NYC Diaries #11 Everything I did in April 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.
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1. A Vietnamese spot on the Upper East Side
Ly Ly Vietnam Cookhouse is not only a cute spot with a friendly staff but also serves delicious dishes. Both my friend and I ordered salads - and as you can notice, the portions are generous - and we also ordered a bánh mì sandwich cause we couldn't resist it!
Address: 306 E 81st Street.
2. Frick Collection reopening
The famous Frick Collection finally reopened last month - after almost 5 years! And I was so lucky to have the opportunity to check the place during a preview, with pics allowed.
In case you are not familiar with, “the Frick is known for its distinguished Old Master paintings and outstanding examples of European sculpture and decorative arts. The collection originated with Henry Clay Frick (1849–1919), who bequeathed his home, paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts to the public for their enjoyment.”
It was beyond my expectations- it’s stunning, and the location couldn’t be more perfect - you can cross the street and go to Central Park. Highly recommend.
Check my IG post for more pics!
1 East 70th St. Open from Wednesday to Sunday. Tickets are $30 - and pay-what-you-wish admission is offered Wednesdays from 2 to 6 p.m.
3. Urban Hiking - aka Broad City Challenge
Apparently, my friends trusted me enough to accept the challenge of walking the entire length of Manhattan, from top to bottom, lol. I had seen this challenge over social media a few times - and I had no idea it was related to "Broad City", I've never watched the show, so probably that's why I didn't know, lol - and I decided I wanted to do it since learning about it.
So, remember what I mentioned about making fun plans to move your body on my post about my relationship with exercise? This is a great example! We walked and chatted and had a great time together, with stops for lunch and ice cream, of course! It was so fun, and there are so many ways to do it. It also provides an interesting perspective of the city.
I highly recommend clicking the video above to check more details; I left tons of tips on the caption for anyone planning to do it.
4. Salt & Straw Ice Cream
I first tried Salt & Straw during a trip to Seattle, and I became obsessed with their ice cream. They offer incredible and creative flavors of ice cream, and it tastes so good! I was so excited when I heard they would be open in NYC. In fact, they have two locations: one in the West Village and another one on the Upper West Side. So, during our urban hiking, we stopped at the UWS location to have a well-deserved scoop. So good! Please make sure to try! Highly recommend the Salted, Malted, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough!
360 Amsterdam Ave / 540 Hudson St.
5. The viral Soft Serve from Softside
I know that “viral” places and foods are either up to the hype or a total deception - but I'm human, a foodie, and curious (and open to trying different things), so I was super curious about this soft serve. And let me tell you: it is legit. The vanilla soft serve is super creamy and delicious. It is served with olive oil, honey, and salt.
51 Spring St.
6. A new immersive theater experience
It's so nice to see how many new activities and experiences have opened over the last few years in Governors Island. Now, you can take the opportunity to visit the island and enjoy some immersive theater experience.
The set is not as big as the famous Sleep No More or the recently closed Life & Trust, but it is still incredible, and the cast is super talented.
Your fate awaits in 1916 Petrograd, Russia — where war, scandal, and the occult collide. The opulent Romanovs cling to power. Enraged workers fight to survive. The philandering Rasputin captures the longing of all who suffer.
As it happens in similar experiences, the idea is that you follow one or some of the actors throughout the performance, and you will have some unique point of view.
7. Ballet Hispánico
I had the opportunity to check a sneak peek of the new performance by the Ballet Hispánico, which is incredible and beautiful. Great thing to add to your bucket list for this Spring/Summer season!
8. An INCREDIBLE Indian restaurant
Thiago and I absolutely love Indian cuisine - and we were so excited to go out with our friends Soniya and Akhilesh, who are originally from India. They picked this place called Kebab aur Sharab on the Upper West Side, and OMG, it's one of those restaurants that will be forever in my memory. I definitely want to go back. We ordered a bunch of different appetizers and main dishes to share, and everything was so tasty and delicious I couldn't stop eating, lol. And the environment is gorgeous!
Address: 247 W 72nd St.
9. A vegan donut spot in East Harlem
Gigi's Doughnuts is a woman-owned business in East Harlem - pretty close to Marcus Garvey Park - and they serve vegan donuts in different and delicious flavors. I can't wait to try other flavors!
Address: 1 E 118th St.
10. NYPL Events
So, I signed up for the New York Public Library newsletter - NYPL Connect - and discovered an entire world of amazing events hosted by the institution. A few weeks ago, I attended an event with the famous chef José Andres, who talked about his new book.
BONUS TIP! Joy Brigadeiros
One of my best friends just launched her own Brigadeiro business - and I had to recommend it here! Brigadeiros are a Brazilian delicacy originally made with sweet condensed milk and chocolate - but these days there are tons of flavors and my friend Luiza nailed with her menu. Mother's Day is around the corner, so make sure to place an order!
