New York – when people think of it, they normally think of New York City. But New York isn’t all about the city. It has gently rolling coastlines, rural areas, and even seaside towns. Foodies are likely to find plenty of delicious items right within New York City, but venturing beyond can also afford you some really interesting food experiences. This foodie’s guide to New York will help you to define an eating itinerary for your next holiday to the northeastern state.
MP Taverna
Greek food isn’t hard to find in New York, but finding good, authentic Greek food can be challenging. For the best Greek food in New York, head to Astoria. The upscale MP Taverna is unparalleled when it comes to authenticity and high-class. This wonderful traditional Greek restaurant serves up some of the best bulgur salad and lamb shank you’ve ever had. The service is also excellent, although the restaurant can be a little bit pricy.
Joe Coffee
If you’re a fan of all things caffeinated, and beautiful baked goods, Joe Coffee is the true aficionados coffee shop. Situated in the East End, the shop sits on historic Waverly place. This is a roadside shop that is unassuming; you’d never know it was rated so highly both online and off unless you went looking. Don’t let the small size fool you. The coffee here is no franchised coffee shop knockoff, it’s gourmet, and it comes in a number of formats. That’s because Joe Coffee roasts and sells all of its own coffee grinds. In the mood to learn more about coffee? You can even pop into the shop for a Java art or grinding class.
Shake Shack
The Shake Shack is New York’s Americana food at its finest. This little diner has become famous across the world with foodies for one primary reason; it serves some of the best person french fries you can find in the East End. They also serve up poutine, something you won’t find in many other areas of the United States. When you visit this quaint little location, ask about the double stack burger, and try it. It’s nearly the best burger you’ll find in all of New York.
Ai Fiori
Considered one of the very best Italian restaurants in all of New York, the romantic Ai Fiori can be a little bit expensive. But the experience you get while dining there is well worth every penny. Their desserts are absolutely amazing. With Milk Chocolate Crostata and devil’s food cake at the forefront with this restaurant, the desert will be the highlight of your evening. But that’s not to say that the food itself is an delicious. Also try the Vellutata lobster soup and the Sardine Panzanella for a truly authentic Italian taste. Want something a little more unique? Dig into the Crudo Di Passera. It’s one of the only restaurants in the area that uses true American sturgeon caviar right within the dish. This combination of fluke crudo and Meyer lemon is a delicious way to enjoy the local seafood.
Momofuku Noodle Bar
Those in the mood for something a little bit more exotic can turn to the Momofuku Noodle Bar. This delightful little Japanese noodle shop is sought out by New Yorkers and tourists alike. The Japanese food itself is a centric, made to order, and perfectly created. But it’s the noodles themselves that makes the noodle shop shine. When you visit, there are two dishes that you absolutely must try. Order a bowl of in-house created ramen noodles; this is not the ramen noodles you find at the grocery store. They are light, airy, and perfectly seasoned. Next, order a side order of pork buns to go with your noodles. You won’t regret it.
Travelling to New York USA by Air
If you are flying into New York as an international tourist you will need to make an ESTA visa application. ESTA stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorization and is the visa waiver program introduced by the US Department of Homeland Security. The program is available to tourists from 37 different countries. If you are not from one of those countries you will need to apply for a touist visa.
The biggest airports in New York are the John F Kennedy International Airport, servng more than 90 different airlines and LaGuardia, although LaGuardia is more focussed on domestic flights. Some people fly into Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. Tourists can get to Manhattan easily from all three airports on the train, by taxi, bus or un the subway.
It only takes around 20 to 60 minutes to get to get from JFK to midtown Manhattan and the time will depend on your choice of transport. It takes around 20 minutes in a taxi to get from LaGuardia to midtown Manhattan.
When looking for flghts it’s best to use a comparison service like cheaptickets.com or Expedia.
Direct flights from London to New York are usually just over $1000’s. So what are you waiting for. See you in the Shake Shack!
