While Gainesville offers a wide variety of foodie options, I felt as though I needed a little switch up. Some more variety, different cultures, and a loooot more walking in between the big meals. So what better option than booking a trip to food heaven, the New York City — also known as the Big Apple and indulging in the best of the best.
Italian
Straight off the plane, we of course opted for some classic Italian. Just a 5-minute walk from the hotel, we headed off to La Pecora Bianca, an vibrant Italian restaurant, with locations all over the city. The second we sat down, we inspected the menu and quickly ordered. To say we were ravenous would be an understatement.
We ordered the Local Burrata, and four different pastas. Yes, four — the Rigatoni, the Campanelle, the Gramigna, and the Garganelli — and every single one was phenomenal. Each was topped off with freshly shaved parmesan and a romantic ambience. But we couldn’t end the night without a sweet treat.
Although the menu at La Pecora Bianca looked so yummy, we couldn’t resist popping into VanLeeuwen’s for our choice of delectable, niche ice cream flavors. As a coffee ice cream fanatic, I had to go with the Espresso Fudge Brownie flavor, infused with espresso and chunks of brownies.
Japanese Fusion
While there were a lot of coffees and bagels in the mix, the next notable meal was dinner at Nobu. Obviously we couldn’t go there without documenting every single plate brought out. We tried the Shishito Peppers, Yellowtail, Nobu Ceviche, Tuna Tataki, Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna, Rock Shrimp Tempura, Spicy Tuna Rolls, and Wagyu Dumplings.
This may sound like a lot but be fair, it was for seven of us, and not a single piece of food was left behind. Damage was done, but bellies were full. But not full enough because there was dessert!
We ordered a Passion Fruit Baked Alaska (a first for me), Buttermilk Donuts (mouth-watering), Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse, and a Soba Cha Brownie. This entire meal had no notes. I want to go back immediately, order everything again and more.
Sweets
Another New York go-to is Levain Bakery. I make it my mission to come here every time I’m in the city, especially the one in Soho. What’s better than a warm, thick cookie after a day of shopping, and in negative degree weather?Nothing.
I went basic (but far from boring) with the Two-Chip Chocolate Chip cookie. A friend got the Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip cookie, and the banana bread, which I had never tried. I ended up eating my cookie, half of hers, and the banana bread. It was a sweetness overload, but I’m not complaining.
Asian blends: Taiwanese and Shanghainese
Our last big outing before returning to our normal eating habits was Din Tai Fung. A dream came true. We were too excited and could not wait any longer, so we arrived at 10:30 a.m. to get in before the crowds and lack of seating. While I do have to say this was incredibly early to have this heavy of a meal, it was the best decision we ever made.
The ordering process was so easy, simply checking off everything you want off an order slip and submitting it. Like at Nobu, everything was family style so we went a little crazy. We had the Sweet & Sour Pork Babyback Ribs, their famous Pork Xiao Long Baos, Chicken Dumplings, Chicken Spicy Wontons, String Beans with Garlic (2), Noodles with Spicy Sauce, Chicken Fried Rice, Shanghai Rice Cakes with Chicken, and as dessert, the Chocolate Xiao Long Baos.
When I tell you I have not stopped thinking about this meal, and especially those chocolate buns, I’m not joking. Luckily, Din Tai Fung has locations in Vegas and California, so it looks like I have two mandatory stops on my upcoming West Coast trip.
As you can see, this trip quite literally ATE. New York happens to be one of my favorite cities ever, and it’s not a coincidence. The energy is contagious, the people are one-of-a-kind, and the food is to die for. Everything and anything you are craving can be found.
If you’re planning a trip to the city soon, feel free to use this as a foodie guide, but go off and explore too! The best places might just be the ones you stumble upon randomly.