NYC Diaries #10 Everything I did in March and it's worth sharing
A post with 10 personal recs of things and places in New York City that wouldn't make it to Google search results.
1. MJ: The Musical
Even though I had heard so many great comments about MJ: The Musical from close friends, I honestly never cared enough to check until I got tickets for it last weekend and I'm totally converted, lol.
The show dives into Michael Jackson's creative process during his 1992 Dangerous World Tour, while the story also goes back in time to tell more about how he started his career - and the issues he had on the way.
The musical features more than 25 of his biggest hits - cast is incredible and the production is just WOW!
2. Cirque du Soleil - Luzia
You have until the end of the month to check this Cirque du Soleil show, that takes place in Randalls Island. Subtitled "A Waking Dream of Mexico," this show features a rain curtain, pool, acrobats, surprises, and splashy special effects. I've been to a few of their shows over the past years and this was probably the most incredible production. Top notch!
My only advice is to plan logistics accordingly: while we didn't have issues getting there using a ride-sharing car, coming back home was a nightmare. It took 45 minutes until a driver finally accepted our ride request.
I would recommend driving if you have a car or checking the bus schedules - so you can at least leave the island by bus and then request a ride or take the subway.
3. Smorgasburg
We know Winter is over when Smorgasburg is back! And the famous food is celebrating a milestone - 15 years - while introducing more than 20 new vendors. I had the opportunity to check some of the new treats - so make sure to check my video on IG. This was a collab with a Brazilian friend, and it's in Portuguese (but we included English subtitles!).
So, if you are looking for a fun weekend plan, remember the event takes place:
On Fridays at the World Trade Center Oculus, Manhattan;
On Saturdays, at Marsha P. Johnson State Park in Williamsburg, Brooklyn;
On Sundays at Breeze Hill in Prospect Park, Brooklyn.
4. My first ex husband
Perhaps I could describe this performance as a standup comedy/monologue. This Off-Broadway production is an adaptation of true stories by the legendary Joy Behar. 4 actors take the stage - and the cast changes every month - and they incorporate different characters that share the messy, hilarious truths of love, sex, and relationships. We had a lot of fun!
5. Baking Boot Camp
As I mentioned on my previous NYC Diaries, last Christmas, my husband and I gifted each other with experiences. And this is what he got us: a Baking Boot Camp at Home Cooking NY!
We spent 4 Sundays learning how to make cookies, tarts, and cakes (although we had to skip one day for a good reason: my half marathon!). We had such a great time - and we were able to bring home our creations (and a lot of knowledge, of course!). I highly recommend!
6. Pura Vida Miami
Ok, I was dying to check Pura Vida Miami since they opened their first location in NYC and when meeting a friend for catching up another day, we decided to go there and I loved it. The restaurant offers a diverse menu of nutritious and delicious dishes, like bowls, sandwiches and salads. Also, the decor and the environment are so gorgeous! I had a salad with grilled salmon, and it was delicious - I was also impressed with the size!
7. Dear Mama
Ok, so here's a rec in a non-conventional area of the city! This coffee shop/restaurant is near Columbia University, and it's a perfect spot to work, catch up with a friend - my case - or just have a good time (I mean, they even have live music performances!). Their menu features sandwiches, coffee beverages, and delicious pastries - I recommend their famous Sir Muffington: a house-made Earl Grey carrot cake muffin with chocolate chips, orange marmalade, and a cinnamon crumble on top. Perfection!
Address: 611 W 129th St.
8. Chocolate cookie from Jean's
I had seen so many people recommending this big chocolate cookie from Jean's - and I was dying to try it. Yeah, the main reason I wanted to go was to try this cookie. Is it worth it? Totally. It's huge and delicious. I was a little underwhelmed by their food, though. It was not bad, but it wasn't that special - and I found the portions to be pretty small for the price.
But I can tell you it is a very popular night spot!
Address: 415 Lafayette St.
9. TAP NYC
This Brazilian spot offers a 100% gluten-free menu featuring Brazilian delicacies like açaí bowls, pão de queijo (a cheese ball made with tapioca flour) and… stuffed tapioca. It's a thin crepe-like pancake made from tapioca flour, a staple in Brazilian cuisine, and is often filled with a variety of sweet or savory ingredients. As a Brazilian who used to eat "tapioca" (as we call it in Brazil), I was impressed with the way they took this dish to a whole new level with delicious ingredients.
10. Berimbau
Berimbau is a Brazilian restaurant that I absolutely love - they first opened a location in the West Village, with a super casual vibe, and now they have a new location in Midtown, which I visited for the first time last month. It has a more fancy vibe and a beautiful space for private events. I had a stroganoff - I highly recommend it! - but perhaps the highlight was the pudim, OMG, it was so so so good!
BONUS TIP - Petisco Brazuca
So, if you ever go to Smorgasburg, make sure to check Petisco Brazuca - this Brazilian vendor sells coxinha - a popular Brazilian snack - perhaps you could describe it like something similar to a croquette shaped like a drumstick, and traditionally filled with shredded chicken (but Petisco Brazuca offers more more options!).
Besides being part of Smorgasburg and some food halls around the city, they have a delivery service, and they just launched their sfihas - or esfihas - and I know, I know, I know, it can sound odd, but Brazilians love this snack! So, make sure to order your box!
