of spices from their freshly baked (presumably healthy) pumpkin muffins. Not only do they stock many of the trendy packaged health products from small businesses that I love, but they also sell an assortment of baked goods and grab and go meals. No doubt I would be a consistent customer if I lived nearby (or anywhere in NY!).
• Bisou (Nail Salon):
  • Location: 6 Spring Street
  • Purchase: $100 Gel Manicure.
  • Thoughts: I was skeptical about the price of this treatment simply because I wasn’t sure what kind of care would warrant such a splurge. Luckily, I do believe their calming service, patience, and attention to my nail health were worth it. I would return for special occasions! 
• Honeybrains (Restaurant):
  • Location: 372 Lafayette 
  • Purchase: Cobb salad.
  • Thoughts: I was happy with Honeybrains the first (and only other) time I tried their food due to a creative & healthy menu (think tahini & honey toast) and cosy environment. However, I wasn’t impressed with this location. The shop was a bit dirty and disorderly and the food wasn’t as innovative or fresh as I remembered. I sadly would not return nor recommend. 
• DOMODOMO (Restaurant):
  • Location: 140 W Houston Street
  • Purchase: 2x Sushi Handroll Sets To Go.
  • Thoughts: Though the food was delicious, it wasn’t mind-blowing. Given the amount of options in NYC, I would try something new next time. Though if you’re looking for quality at a reasonable price, it’s worth a shot! Note, we opted for dinner to-go, but the restaurant looked lovely, so eating in might be a better option. 

Sunday

• Fuze House (Workout):
  • Location: 107 West 20th Street
  • Purchase: $35 Intro class hot pilates.
  • Thoughts: I do not pay for workout classes because I enjoy my own so much, especially those guided by my favourite instructors from the best fitness app ever to exist, obé. This class was fine as more of an off day detox workout, but I think the intensity of the moves directed by our instructor was reduced due to the heated studio. I left wishing the class wishing it was much harder, but that’s just my (picky) preference! 
• The Smith (Restaurant): 
  • Location: 956 2nd Avenue
  • Purchase: Goat cheese omelette filled with baby spinach, shallots, and soft herbs accompanied by mixed greens on the side.
  • Thoughts: I wasn’t particularly excited about this meal at first because I usually only consider it as a reliable backup for brunches if I can’t find anything more exciting. However, we all enjoyed our food, the energetic atmosphere, our waiter, and the ability to actually make a reservation (vs. battle an epic NYC Sunday brunch line). The Smith officially earned my vote again! 
• Cafe Grumpy (Coffee):
  • Location: Grand Central
  • Purchase: Latte with semi-skimmed milk.
  • Thoughts: This coffee shop has been a family favourite for years, partly because of the delicious beans and partly because their grumpy man logo fits our father perfectly. I am sad to say, though, that I was very disappointed in my latte this time around. I don’t think it was objectively bad, but I personally did not enjoy the very light, fruity, and extremely acidic flavour. I would not go again, but if this type of coffee fits your personality, then it might be perfect for you! 
• Whole Foods (Food Shop):
  • Location: 95 East Houston Street
  • Purchase: Health-Ade Pink Lady Apple Kombucha, GT’s Multi-Green Kombucha, Spring & Mulberry Date Sweetened Dark Chocolate with Pecans, better for you edible BHU Foods Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.
  • Thoughts: I was thrilled to have found this dark chocolate because I’ve never tried it before, but see that many of the health influencers I follow enjoy it. I will always appreciate the kombucha choice in the US, and I am excited to try this edible cookie dough because the brand is newer to me and I can’t think of a better dessert paired with nut butter or vanilla bean ice cream. Disappointed that I couldn’t find my Paleo Birch Benders pancake mix, but that’s life! 

Monday

• Juice Press (Restaurant):
  • Location: 375 Hudson Street
  • Purchase: $15 large “Clean Green” smoothie (spinach, kale, plant protein, almond butter, chia seeds, flaxseed, banana, date, almond milk).
  • Thoughts: This is my ideal meal replacement smoothie. It’s satiating, filling, cleansing, nutrient packed, and delicious. Almost identical to the version I make at home, just using plant protein for added protein instead of my Greek yoghurt. Though I never purchase protein powder, I admit that I tend to enjoy its almost chalky flavour/texture in the rare green smoothies I purchase out.
• F45 Training (Workout):
  • Location: 123 West 20th Street
  • Purchase: 45-minute class focused on cardio with some weight training sprinkled in.
  • Thoughts: I enjoyed the workout and felt like it challenged me, however, I would have appreciated 3x circuit rounds vs. 2x to really feel the burn. But I suppose sometimes less is more. 
• Cotenna (Restaurant):
  • Location: 21 Bedford Street
  • Purchase: Everything! Since it was a work partner lunch with quite a few people, we ended up tasting most of the menu. Some of my highlights were the meatballs, burrata, feta and peppers salad, and truffle gnocchi. 
  • Thoughts: Italian food is never my first choice, but I was pleasantly surprised by Cotenna. It’s very small, which made the experience feel special, and I could tell that each of the dishes used quality ingredients…I am not used to that anymore while dining in London (yes, you should sense my shade). I avoid truffle because it tends to overpower whatever its flavouring, but they did a great job of using it only to complement the gnocchi.  
• Zou Zou’s (Restaurant):
  • Location: 385 9th Avenue
  • Purchase: This was a group dinner, so we ended up sharing many menu items, but some highlights include the Mediterranean dip platter, chicken paired with buttermilk nestled in pieces of red onion, brussels sprouts, latkes, and filet mignon kebabs.
  • Thoughts: I loved this meal!! It was a partner recommendation, so I hadn’t heard of it before. The restaurant’s vibe was sleek, moody, trendy, and glamorous and the food selection was incredible. I believe every person at the table enjoyed almost every dish. Definitely recommend next time you’re looking for a celebratory dinner out. 

Tuesday

• Barry’s Bootcamp (Workout):
  • Location: 135 West 20th Street
  • Purchase: 50-minute lower body-focused (treadmill) HIIT & strength class.
  • Thoughts: This type of a workout is my go-to, so the structure was, in theory, ideal. I loved the instructor, music, dark room, and intense environment. My only qualm is that it’s tricky to both know which weights to choose while on the floor portion of the class and then grab them before others. I ended up lifting heavier than I should while moving faster in between circuits, which took away from the full impact of the workout’s potential burn. 
• Dante West Village (Restaurant):
  • Location: 551 Hudson Street
  • Purchase: Mushroom, zucchini & gruyere frittata and an americano.
  • Thoughts: LOVED the restaurant vibe and decor. It’s a cute little shop tucked away on an inviting, yet quiet West Village street. The service was fast and I enjoyed my meal, which kept me full and energised until my lunchtime smoothie. 
• Juice Press (Restaurant):
  • Location: 375 Hudson Street
  • Purchase: $15 large “Green Mint” smoothie (spinach, kale, peppermint, hemp seeds, banana, vanilla, coconut nectar, almond milk).
  • Thoughts: I wanted to try something new to make sure that I wasn’t missing out by always turning to my “Clean Green.” Very happy I did because now I can confidently ALWAYS order my regular. This option was still delicious, but too light and refreshing for my preference. I enjoy a richer flavour and denser texture! 
• Gallaghers Steakhouse (Restaurant):
  • Location: 228 West 52nd
  • Purchase: Brussels sprouts, tomato & mozzarella salad, bread, 10oz filet mignon, red wine.
  • Thoughts: Perfection! With a smoothie for lunch, I was in need for a very hearty meal and this one provided everything I needed. Meat cooked perfectly, lots of veg, a little carb, a little vino tinto. I was a very satisfied diner. 

Wednesday

• Jack’s Wife Freda (Restaurant):
  • Location: 50 Carmine Street
  • Purchase: Another work partner lunch, so we shared lots! Some of my favourites include the halloumi topped with roasted grapes, kefta kebab, roasted cauliflower, sautéed kale, fried zucchini chips, and diced salad.
  • Thoughts: I have always loved this spot for its innovative, yet simple, fresh, and healthy dishes. That coupled with its beautiful, bright, and sleek interior design make for a reliable and delicious spot for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and even dinner! 
• Dhamaka (Restaurant):
  • Location: 119 Delancey Street
  • Purchase: I shared chapati, basmati rice, paneer methi (house made paneer, fenugreek, tomato), and malai murgh (chicken, cream, amul butter) with some friends. 
  • Thoughts: The location is a bit confusing as its shop is extended from a food market that closes in the evening. However, it was comfortable enough and not too loud, so can’t really complain. I loved the paneer dish and would absolutely recommend it, but had no interest in the chicken. I managed a few bites of meat from the bone, but then gave up because it was a bit too rich for me. Wouldn’t go back despite the amazing reviews it’s been gaining lately! 

Thursday

• Starbucks (Coffee):
  • Location: 230 Varick Street
  • Purchase: Nitro cold brew coffee topped with pumpkin cold cream.
  • Thoughts: Love love love. I am officially too old to really appreciate a pumpkin spice latte because it’s just too sweet…and let’s be honest, it doesn’t really taste like pumpkin. My favourite Starbucks seasonal drink is only sold in the US and at select locations, so I was thrilled to have found one offering my exact order. The creamy nitro cold brew (even without sugar and milk!) and a touch of sweet, spice, and autumnal pumpkin fun on top. If you haven’t treated yourself to this drink just yet, don’t miss out before they’re gone for the season! 
• Soothr (Restaurant):
  • Location: 204 East 13th Street
  • Purchase: Karee Pu Noodles (sautéed jumbo lump crab meat in egg curry sauce, onion, celery, pepper over yellow noodles).
  • Thoughts: Let me tell you! It has been a long time since a restaurant dish has truly impressed me. Don’t get me wrong, I ate lots of tremendous dishes in Spain and Portugal last year, but that was all due to their simplicity and quality ingredients. Soothr, on the other hand, had quality, innovation, and novelty. I’d never had anything like it and every bite just got better. The veggies must have been blended into the egg curry sauce, which soaked into the thin, long, slightly curly noodles. With a touch of simply cooked lump crab to maintain its integrity, each forkful made for the PERFECT combination. Cannot wait to go again! 
• Milk Bar (Bakery):
  • Location: 251 East 13th Street
  • Purchase: $11 slice of seasonal “pumpkin coffee-cake cake” (layers of vanilla cake, cinnamon “goo,” crunchy cinnamon streusel, pumpkin cheesecake filling, and pumpkin frosting). Is your mouth watering? 
  • Thoughts: Though the pumpkin flavour was unfortunately minimal, I really enjoyed this treat. *Moist* vanilla cake, satisfying chunks of streusel, and a smooth touch of cheesecake + frosting. Since the pumpkin only acted as a whisper, I vote that you stick to their incredible OG – the birthday layer cake. 

Friday

• SoulCycle (Workout):
  • Location: 126 Leroy Street
  • Purchase: 45-minute cycling class.
  • Thoughts: My preferred workout is 20-30 minutes of high intensity cardio and 20-30 minutes lifting (heavy or light weights). So, typically when I cycle on my own I stick to just 30 minutes on the bike and 30 minutes strength training. Although this class was fun, it didn’t give me exactly what I crave and I left wishing it was hard enough to have given me the type of sweat I am used to with my own workouts!
• Brooklyn Fare (Food Shopping): 
  • Location: 666 Greenwich Street
  • Purchase: Icelandic Provisions plain low fat skyr.
  • Thoughts: I found this while quickly searching for a single-serve yoghurt to enjoy with the sunflower seed butter and banana waiting for me at our Airbnb. If the amount of time it took me to sift through each of my options to find the perfect yoghurt tells you anything about the variety this store offered, then you can imagine how robust each section is. I wish I had more time (and suitcase space) to have explored each corner of the (clean and tidy) shop. Worth stopping by if you’re in the area!  
• Sweetgreen (Restaurant):
  • Location: 226 Bleecker Street
  • Purchase: $13.45 hummus crunch salad (hummus, chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded cabbage, spicy banana peppers, basil, za’atar breadcrumbs, chopped romaine, shredded kale, pesto vinaigrette).
  • Thoughts: Sadly, this salad did not meet my Sweetgreen expectations. The ingredients did taste fresh, but the combination that they recommended was not satisfying, filling, nor particularly enjoyable. Even though the cost adds up, I will opt for a custom salad next time. 

Thank you for allowing me to recap (and simultaneously relive) my incredible food and fitness-packed week back in NYC ❤

Much love,

Bea